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The new year has started for FBC Preschool classes, and plans are underway for many fun and learning opportunities for the children enrolled. “I am looking forward to seeing our preschoolers grow and mature,” said Weekday Preschool Director Crystal Bacon. “Most of our little ones begin in our ones class and stay through Pre-K, so I get to watch them grow and learn so much each year!” Many hands-on learning opportunities are offered continuously in the classroom, and there are several field trips planned, including a trip to the Farmers Market in October and visits to many downtown museums and historical buildings.
“I am a big believer in experiential learning,” Crystal said. “Our students go to the science museum, history museum, Capitol building, and enjoy pizza-making, ice cream-making, and other hands-on learning opportunities. We like to be out in the community to see the wonderful diversity our world has to offer. These times are also important because we consider it our job to support and educate families as well as build a community. These field trips with parents are times for families to get to know one another and to bond… making our school family strong!”
Crystal said the school also welcomes volunteers to share their knowledge and expertise in the classrooms throughout the year. Volunteers have included Noel Tucker (preschool parent alumna) who visits every couple of weeks and leads art lessons for the students. Another volunteer, Jen Foster, visited in the past to provide a photography lesson. “We used to enjoy Miss Penny teaching Spanish every week before she passed,” Crystal said. “Fran Puryear’s dad came and sang to our kiddos several times, and her son did a drum circle with some classes. We could use a Spanish-speaking volunteer or people who would want to share a special gift or talent with our kiddos.”
Crystal said the FBC Preschool makes a significant impact on families served and everyone working with the program understands that the work is very important and meaningful. “We do not take lightly our role as an outreach ministry of the church” she said. “We currently have many students, including two refugee families, on full or partial scholarships. We have a very diverse group of students and families representing many different cultures and religious backgrounds.”
The preschool also works with Sharefish and Chuck Nichols in partnering with the preschool in Honduras in many ways. "Another thing I love is that we host Broughton interns each year who are studying child development,” Crystal said. “They come in and shadow our teachers and work with the kids, giving us the opportunity to train up the next generation of teachers! This job is so rewarding, and I am so grateful each day I get to be a part of this outreach."
FBC developed the program as a Mothers' Morning Out opportunity about 40 years ago, and Crystal has worked with the program for “19 years, going on 20.” Typically, the preschool serves between 49–53 families each year. Most classes are full this year, with a couple of openings remaining in the ones class and the Pre-K class. For more information about the program, email Crystal. - Will Woodson |
