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First Baptist Church
Early Learning Center
ELC
The First Baptist Church Early Learning Center is a ministry of our church. For almost 60 years, our early education program has served families in Martinsville and Henry County with affordable and loving childcare and education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, along with before- and after-school care and summer care.
Our primary mission is to offer parents an affordable, safe, and secure Christian environment to learn and grow. We currently have over 70 children enrolled in our program.
Mission Statement
In conjunction with the mission of First Baptist Church, the Early Learning Center faculty and staff offer children and parents an affordable, safe, and secure environment in a Christian setting, with age-appropriate curriculum.
We are a member of the Virginia Quality program, which provides training and support for participating childcare centers. Our program has spacious, newly- renovated rooms, a caring church to support the ministry, a spectacular children’s library and computer lab, and age-appropriate curriculum through Smart Beginnings. Our teachers are well-trained and provide caring instruction. Our children also attend science workshops at the next-door Virginia Museum of Natural History, and once a week, the librarian from the Blue Ridge Regional Library enhances literacy through interactive reading experiences.
Keep up with FBC ELC!
Latest News
Children’s Book Week
McCabe Library Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Children’s Book Week
Our Program
The FBC Early Learning Center is open to any child, regardless of sex, race, religion, or national origin. The Center offers care and education for various age groups, including year-round education, before- and after-school care, and summer care. See below for more information on the program’s available classes.
How Preschool Can Help Your Child
Preschool provides a supportive environment through which your child can…
- adjust to his or her first separation from home
- develop a positive attitude toward school
- develop a positive self-concept
- learn in the style best suited to his or her age – experimentation, exploration, etc.
- learn to function as a member of a group as well as an individual
- learn those concepts which must precede formal instruction in kindergarten
Year-Round
Early Learning & Care
6:30AM to 5:30PM
Before-School Care
After-School Care 3:00-5:30PM
Summer Learning & Care (all day)
Classes
- Nursery – Babies 6 weeks to 14 months
- Toddlers – Ages 14 months to 24 months
- 2-Year-Olds – Ages 2 years to 3 years
- Pre-K 3 – Ages 2.5 to 3 years
- Pre-K 4 – Ages 3.5 to 5 years
Education
Our Early Learning Center includes spiritual education and technological and literary education as well.
Children’s Chapel
For all children age 2.5 years to 5th grade, one of our pastors holds chapel each week to learn about Scripture and God’s love.
Enrollment
If you would like to enroll your child in our program, you may pre-register online below or pick up an application at the church. Please submit/return the application and a $50 application fee to:
First Baptist Church Early Learning Center
23 Starling Ave.
Martinsville, VA 24112
Applications are accepted year-round for year-round care. Once your application is received, someone will be in contact with you. Please note that spaces do fill up quickly.
When the Center is full, new applicants are placed on a waiting list until
Applications are taken on a first come, first served basis.
For Summer care, applications are received in the Spring.
Tuition Rates & Fees
For current tuition rates and all fees, please see the Parent Handbook.
When
There is an enrollment packet of papers that need to be filled out and returned, including health forms, which will be provided to you by the FBC ELC Office.
Monthly Tuition is paid by the 5th of each month. Weekly tuition is paid Monday of each week.
You will be notified in advance of any needed raise in tuition.
Facilities and Designation
First Baptist Church Early Learning Center is a religiously-exempt center that follows guidelines put forth by the State of Virginia. Our class sizes are limited in enrollment based on legally-mandated teacher-student ratios for the various age groups.
The facilities include eight classrooms (newly renovated!), an outdoor, enclosed play area with regulation 5-inch foam covering on the floor, an indoor, enclosed play area (newly renovated!), and a kitchen and cafeteria for meals.
Personnel Qualifications
All staff personnel
PUBLIC DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
The Code of Virginia, Section 63.2-1716, allows child day centers operated by religious institutions the opportunity to file for an exemption from licensure by meeting documentation and other requirements specified within the religious exemption law. The statements below have been prepared and distributed to meet the requirements of the religious exemption law.
RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION
In compliance with the Code of Virginia, Section 6.2- 1716, this center is religiously exempt from licensure and is classified as a “religiously exempt day center.”
Staff
Our staff consists of 9 Lead Teachers and 14 Assistant Teachers. Our Lead Teachers are well-trained in Early Childhood Education, all with 12 or more hours of training, and at least half with Early Childhood Education Certificates or higher. All Assistant Teachers are trained by seasoned Center staff members.
Beth Kotchish
Director
Ivy Beavers
Assistant Director
Jennifer Cassell
Lead Teacher, Infants
Tammy Edwards
Lead Teacher, Infant Transition
Abby Martin
Lead Teacher, Toddlers
Jacie Lewis
Lead Teacher, Two’s
Kelly Huff
Lead Teacher, Two’s
Danielle Frazier
Lead Teacher, Pre-K3
Jordan Shelton
Lead Teacher, Pre-K3
Kym Tatum
Lead Teacher, Pre-K4
Sarah Carter
Lead Teacher, Pre-K4
Karen Compton
Lead Teacher, School-Age/After School
Teressa Aiken
Cook
Resources
Best of Virginia
In 2018 and 2019, our Center was voted the top daycare/preschool of the Southwest region in the Best of Virginia contest of Virginia Living Magazine.
Upcoming Events
View ELC’s upcoming events
Parent Handbook
View our Parent Handbook
Kesler Children's Library
Learn more about FBC’s library for children
Virtual Tour
Photo gallery tour of our ELC facilities
Make Online Payments
Pay Now
*Payments can be made online or through the Brightwheel Parent App. Please note, convenience fees will included in each payment made. (ACH: .50 per transaction & Debit/Credit: 2.75% per transaction)
We’d love to hear from you
Contact Us
Use the form below to send us a message, or call us at 276-632-2636.
Early Learning Center
Online Inquiry Form
Fill Out An Inquiry Form Today!
Fill out our online inquiry form to be added to our waitlist.