Childrens Ministries

Creative Play Center (CPC)

Worthington United Methodist Church (WUMC) created Creative Play Center CPC) to serve community families by providing high quality childcare. Since 1972, more than a thousand children from the Worthington area have called CPC home, and experienced its nurturing sense of community.

Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Creative Play Center provides an affirming and community oriented curriculum. CPC is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, a child-directed and project-based learning philosophy developed in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

CPC views children as being full of potential, curiosity, creativity and insight. Children are active co-constructors and participants in their community, learning through self-directed success, failure and problem solving. At CPC, teachers encourage children to investigate ideas and create their own solutions. Teachers observe and listen to the children as they play and work. Guided by the children's interests and ideas, teachers reflect and plan experiences that encourage children to explore topics in-depth, and may develop into large-scale group projects.

CPC classrooms provide an environment in which children can learn, work on projects, engage in dramatic play and develop relationships within the center community. Our classrooms are an experiential resource, a collection of materials, space and light to encourage learning. Teachers design rooms texturally, spatially and intentionally to create inviting learning environments.

CPC: A WUMC Ministry:

As an Outreach ministry of WUMC, CPC shares facilities with the church, as well as associated utility and custodial costs. WUMC and CPC have established and maintained a scholarship fund to assist families in financial need. The WUMC/CPC Scholarship is funded by donations from the WUMC Second Mile Giving, United Methodist Women, and CPC. Since 1972, the scholarship fund provided more than $300,000 to deserving families, broadening the CPC's reach and providing premium childcare to families throughout the community.

CPC staff is dedicated to supporting the social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth of each child in its care. Nurturing young children in all aspects of their development builds a sound foundation for their spiritual growth.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me…." Since 1972, WUMC has invited community families to bring their "little children" for weekday care within its walls. This house of God is their school home, their second home. CPC children arrive each day as their parents go to work and stay until their parents' workday ends. They share meals at CPC. They sleep here. CPC children live here, in this church building, in a joyful, sharing and respectful community.

"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." The Golden Rule is a common principle held by all the world's benevolent religions. Guiding children to live by the Golden Rule, kindness, compassion honesty and respect for all creation is part of CPC's curriculum and staff training plans. Teachers' activities working with young children develop thoughtful, caring behaviors and a strong sense of community that builds children who are ready to learn and to develop spiritually.

Who Should I Contact?

For information about enrollment in CPC (children 6 months to 6 years) including admission policies, schedule, tuition should contact Wendy Colbert, CPC Director at creativeplaycenter@sbcglobal.net

For information regarding the CPC Scholarship Fund or to learn more about supporting CPC through your time, talents or financial gifts, contact Matthew Seabaugh, CPC Board Chair at mattnext@gmail.com.