There is nothing that impacts a family more than the birth of a child; it is a scary moment when you take a fragile baby home and wonder, “What now?” As parents slowly begin to navigate the joys and demands of parenthood, they realize it marks the beginning of the next generation and the challenge of continuing a family legacy.
As a parent myself, I recognize the struggles that parenthood can bring. We desire to raise our kids to be better off than we were so they can be successful in their life choices. Whether children are home-, private-, or public-schooled, parents all face the same dilemma between what their children need to know for a standardized test and what they ought to know for life. A successful Christian preschool bridges home, school, and church, creating a learning environment that exceeds the limitations of standard tests and evaluations.
At First Church, we believe parents are their child’s primary teachers and leaders in faith formation. Our mission is to partner with parents in raising children with a biblical foundation, so they come to know Jesus as their friend and Savior. This partnership, in turn, establishes integrity and strength of character while encouraging kindness and positivity—qualities that can last a lifetime.
For the past 22 years, Wonder Years Preschool has come alongside families to meet their spiritual and educational development needs. Surrounding our families with a community of like-minded individuals who love, support, and pour Christian character into our children is a responsibility First Church does not take lightly. We are privileged to serve and care for the students who attend Wonder Years. Meticulous care has gone into cultivating the proper climate, culture, and programming that supports the mission of Family Ministries.
A carefully considered curriculum is necessary, of course, as are developmentally appropriate learning environments. No one, however, will thrive without the relationships built from quality adult-child interactions. This basic dynamic nurtures both the child and the family and gives momentum to programs that offer a foundation of faith.
Our preschool staff leads from the heart of the Lord they serve, working with parents to instill Christian character and principles in their children. With intentionality, we embrace faith formation by using stories and words directly from the Bible, by worshiping together during bi-weekly Chapel, and by teaching monthly Scripture memory verses. Building this relationship with Jesus begins when we share His love through stories, daily prayer, and personal time in His Word.
Proverbs 22:6 instructs us, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Wonder Years is not simply a preschool or childcare center; it serves as a stepping stone to lifelong learning and faith. After our preschool lays a firm foundation, First Church continues to minister to our children after they graduate. Neon Kids programming provides continued growth through 5th grade; children attend Sunday school and continue their spiritual growth by participating in Family Nights, Kids Night Out, mission projects, and community outreach. As they grow older, our middle and high school students can attend First Students gatherings and confirmation classes for further guidance on their Christian walk.
Our Family Ministries staff wholeheartedly believes that you can impact this generation no matter what your age. Simple acts like reading to a preschool class, sharing a story during Chapel, or volunteering to help a Wonder Years teacher in the classroom mean a lot to our children. We believe that bringing families around the table, fostering relationships, and encouraging spiritual growth leave a lifelong imprint.
by Sheila Sierts, Director of Family Ministries
