Developmental Day School
Dallas First Presbyterian Church Developmental Day School is an outreach ministry to preschool children and their families. It is located in the heart of downtown Dallas. The school strives to meet the needs of the whole child with instruction, nurture and love. We foster the child's physical, emotional, cognitive, and social and faith development. This caring environment is provided for children from infancy through pre-kindergarten regardless of race, creed, religion or national origin. We recognize that all are children of God with precious individual traits to be cherished and cultivated.
Our first priority is to deliver the highest quality childcare and education to foster the development of the total child--addressing physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs. The Day School curriculum features infant sensory stimulation and child interaction approach in an atmosphere designed to expand imagination and enhance learning skills, and build self-esteem.
• Ages 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten
• Open 7:15 a.m. - 6:15 p.m., Monday-Friday
• Developmentally appropriate hands-on curriculum
• Music, Spanish, library, dance/gymnastics
• Computer skills in pre-k classes
• Excellent adult/child ratio
• Security code entry
• On-site security guard
What we do
The school's downtown location provides unparalleled access to some of Dallas' most exciting cultural, civic, and recreational institutions. Children 3 years of age and older make curriculum enriching field trips to locales such as the main Dallas Public Library, the Farmers' Market, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculoture Center, the Dallas Children's Theatre as well as such Fair Park locations as the Aquarium, the Science Place, the Museum of Natural History and the Texas Discovery Gardens.
Field trips often extend beyond the downtown area. Creative teachers organize age-appropriate excursions to children's films, and special parks for outdoor play/picnics.
At school, the children have opportunities to pursue a wide range of on-site activities. While selections may change according to parent preference, they usually include:
• Chapel - under the direction of the Director of Children's Ministries for preschool and pre-K classes
• Weekly exercise provided by Kinder Fit
• Weekly music program (for 2-year-olds and older) directed by Mary Jane Cooper, assistant director of worship and music at First Presbyterian Church
• Spanish classes - bi-weekly classes for 2-year-olds and older
• Library time - weekly
• Vacation Church School (for 4-year-olds and older) under the direction of Miatta Wilson, director of children's ministries
• Fish Factory - swimming lessons at Baylor Fitness Center
Where we are
The Dallas First Presbyterian Church Developmental Day School is located in the First Presbyterian Church, west of the corner of Young and Harwood streets, ideally located to meet the need for high-quality child care in the downtown area.
The numbers
The Day School maintains an intimate, family atmosphere. Staff members receive ongoing training in CPR and First Aid and access to continuing education courses.
The school enjoys one of the lowest staff turnover rates in the city. Staff-to-child ratios far exceed state minimum requirements, with at least two teachers per classroom through pre-k. The Day School staff includes a mix of degreed educators and CDA (child development associate) professionals with extensive early childhood education experience.
Enrollment and monthly tuition
$150 non-refundable registration fee
• 5 Infant classes 8:2 ratio $965/mo.
• 2 Toddler classes 10:2 ratio $920/mo.
• 1 Young 2's class 12:2 ratio $865/mo.
• 1 Older 2's class 12:2 ratio $865/mo.
• 1 Preschool class 14:2 ratio $850/mo.
• 1 Pre-K class (Older 3’s/Young 4’s) 16:2 ratio $860/mo.
• 1 Pre-K Older 4’s / Young 5’s) ratio 18:2 ration $910/mo.
How to enroll
If you are interested in enrolling your child (children), or if you'd like more information, email dayschool@presbyterians.org or call our executive director or director at 214-653-1390.
Beth Harben is the Executive Director of the Dallas First Presbyterian Church Developmental Day School. She has a Bachelor of Science in human development. Most recently, she served as Educational Specialist for Children’s Courtyard and has over 20 years of experience in the education field both in the classroom and in management. Beth is a life-long Presbyterian. We welcomed Beth to our team in May 2008 following the retirement of Carol Powers.
Delia S. Rangel is the Director of the Dallas First Presbyterian Church Developmental Day School, and has been with the Day School since it opened in 1984. Delia is an elder at First Presbyterian Church. She is a graduate of Eastfield College and holds an associate degree in child development. Delia has served as lead teacher at the Day School, became assistant director in 1989 and director in 1998.
Financial aid
The scholarship program provides access to quality day care for children who would otherwise be unable to secure day care services. The goal of the Scholarship Program is to encompass approximately 10% of enrollment, or about one student per classroom. All scholarships are awarded based on need. The Day School scholarship committee reviews each case on a confidential basis and determines award amounts according to availability of funds and classroom space.
Calendar
We strive to provide care for children on all business workdays. School is closed for several national and religious days, including:
• New Year's Day
• Memorial Day
• Labor Day
• Independence Day
• Thanksgiving and the Friday following
• Christmas Day
We also have many traditional celebrations and programs such as:
• Martin Luther King, Jr., Birthday Celebration
• Valentine's Day Party
• Easter Egg Hunt
• Class Pictures
• Mother's Day Celebration
• Swimming Lessons
• Father's Day Celebration
• Family Picnic
• All Saints Eve Party/Parade
• Vision, Hearing and/or Speech Screening
• Poinsettia Fundraiser
• Children's Christmas Musical
• Staff Appreciation Luncheon
Events
• Family Picnic
• Teachers' Christmas Lunch
• Bring a treat for Teacher Breaks
• Poinsettia Sale
• Book Sales
• Day School T-Shirt Sale
Parenting links
• Babies Online
• Baby Center