Preschool education in a nurturing Christian environment is one of our most successful and productive ministries at Southside United Methodist Church. Founded as a play group for preschoolers in the mid 1950’s, it was led by Estelle Brock for several years. It evolved into a Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten program for four and five year olds under the direction of Marge Haislet, who also served as a teacher. Jean Dart assumed leadership in 1960 adding additional classes and teachers, Alma Moody and Margaret Johnson, to the growing program. Margaret Johnson served as teacher/director from 1968-1982. Enrollment continued to increase in the existing age groups. In response to parental requests, classes were added to accommodate PreK three year olds. Margaret Warrell, Joye Preston, Chris Harrill and Kit Thomas provided excellent leadership for our program between 1982 and 1998 when Candi Kirby became the Director in February, 1999. Southside currently offers developmentally appropriate classes for toddlers through PreK four year olds. Our highly rated Preschool provides education and discipleship for our youngest members and also serves as an outreach ministry to our community. In 2009, we joined the growing network of quality preschools offering the state funded Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program while continuing to provide the highest quality implementing best practices in a developmentally appropriate setting where children are loving and learning.