Fostering growth through playful learning

About Us

Helping children reach their full potential

Sanctuary Little Learners is a ministry of Sanctuary United Methodist Church for the benefit of the community.

Our Mission

Our Philosophy

Our staff strives to encourage each child in their social, emotional, physical, spiritual, and cognitive development. Through a variety of age-appropriate activities, teachers will help children grow in the skills of thinking, listening, communication, and small and large motor skills. All activities will attribute to each child’s social/emotional growth through encouragement, cooperation, experience, and enjoyment.

Our Goals

Our goal is to help children as they learn to live outside the home through sharing, group play, and development of peer relations. We support their growth in the areas of:

  • Their attitude about self, others, and their world
  • Independence, self-discipline, spirituality, and responsibility
  • Learning to listen, comprehend and think for themselves
  • Developing their ability to communicate with others in a meaningful way
  • Trying new perceptual-motor skills and practicing them
  • Building positive relationships

Our Office & Staff

Address
4700 Vance Ave.
Fort Wayne, IN 46815

Phone & Fax
P: 260-483-6454
F: 260-484-7415

Office Hours
Monday – Friday
9-11 AM & 2-5 PM

Kristy Jensen

Director
kristy@sanctuaryumc.org

Heather Brown

Coordinator of Preschool Operations
hbrown@sanctuaryumc.org

Our Classes

Preparing children for the journey ahead

Sunshines (Ages 3-4)

The Sunshine Class is our youngest age level of classes for children of 3 going on 4 years of age. Children must be age 3 by August 1st.

This class is a play-based program that focuses on developing foundational reading and pre-writing skills through the exploration of the alphabet, fine motor development, and basic math skills like one-to-one correspondence, sorting, and patterns.

We help children gain independence by focusing on self-help skills such as taking care of their belongings, putting on their coats, and using the bathroom independently. We also emphasize social skills and teach children to respect and get along with their peers.

Sunshines Schedule & Tuition

All Sunshine classes have a maximum ratio of ten children to one teacher.

2 Day Classes

Tuesday & Thursday
9:15 – 11:45 AM

3 Day Classes

Monday, Wednesday, & Friday
9:15 – 11:45 AM

5 Day Classes
(Half Day)

Monday – Friday
9:15 – 11:45 AM
1 – 3:30 PM

5 Day Classes
(Full Day)

Monday – Friday
9:15 AM – 3:30 PM

Child must be potty trained

Moonbeams (Ages 4-5)

This PreK is offered to children who are four years old by August 1st.

Moonbeam students will experience activities that will strengthen and prepare them for kindergarten. They will learn simple sight words and reinforce counting skills. They will also engage in more specific instructions and be asked to follow a string of age-appropriate commands. Their writing skills will increase daily as they write their names and other words incorporated in their topic lesson. Lots of encouragement is given to keep them excited and motivated to learn and engage in activities.

Moonbeams Schedule & Tuition

All Moonbeam classes have a maximum ratio of twelve children to one teacher.

2 Day Classes

Tuesday & Thursday
9:15 AM – 2:15 PM

3 Day Classes

Monday, Wednesday, & Friday
9:15 AM – 2:15 PM

5 Day Classes (Full Day)

Monday – Friday
9:15 AM – 3:30 PM

Child must be potty trained

Documents

Sanctuary Little Learners is a Registered Ministry with the state of Indiana. We participate in a Voluntary Certification Program and retain our Paths to Quality certification by meeting certain standards and regulations that work to improve the quality of childcare provided. We are continually looking to improve ourselves as teachers and to improve the experience for our students through new and exciting opportunities. There is some required paperwork to be completed which ensures we meet all requirements.

The documents that are linked here are required for attendance in our program. These signed documents must be on file with us before your first day in the 2026 Summer Program or the 2026-27 school year. Returning families do not need to re-submit a physical form, but updated immunizations are required.

Required Documents, 2026-2027Parent Handbook

Financial Aid

Child Care Development Fund (CCDF)

The CCDFprogram is a federal program that helps low-income families obtain child care so that they may work or continue their education. The purpose of CCDF is to increase the availability, affordability, and quality of child care. Learn more about CCDF in Indiana below.

Learn more about CCDF

On My Way Pre-K (OMYPK)

On My Way Pre-K is an Indiana program that awards vouchers to 4-year-olds from low-income families so they may have access to a high-quality pre-K program the year before they begin kindergarten. Families who are approved may use their voucher at any approved On My Way Pre-K program. More in depth information can be found on the state website below.

Learn more about OMWPK

Registration

Registration for Current/Previously Enrolled FamiliesRegistration for Newly Enrolling Families
Extended Care

Care beyond school hours

School Year (September – May)

Our extended care program is available year-round and is an extension of our preschool program. Our goal is to provide a safe, nurturing, stable, and structured environment for all children. For younger children, we have classrooms for toddlers (12 months and walking), two-year-old children, and a mixed age group made up of 3 to 5-year-old children. These classrooms follow a looser curriculum, but still include a structured plan to keep children busy and engaged. Children between the ages of 3 and 5 are transitioned into a preschool class either in the morning or after lunch.

School Year Tuition & Fees

Registration Fee for All Age Groups: $60

Toddlers & Peewees

Ages 12 – 35 Months

Minions

Ages 3 Years – Pre-K

Holidays & Breaks

All Ages

Summer Break

Our Summer Care is an educational opportunity and childcare available for children 12 months to 5th grade. Children will participate in learning activities while in our care and play side-by-side with children of their age. Children bring a sack lunch, and we provide daily snacks.

Elementary-age children enjoy reading, journaling, playing games, and even swimming at the Glen Aqua pool on sunny afternoons. Preschool children follow a loose curriculum and enjoy learning through play, including outdoor and water activities.

Summer Tuition & Fees

Registration Fee for All Age Groups: $20

Toddlers & Peewees

Ages 12 – 35 Months

Preschool

Half Days (9 AM – 12 PM)

Preschool & Elementary

Full Days (9 AM – 3 PM)

Additional Hours

Any time outside the weekly rate hours is billed at the regular extended care fee rate.

Want to learn more?

Contact our Director, Kristy Jensen, at kristy@sanctuaryumc.org to learn more about our programming and start your Little Learners journey.

Email Kristy