Child Development Center

Please note: First Baptist has two separate weekday programs for children. This page is for the First Baptist Child Development Center that operates full time, M-F, 7:30AM-5:30 PM, year round. If you are looking for part time care – please click here for First Kids Preschool which is our half day program.

First Baptist Church of Asheville began weekday ministry to children and their families more than 60 years ago. It started with 15 kindergartners meeting in the church parsonage and has become our Child Development Center (CDC). Along the way, this ministry has changed to respond to shifting cultural realities and community needs. What remains constant is our desire to nurture children in the name and spirit of Jesus Christ.

Mission & Purpose

The Child Development Center (CDC) is a ministry of First Baptist Church of Asheville to children and families in the name of Christ. We believe that children are gifts from God, and as such, we value their feelings, desires, thoughts and needs. The CDC exists to help children trust that they are loved by Jesus and his followers; to give children opportunities to develop physically, emotionally, socially, cognitively, and spiritually to their greatest potential; and to minister, where appropriate, to the needs of children’s families.

We are full time and serve children ages 6-weeks through PreK. Currently we have a waiting list for all ages. If you are interested in coming on our list, contact Bree Welmaker at 828.252.3234 or click here to submit a form online. Please be aware that our waiting list is about two years for ages 3 and under and around a year for those over 3 years.

We observe low ratios.
Infants are 1:4
One year is 1:5
Twos are 1:8
Threes are 1:9
Fours are 1:12.

Hours:
Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
We observe all major holidays and five teacher workdays per year.

Tuition for the 2023-2024 School Year:
Infants – Young Twos – $275/week – Rooms 211, 215, and 117
Older Twos – PreK – $250/week – Rooms 116, 300, 301

Contact Jennifer Buchanan, CDC Director, at 828.252.3234 for more information.