MONROE — Recent stressors on the economy, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have focused a spotlight on the need for quality childcare. But the issue of access to affordable, high-quality childcare isn’t new. In fact, the need for more childcare in Monroe is what prompted Monroe United Methodist Church to start Noah’s Ark Preschool and Childcare almost 25 years ago.

Noah’s Ark began in 1998 and continues today as a mission of the church. It is a state-licensed group childcare center with a Christian-based curriculum. The center includes six rooms within the Monroe United Methodist Church building for the different age groups it serves: an infant room, 1-year-old room, 2-year-old room, 3-year-old room, 4-year-old room, and a school-age program with before- and after-school care during the school year and full- or part-day childcare available during the summer. The Monroe school district provides busing for school-age and 4K students.

“Our mission is to connect children with God and one another,” said Director Ruby Clark. “With the help and support of our church, the Noah’s Ark staff and board have made a commitment to offer loving care and education in a Christian environment to the children of our community.”

Noah’s Ark offers a seamless progression through the center’s age-based classrooms. “We strive to give children a positive first learning experience so they can continue to become life-long learners,” she said.

“It is a privilege to be a part of the lives of the children and families we serve, and watch each child explore their world and reach milestones,” Clark said. “It is rewarding to see the families grow through the years.”

Early childhood education benefits children’s social, emotional, mental and physical development, Clark said.

An example of this lasting, positive impact can be seen right at Noah’s Ark. Clark points to a former Noah’s Ark student who is now an elementary teacher in her own classroom. “She says she knew she wanted to be a teacher ever since was 3 years old because she had enjoyed her years at Noah’s Ark so much.” 

With the tremendous impact that early childhood educators make, Clark advocates for changes in how her profession is viewed. “Our teachers need to be looked at as the professionals they are and be compensated with higher wages and health benefits for the incredible work they do,” she said. 

One way to help support childcare in the community is to extend school outreach programs to childcare centers, Clark suggested.

Supporting childcare and early childcare educators really means ensuring the entire community flourishes.

“Without childcare, businesses and the community would suffer,” Clark explained. “We are interwoven and need to support each other to all thrive now and in the future.”