In 1998 Christ Reformed UCC, sensing the need for support for families in the Middletown Valley area, established the Christ Church Children's Center to provide a creative and caring learning environment for children. Our desire was to develop a children's educational program that wouldn't simply babysit young people in the community. The church hoped the Center would encourage the development of the whole child: mind, body and spirit. Through the efforts of many church volunteers and with the financial support of the congregation, the Center welcomed its first students in September of that year. Originally an after-school program for a few children, the Center has grown into a full-day center offering programs for children from infant through middle school, with over 100 students enrolled. Our partnership with the home and community helps strengthen personal and social development, language and literacy, math, science, art, social studies skills, physical well-being and spiritual growth.