ABOUT US

In 1964 Main Street (United) Methodist Preschool was founded on the principle of the "Golden Rule," "I'll treat you the way I would like you to treat me". At that time there was no public kindergarten. So to fill the need, Dot Stone, Doris Simpson, and Grace Moss started a program for four and five-year old children. The following year Mary Mullinax joined the team.

In the early years of the program, it was a common practice for parents to work as helpers in the preschool in exchange for their children's tuition. The Preschool was fortunate to have such helpers as Jane Sporleder, Janet Lilley, and Brenda Shifflette. In 1972, Brenda Shifflette joined the staff with the addition of the three-year old program. Encouraged by the United Methodist Women, a Parent's Morning-Out (PMO) Program was begun as a means of community outreach. This was a once-a-week drop-in program for children under the age of three.

As the enrollment in the PMO soared, the Preschool expanded once again with classes for two-year old children. Diane Nantz was our first teacher of two-year olds.

From 1968-1988, Mary Mullinax taught and directed the Preschool. Louise Sapp patiently assisted Mary with clerical duties and W.J. O'Brien handled the school's finances. In 1988 the program had grown so much, that a new full-time director, Peggy Day was hired. This allowed "Mrs. Mary" to devote more time to her children. The Preschool expanded as Debbie Crowder served as Director from 1994-1996. Patty Shepard served as Director from 1996-2001. Jo Ann Clifton has served as Director since June 1, 2001.