Best Day Care:
Children’s Creative Playday
Where:  First United Methodist Church of Allen
601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen 75002
Contact: 972-396-7575 or http://www.fumcallen.org

In addition to its win for “Best Day Care,” First United Methodist Church of Allen snagged the most votes for “Best Place to Worship.”

FUMC also prides itself in service and taking care of its church family and the community with support programs like grief, divorce and military recovery, Angel Food Ministries, holiday events and special worships services catering to all age groups.

FUMC’s childcare program looks after more than 250 preschoolers, with the goal of giving individual attention to each child.
Casey Garland, preschool director at FUMC’s Children’s Creative Playday, answered our questions:
 
How long has your organization been in Allen? 
Children’s Creative Playday was established in 1975. Some of our current parents were enrolled in Playday themselves and have brought their children back. 

What is the most important thing for our Allen readers to know about your business? 
Children’s Creative Playday is a nonprofit Christian preschool program that believes strongly that early childhood experiences are vital to a child’s lifelong learning, social and emotional success.

What is your reaction to being chosen – are you surprised? 
I was thrilled and very grateful. This is my first year with Playday and I was delighted to share the news with our hard-working staff and preschool board.

Why do you think your organization was named a Neighbors Choice award winner?
We have excellent, loving and committed teachers who are invested in encouraging children to be the best they can be now and always.
What do you think this will change for you or your organization? 
Our goal is continue to do everything we can to earn this honor and make Playday the preschool of choice in Allen. This award challenges us to be a leader in preschool programming.

Why do you view this award as worthwhile? 
This award comes from the people and community we strive to serve in ways that our meaningful and responsive to what they are looking for in Early Childhood Education. We have been recognized by our community as being a great place for children to begin their lifelong learning adventure. We are greatly honored and proud to have been a recipient in this year’s Neighbors Choice Awards.

Casey Garland, preschool director at FUMC’s Children’s Creative Playday, answered our questions.