First UMC Childcare Center

Our Teachers

Starr Older, Director

In July of 2013, Starr received her Child Development Associate (CDA) and started right in on her Associates degree at Kellogg Community College. She graduated with an Associates of Art in Early Childhood Education from KCC in May of 2015. In May 0f 2020, she graduated from Rochester Christian College (now University) with a Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Studies. As of Fall of 2025, she will be attending University of Michigan-Dearborn to begin a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Administration and Leadership. Starr has been in the Early Childhood field for almost 20 years and taught children from birth to school age with her main focus on GSRP (preschool).

Nina Hughes, Lead GSRP Teacher

Nina has taught for 9 years in the ECE field. She has an Associate’s in Early Childhood development from Kellogg Community College. She is currently working on her Bachelor’s degree from WMU.

Nikki Hill, Assistant GSRP Teacher

Nikki has worked in the field for 21 years strong and will be heading back to school this fall to work towards her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She currently holds 2 CDA certificates in Infant Toddler Care and Preschool.

Kortnie Axtell, Lead Ocean Room Teacher/ Bus Driver

Kortnie has been working at First UMC for 2 years and is currently attending Kellogg Community College working towards her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Kortnie has been our lead for most of the 2 years she has been with us and continues to grow her knowledge of the field! Kortnie is also our Bus Driver! She is amazing at making sure your child gets to school and home safely, and communicates with each family about your child. We are glad to have her as our driver!

McKayla Prude, Assistant Ocean Room Teacher

McKayla has been with First UMC for 1 year and she is currently working towards her Infant Toddler Child Development Associate. When she is not teaching kids and singing songs with them, she enjoys being outside with nature, exploring places and eating foods with her daughter.

Destiny Miller, Assistant Teacher

Destiny joined us this summer and has always dreamed of becoming a lawyer, but has always felt that teaching was a better option, especially with her experience in childcare. She has been amazing with our school agers this summer and we look forward to seeing where she goes in the future with us here at First UMC.

Brittney Jaques, Assistant Teacher

Brittney is a current high school student that has joined us this summer and she will be able to get some extra hands on learning as she goes into the teaching field through her studies over the next couple years in high school as well. We look forward to seeing where she will go during her time with us!

Rhett Morris, Kitchen Staff and Bus Aide

Mr. R has been with us for about a year. Rhett assists to make sure your child gets on the bus and off the bus safely, communicates with you about your child as well. Rhett is also our Lead Kitchen Staff. Rhett makes sure your child is receiving the best of nutrition for breakfast, lunch, and snacks while they are in our care!

Philosophy

We believe that children experience the greatest growth when they feel secure and wanted. Therefore, we at First UMC Childcare Center will provide a warm, caring, comfortable and safe environment for our children. Together, we will establish routines that are predictable and consistent. All children will be treated with gentleness, honesty and respect. We will encourage them to treat others in this manner.

Our classrooms cultivate an unbiased atmosphere where children and parents are encouraged to challenge their individual paradigms and subsequently see society through a lens that celebrates diversity of thought and culture. We are committed to children learning and believe that educators are important role models. Therefore, we use modeling as a vital tool in our classrooms. To maintain an atmosphere where children feel comfortable and confident, we use constructive guidance and positive reinforcement.

We feel it is also necessary to establish and clearly define reasonable limits with logical consequences. The children are encouraged to take ownership in shaping our classroom dynamics through openly sharing their work, ideas and personalities which will enrich their peers and foster their intellectual development.

Location

We are located in downtown Battle Creek right next to City Hall and the police department. We are within walking distance of Mill Race Park which we take advantage of during the summer with the school age children. Willard Library is also within walking distance for us as well and we participate in several of their summer activities.

About our program

At First UMC Childcare Center in Battle Creek, our dedicated team creates a warm and supportive atmosphere where children thrive. We foster independence through interactive learning experiences, setting the stage for early development. Education and care come together seamlessly, making our program standout.

Admissions

Join the First UMC Childcare Center community today!

1. You will need to contact our office to speak to the Program Director. Call 269-963-5567 EXT 108 or email [email protected]

2. Tour our facility and pick up a packet Come see what makes First UMC Childcare center unique. You can request or schedule a tour when you speak to the Program Director. If the program is a great fit for you and your child, you can pick up a packet while you are there.

3. Submit the Enrollment packet If our program is a great fit for you and your child, you can drop that packet back off to our office and we will discuss when your child can start.

We look forward to serving your family!