Southern Hills Early Childhood Program

Southern Hills Early Childhood Program exists to offer safe, loving and developmentally appropriate early education and care for children and to promote the growth of healthy children and healthy families in the Lexington/Fayette County area. We view this mission as our ministry and our calling to the community.  As such, it is our goal to glorify God through our work with children and families.

Contact information:

Ann Fuqua, Director

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Christian Education?

We define "Christian Education" as an attitude and a way of behaving toward children.  We believe that children are a blessing and a reward from God.  Our staff strives to treat each child with the same grace and love with which God treats all humans.
We have chapel services each week with our three, four and five year olds. These chapels focus on basic Christian lessons and messages.  Chapels are designed for the spiritual growth and emotional well-being of the young child.

May I visit my child during the day?

Absolutely! Feel free to join him/her at lunchtime, playtime, anytime!  We just request you keep it to a half-hour time limit.

Why is it so important to have a facility that offers so many different learning environments?

Southern Hills Early Childhood Program is very unique in that it offers the children such a large facility in which to learn and grow.  We know that in order for children to gain skills they must be offered opportunities to use different skills.  Our children are served all snacks and lunch in a cafeteria, gym time in a gym, and outside play time on equipment that is geared to their size and ability level.  With all this movement throughout the day children are challenged to expand their social, gross motor and cognitive skills.  So while you are at work your child is discovering new talents and having a blast!

How flexible are Southern Hills Early Childhood programs?

We offer only full time care for children ages infant through five years old, and our program is year around.  We also have an outstanding After School Program with care for children Kindergarten through age 12.  We pick up from local schools, provide care during school holidays, and offer a fun-filled creative summer time program. 

How will I know that my child is safe while I am at work?

Southern Hills Early Childhood Program is committed to the safety and security of the children and teachers at the church.  In addition to the excellent location of the church, teachers and directors provide the most effective security - that of a personal nature.  Visitors are asked to call and make an appointment with our office manager so we know who we are expecting during the day.  Alternate caregivers picking up children (at the parent’s request) will need to follow the guidelines in the parent handbook.

Will my child be challenged academically at Southern Hills Early Childhood Program? I want to know that he/she is prepared for elementary school.

At Southern Hills Early Childhood Program, we think the best academic preparation is to encourage your child's enthusiasm for learning.  Our teachers have a keen interest in your child's success and create lesson plans based on our curriculum, “Itty Bitty Book Worm,” and monthly themes.  By providing extremely low teacher-child ratios in the classrooms, which allow for individual attention in a small group setting, our teachers are able to nurture each child's confidence.  Learning to ask questions, discovering cause and effect, negotiating fair play and making new friends are all academic building blocks at Southern Hills Early Childhood Program.

Do children go outside every day?

Southern Hills Early Childhood Program playgrounds are considered an extension of the classroom.  In addition to running, jumping and climbing, teachers plan nature walks, picnics and other learning opportunities.  Weather permitting, children play outside every day!  But on those rainy or snowy days, we have a large warm gym to make sure that all kids get plenty of time and room to play.

How do Southern Hills Early Childhood teachers prepare for the classroom setting?

Each of our classrooms is made up of warm and nurturing teachers with a combination of formal education and experience.  Southern Hills Early Childhood Teachers are:

• selected for their ability to engage children warmly in the learning process through the use of effective and unique lesson plans;
• required to fulfill educational and/or experience requirements;
• provided opportunities to continue working towards the CDA; and
• required to complete training hours required for state licensed childcare facilities. These training hours are geared towards teachers education  in the areas of health and safety, curriculum, developmental guidelines and enrichment programs.

What are the hours that care is provided?                                                                                                            

Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  We are closed major holidays, and follow a modified Fayette County School snow closing schedule.

What is the cost of child care?

• Infants, Toddlers and One’s                            $175.00 per week*
• Two’s and PreSchool                                       $160.00 per week*
• Pre-K                                                               $155.00 per week*
• After School                                                    $85.00 per week
• After School – full days (summers/breaks)      $150.00 per week*
• Drop in daily rate                                            $30.00 per day*

*Cost includes two snacks and lunch

What type of payment does Southern Hills Early Childhood Program accept?

We have two choices to pay for your child’s care:

• Weekly auto debit, or
• Pay-by-the-month with personal check.