Welcome to Play and Learn Christian Child Care!

Begun in 1980 by Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Play & Learn has been in operation for more than 25 years serving the children and families of north Columbus, Worthington, and surrounding communities.  Child care services are provided for children ages 6 weeks to 10 years of age.  Play and Learn is dedicated to serving families by providing a supportive and secure environment where children can play, learn, grow and develop and in which parents can have comfort and assurance knowing their children are nurtured and respected.

At Play and Learn, our primary concern is to provide quality Christian child care services at an affordable price to families with young children.  We are proud of the contribution that each member of our staff makes in providing a safe and happy environment where young children are able to grow in mind, body, and spirit.  As a Christian child care center, we wish to exemplify our love for Christ in our daily lives by: (1) showing love and understanding for those with whom we come in contact; (2) supporting the work of the church, the child care, and the staff; and (3) supporting the goals, principles, and philosophy of education of Play and Learn as well as its programs and administration.  As a Center committed to providing quality early childhood care and education, we do not discriminate upon the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, economic status, or cultural background.  We gladly accept and welcome children and families of all faith backgrounds.

It is our philosophy that the development of the individual as a whole being is attained through the enrichment of the social, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of his/her nature.  Our philosophy comes from the Christian commitment of Gethsemane Lutheran Church which encourages the celebration of life through love, respect, caring, and sharing.  Thus, the staff at Play and Learn strives daily to promote the development of a healthy, inquisitive, and self-confident child that is prepared for the social and mental requirements of education and is nurtured in a warm, nurturing, and secure environment in which love for Jesus Christ and for others is taught and shared.

 

We believe children are unique individuals who grow and develop at their own pace with their own strengths, needs, and interests.  The Center offers a variety of learning opportunities generated from these needs and interests.  Many choices are provided within a carefully arranged structure.  Learning through play and actual experiences is a cornerstone of the program. 

Contact Play & Learn’s Office at 846-7576 or by email for more information on any of our programs, to schedule a tour, or to inquire about current openings. Some programs have limited availability while others have immediate openings. We offer full and part time schedules, and our low student-to-teacher ratios ensure every child receives the attention and care they need while they play and learn.

 

NOW ENROLLING FOR 2008-09 PART-TIME PRESCHOOL

 

Our part-time preschool program is designed to provide age-appropriate educational opportunities in a structured environment where children learn through hands-on activities.  Children will participate in alphabet readiness, math readiness, science, art, music, large motor, and fine motor activities.  Classes meet daily from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.   Two-day and three-day programs are available for toilet-trained children who are three, four, or five years of age by August 30, 2008.

 

NOW ENROLLING FOR FALL PROGRAM

Fall Program Begins Monday, August 25th

Full-time programs for children ages 6 wks - 5 yrs

Part-time programs for children ages 2 - 5 yrs

Programs during school holidays for children ages 6 - 10 years (kindergarten – 4th grade)

 

MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT

With Ice Cream Social and Art Show

All families are invited to attend our annual Meet the Teacher Night which this year includes an ice cream social and art show on Thursday, August 21st at 6:30 p.m.  This event is designed to provide parents and children the opportunity to meet classroom teachers, administrative staff, and other child care staff and teachers the opportunity to share information on classroom activities, policies, educational goals and objectives.