Patty Taylor is serving local families with her new job as coordinator for the Mother’s Morning Out program at the First Baptist Church of Andalusia.
An open house was hosted on Thursday, August 10, before the beginning of the school’s first day on August 15, Tuesday. School calendars will be in sync with Andalusia City Schools.
“When it first began in the area, the program was in one of the nearby Methodist church. Then it relocated into First Baptist many years ago. The church will be open two times every week, starting at eight a.m. to noon, on Thursdays and Tuesdays,” Taylor said.
Beverly Farrington was the previous director of the program for a period of 17 years.
“Beverly created a number of the rules and regulations in the place. I have nothing but wonderful things about her. However, she made the decision that she would spend time more with her children. I was retired, so in the end, we switched rooms. There are rooms for infants who are crawling around in our room for 1 year olds and a room for 2 years old and a mix of 3 – and 4-year-old rooms.”
The program is open to all who lives in the community or within Covington County, and is not restricted to FBC families.
“It’s unlike a traditional school where you are restricted to attend. Anyone is welcome to with their child at 7:50 prior to the start time of 8:30 a.m. The children are collected by 12:15. Parents are required to bring snacks with their child. We make sure that they have food and drink. It’s also a chance for the children to interact with one with one another. We do academics with our 3 and 4-year-olds to prepare them for school such as writing their names, learning their letters, colors, basic shapes, and other developmentally-appropriate things. There’s a lot of play going on in the 1-year-old’s room,” she said.
Taylor believes it is crucial for children to establish the foundation for learning at an early age. There are currently six teachers, with two in each classroom.
“We are fortunate to have Margaret Bennett who is a retired teacher as well as Helen Johnson, a retired preschool teacher in our 3 – and four-year-old rooms. Both have a long history of education and do a fantastic job in running the classroom. They participate in painting and practice their fine motor abilities. They recently went on a walk field trip and were able to see the work taking place within the parish. They are currently working on the methods they could use at an elementary school, including being in line and communicating directly with their teacher. It’s an introduction to an actual school environment.”
She hopes that the children will realize they are loved by their peers within the programme.
“We love them. God loves them, and we would like to show our parents love. We’d like to provide an opportunity for parents to get together socialize, have fun, and help them with their demands. There are a variety of projects in the works as we think this is a service. It’s not easy being parents no whatever season they’re in however we hope this will give parents reassurance when taking their child away from us. Your child should become independent and develop the idea of separation. It’s the very first step.”
Parents who would like to sign up their children in the church can submit a request form to the church.
“My phone number” is located on the flyer and parents are able to contact me by phone or messaging me. We’ll put the children on a waiting list in the event that we aren’t able to accommodate them however we do have room for the children aged 3 and 4 years old. If any parent would like to ensure that their child is in a secure and safe environment, we’ve revamped the space. It’s new and spotless filled with toys. We also have excellent teachers. Mindy Beasley as well as Beth Maddox run our 2-year-old room and do an excellent job. They are taught about Jesus through storytime and also do coloring activities. Eleanor Coleman and Brenda Syler have done a fantastic job of caring for our infants in the room for one year olds,” Taylor said.
Over 31 years of the field of education Taylor quit and started working as a software developer for educational institutions.
“I was a huge fan of helping teachers and assisted students, but it was quite a bit of travel involved. This was a wonderful chance after Beverly was laid off, and I viewed it as an indication from God. Beverly and I have a great relationship. well together. Beverly loves the program and the kids. She is always wanting to know how things are going. It’s nice to have my experience and offer every opportunity that we can to youngsters,” she said.
Alongside the education, the concept of love for children remains an important focus.
“We are determined to focus on the our love for one another as well as love from your parents and teachers, as well as God’s love. It’s a service and you won’t become wealthy but are compensated for your efforts in a variety of ways. We were not prepared before we had children of our own and now you’re capable of sharing and encouraging the parents of other children.”
The teachers work with the students to help them develop the skills that they will require during kindergarten.
“We would like to ensure we’re teaching our students in a way that is based on developmental concepts. We also try to teach students about the love of God.”
As the program’s director Taylor has the responsibility of the search for substitute teachers or new teachers whenever required.
“All staff members have had background checks. If you’re working with children safety is of most important consideration. The whole process is conducted by our congregation. We are very concerned about safety and make sure that our children are protected and well taken care of when their parents are away,” she said.
Taylor is now focusing on God to determine what is to come for this show.
“We would like to be a part of our community, and we will continue to meet with parents and pray for the next steps to take for Mom’s Morning Out. At the moment, I’m not sure what the next steps will be. If I encounter the new situation, I find myself taking a breath and diving into it to discover what’s going on. I’ve started doing it since the beginning of August and I’m looking forward to taking it slowly and not make drastic adjustments. Things have been going really well. We are thrilled to have new playgrounds available for our kids and also preschool and Sunday school classes.”
There is a cost per month for attendance. Price breaks are offered to several children from the same family.
“Trent as well as I’ve always believed that what we do is a service. We love children and care for kids. I made the switch to becoming an administrator a while ago, because I believed I could care for more children and help teachers. Teaching can be a difficult job because children are full of energy. As adults, it is your duty to care for them and care for them. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community we live in and also love on children along with their family members. We need to ensure that we’re informed of the needs of preschoolers and the best ways to assist parents. We’re all part of this. The whole thing is possible due to our church’s determination to offer this service to our community. I am fortunate who gets to be part of it.” Taylor said.
Trent Taylor and Patty Taylor are the parents of three grown children: Ryne (McKenzie) Taylor, Tiffany (Austin) Armstrong Taylor, along with Paige Taylor, and two grandchildren: Perry and Ruben.
For more information, email ptaylor@fbcandy.org or call the church at 334-222-5151.
The article Taylor named the new Director of the Mom’s Morning Out program appeared first on The Andalusia Star-News.
