Stepping Stones Preschool announces new director
Staff reporter
Caring for and teaching young children is an awesome responsibility. Parents want a director who is compassionate, focused, and trained to handle the day-to-day duties that come with the position.
Alysia Yoder of Hillsboro is ready for the challenge and has accepted the director position at Stepping Stones Preschool, Marion, for the coming school year.
A recent graduate with a business degree from Tabor College, Hillsboro, Yoder graduated from Hesston College in 2003. The training and focus of her studies at Hesston was early childhood.
"I worked at the on-campus preschool while a student," Yoder said, "and then was a substitute teacher at the preschool (at Hesston)."
Stepping Stones Preschool was established in 2001, by the administrative council of Valley United Methodist Church.
Preschool classrooms are located on the main floor of the church. Classes are divided by age — three-year-olds are a class, and four- and five-year-olds are a class.
Children attend either morning or afternoon classes, depending on their ages, on Mondays and Wednesdays.
There are 12 children per class with sufficient space to accommodate several classes.
Mary Jeffrey, a retired elementary school teacher, will assist Yoder with the classes.
"Mary is the only volunteer right now," Yoder said, "but more will be recruited as class space is filled."
Volunteers are required to receive specialized training before assisting with the classes.
Yoder also is required to be a licensed day-care director and is in the process of obtaining certification.
According to the preschool's mission statement, children will learn about God's love for them and their family through a Biblically-based curriculum.
The school's educational philosophy is to provide an environment for children to grow through self-esteem; social and listening skills; readiness for academic learning; ability to creatively express themselves; an appreciation and enjoyment of children's books, games, songs, and activities; problem solving skills; and Bible knowledge and prayer.
Children must be three years of age by Aug. 31 for first semester or Dec. 31 for second semester, and potty trained.
Application must be made for first-time students. Contact the church office at (620) 382-3142 for an enrollment application or send for an application through a form in an advertisement in today's edition.
Yoder and husband Scott are newlyweds and plan to reside in Hillsboro.
The director is excited about the program and encourages parents to check- out the school.
"I would like to see this program grow," said Yoder. She wants to assist children in growing emotionally, physically, and socially.
Yoder chose Stepping Stones Preschool because of the church affiliation.
"I love working with children," said Yoder with a smile, "and a Christian setting is important to me."
