Impacting Lives for Eternity...
Luke 18:16
Our Mission
To Provide a Christian atmosphere that will impact young lives with God's love
while guiding their growth physically, emotionally, socially, cognitively and spiritually
in preparation for their life and learning.
while guiding their growth physically, emotionally, socially, cognitively and spiritually
in preparation for their life and learning.
2022/2023 School Year
Get to Know You Conferences – August 2 & 3
Family Night – August 4
First Student Day – August 10
Get to Know You Conferences – August 2 & 3
Family Night – August 4
First Student Day – August 10
Who We Are
We are Paths to Quality Level 3, Unlicensed Registered Ministry, which accepts Child Care Development Funds (CCDF) and On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK) State funds. To apply, please visit https://earlyedconnect.fssa.in.gov/onlineApp/home
Scholarships are also available for qualifying families, but you must apply for assistance prior to completing a Scholarship application.
We operate Weekly from August - May.
AM Classes - 8:30AM - 12:00PM
Extend Day Class - 8:30AM - 4:00PM
Scholarships are also available for qualifying families, but you must apply for assistance prior to completing a Scholarship application.
We operate Weekly from August - May.
AM Classes - 8:30AM - 12:00PM
- Toddler "Seedlings" class (2 1/2 & 3 yrs old) T/W/Th
- Young Preschool "Sprouts" class (3 & 4 yrs old) T/W/Th
- PreK "Saplings" class (4 & 5 yrs old) M/T/W/Th
Extend Day Class - 8:30AM - 4:00PM
- Young Preschool "Sprouts" (3 & 4 yrs old - potty training preferred, previous full-day child care experience and director approval required) M/T/W/Th
- PreK "Saplings" class (4 & 5 yrs old) M/T/W/Th
Four areas of focus and measurement
Implementing a planned curriculum that addresses the stages of child development:
Our educational planning references Creative Curriculum, which uses children's wonder and inquisitiveness in the learning process. Lessons are developed with children's interest in God's world by using play and choice making to grow critical thinking skills, problem solving and discovery. Additionally, we are adding a Godly Play Room, which is a storytelling curriculum tapping into a child's sense of wonder and awe about God, the world around us, and each of our places in it. Preschool and church staff work together to ensure positive introductions to God's love and learning!
Demonstrating professional growth of staff in excess of licensing requirements:
Each teacher and aide participates in additional professional training annually including CPR, blood borne pathogens and State safety regulations. Teachers and aides also complete at least 20 hours of additional training ensuring that staff stay up to date on educational practices and provide the highest quality learning to families in the program.
Establishing a strategic plan:
The yearly parent surveys and conversations with staff help the Preschool Council to make our programming meaningful for the community. This included becoming a Paths to Quality Level 3 Preschool, so families can use CCDF vouchers, On My Way Mini-grants and church scholarships. These are open to families to provide the highest quality preschool at prices that are not beyond parent's ability to pay.
Facilitating family and staff input into the program:
The cooperation of parents and staff are the backbone of the program! It is through the talent and gifts families share with us, conversations about learning expectations, and planned collaborations between the staff and parents that improvements are made to programming. Annual parent surveys, parents involvement in fundraising events, and participation in positions open on the Mt. Olive Preschool Council (the governing body of the preschool) maintains and ensures high quality programming standards relevant for today 's learners in our community.
News
Rebecca Moore
Preschool Director
Rebecca is a life-long Marion native and has worked her entire career in Early Childhood Education in Grant County. She started her career at Mt. Olive and spread her wings by working with children and families in elementary preschool program settings, Early Head Start, and supporting child development in the homes with family home visits. When not working, Miss Rebecca loves to use her creative mojo and DIY skills to woodwork, paint, sew, crochet, vinyl and so much more! You can find her at Hobby Lobby or Lowes dreaming up plans for her next project. We are so lucky to have Miss Rebecca back at Mt. Olive again!
Lisa Haney
Darlene Wilkins
Preschool Office Manager
Godly Play Storyteller
Lisa grew up in LaGrange, IN and studied early childhood education at Ball State. She was a Head Start teacher for several years before working for the Ft. Wayne Early Childhood Alliance. She and her husband, John, have two amazing kids they include in their family adventures- Hank and Faith. Lisa enjoys family game nights, SUDOKU, and NASCAR racing. Seeing the smiles on the children's faces when they come to school makes her smile too! A creative person, Lisa has won poetry contests and enjoys quilting and photography. She and John like to collect memorabilia from their favorite movies. So far, they have collected some amber from the Jurassic Park movie and have a Ready Player One coin. Who knows what they will add to their collection next? We are thankful to have all the talent and skills Miss Lisa Brings to Mt. Olive!
Darlene grew up in Saginaw MI with a brother and a sister. She is married to Bob (who is her best friend) and has two grown sons and a daughter. Darlene loves doting on her 5 great-grandchildren and has an extended family that includes many long-time friends, work, and church family! Once you are in Darlene’s circle, you become like family to her! Darlene enjoys spending time with family and watching the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chief football teams. She is our Godly Play teacher and enjoys the hugs from children and watching them wonder about God’s truth. Darlene loves God’s creation and enjoys hunting and arranging flowers. We are so fortunate to have Darlene on the preschool team at Mt. Olive UMC Preschool!
Amanda McCreery
Lead Teacher
Amanda grew up in Muncie, Indiana and believes that early childhood education is the foundation to learning. She received Bachelors degree with a minor in Special Education from Ball State University. When she is not working on school assignments, she enjoys playing games and watching TV with her fiance', Brian. We are very fortunate to have Miss Amanda here at our preschool this year!
Irina Waiman
Lead Teacher
Licensed elementary teacher and loving mom and wife! A bilingual speaker, fluent in Spanish and English. Has mad crafting skills and loves to decorate her home with children's art!
Missy DeBoliac
Class Aide
Missy grew up in Hartford City and has a degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability. She and her husband, Kelly, have known each other since they were young children and once had a pretend wedding when they were kids! Today, they have three daughters, who happen to be her favorite people! Missy loves being outside in nature. Some of her favorite things are taking walks in the woods and scavenger hunts. Before working at the preschool, she was a Girl Scout Leader, hardware store manager, and is “Stihl Certified” (meaning she can put together all kinds of Stihl equipment). Missy thinks the best part of working with our preschool children is singing songs and crafting together. Mt. Olive is very fortunate to have Missy working with kids Mt. Olive!
Stephanie Millspaugh
Lead Teacher
Licensed teacher and outdoor scientist extraordinaire! Has taught in public and private schools for over 25 years. Known for her loyalty, warm heart, and big laugh! Stephanie recently became a grandmother to twins.
Katie Oatess
Lead Teacher
Katie grew up in Marion IN and went to Oak Hill High School and Heartland Career Center where she studied machining before graduating. She was super excited to get Hal Conode’s last super comp-dragster allowing her to spend weekends at the races. Katie has always enjoyed learning new things and loves watching kids learn and grow. It is her hope to race at the Zmax dragway in Charlotte, NC someday with her dragster! We are thankful she is also on Mt. Olive Preschool team to lend a hand this year!
Carrie Crull
Class Aide
Carrie grew up in Converse, IN and attended OHUSC high school and received a Bachelors of Science from Indiana Wesleyan University. She and her son live with her parents who embrace the love of the silliness and shenanigans. Between the tomfoolery and fun, Carrie enjoys reading, watching Anime & Manga movies with her family. She is a gardener and raises herbs, as well as, crafting stained glass sun catchers and windows in her free time. Carrie enjoys watching young learners grow in confidence and shares the children’s excitement in learning new skills. We are so fortunate to have a fun-loving person like Carrie on the preschool team sharing her talents with us!