Welcome to Central Children's AcademY
Welcome to Central Children’s Academy "CCA", a childcare facility serving NWA families for over four decades. Originally established as Central’s Center for Children in 1978 by Central United Methodist Church, the center was licensed by the State of Arkansas in 1980 and renamed Central Children’s Academy in 2013.
Today, CCA provides year-round care and education for children aged 6wks to 6yrs, operating
Monday-Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
CCA is proud to be an Arkansas Better Beginnings Level III accredited program, a distinction that reflects our commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education based on our program's curriculum, administrative practices, and staff qualifications.
Our program introduces children to a structured, supportive environment that fosters intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Through crafts, music, field trips, and social skill-building, we prepare children for pre-kindergarten while nurturing a lifelong love of learning. Guided by our mission, CCA integrates faith-based curriculum elements to support children’s spiritual growth alongside their educational development.
At CCA, every child is valued, accepted, and loved as our own. You'll find a loving and welcoming environment promoting a sense of belonging and helping children reach their God-given potential. We are committed to making a positive impact in your family's lives.
Preschool Program
CCA offers 5 days a week childcare year-round
Current hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm (drop off starts at 8:15am)
Beginning August 2026, CCA will be open 7:30am-5:30pm
Our program includes:
- A morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack that meets USDA Nutritional Guidelines
- Daily Outdoor Play
- J.A.M "Jesus and Me" Chapel led by Central's Children's Ministry Director, Mary Bassett. (Tuesdays)
- Upstart Athletics Soccer , N Zone Sports, Tatum Collective Dance and Gymnastics Enrichment Programs
- Developmentally appropriate learning opportunities where children “learn by doing"
Contact us at ccaadmin@centralumcfay.com or call 479-443-4037 with any questions you may have.
Safety & Security at CCA
Your Child's Safety is our top priority
At Central Children's Academy, we're committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for every child. To ensure your child's well-being, we've implemented the following security measures:
Security Monitoring: Our facility is equipped with security cameras in each classroom and playground. All exterior doors are access controlled and remained locked at all times.
Qualified Staff:
- All staff undergo Background and AR Maltreatment checks prior to employment and throughout their tenure.
- Trained in Conscience Discipline, CPR/First Aid with on-site AED.
- Complete 20hrs of Continuing Education each year.
- Complete 8hrs of Training on Arkansas Minimum Licensing Requirements.
- Annual Fire Extinguisher Training, Risk Management Training and Mandated Reporter Training.
- Two days of hands on Professional Development each year.
- Authorized Pickup person checks
- Small and friendly staff who knows each and every family!
- Emergency Preparedness: Monthly fire, tornado, and intruder drills.
- Onsite Maintenance Team
- Follows CDC and AR Minimum Licensing health & safety requirements
- Safe Sleep practices
- Daily cleaning and sanitation procedures
- Timely communication of contagious illness
