As The Preschool witnessed our children grow and change, we also saw changing demographics in our community. The Preschool Board of Directors battled declining enrollment and financial constraints for over a decade. Unfortunately, The Preschool operated at a significant deficit toward the end, with expenses far exceeding income. Enrollment and demographic trends pointed to this deficit continuing, making the operation of The Preschool no longer viable for the Whitehouse United Methodist Church.
After much deliberation and discussion, The Preschool Board of Directors and the Administrative Council of the Whitehouse United Methodist Church decided to close The Preschool at the end of the 2019/2020 school year. The Whitehouse United Methodist Church planned to redirect energies to alternative missions to serve our changing community.
This was our Mission Statement for the Preschool for 50 years:
The mission of The Preschool of Whitehouse United Methodist Church is to provide a loving, nurturing, safe environment in which all children are welcomed and given ample opportunity to learn and grow. The Preschool is a self-supporting, non-profit program conducted by the Church as a Christian Ministry to the community’s children.
This mission statement is the guiding principle for the program of The Preschool of Whitehouse United Methodist Church. These statements apply to all The Preschool children, be it the child’s very first preschool experience or a “veteran” student, with one or more years at The Preschool. It is The Preschool’s belief that the early years are key years in the development of children, and that preschoolers are ready to acquire many skills. Throughout these early years, our children continue to develop control of their bodies. Our program strives to challenge, exercise and support all of our children’s developing potential in an environment where traditional family values, kindness and respect to all are of utmost importance. Our program reflects these beliefs and prepares the children for future school years. It contributes to all aspects of early childhood development. The experiences offered to the children are designed to bolster the skills of problem solving, thinking, reasoning and creating — not just the skill of memorizing. Our program recognizes the need for all children to be provided opportunities for growth and stimulation in all areas of development: physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional.
A Historical Timeline
1969
The Whitehouse United Methodist Church completed the construction on the new Education Wing. It was built with the intention to start a nursery school as well as have space for Sunday school classes. The nursery school opened with two half-day classes, serving a total of 24 children, under the direction of Senie Burns.
1973
Artis Sprout assumes the position of director.
1974
Maximum enrollment capacity is increased from 60 children to 172 children with the use of additional classrooms and facilities to meet the growing need for quality preschool education. Classes were offered in morning or afternoon sessions.
1977
Growth and demand led to the addition of a “Mother’s Day Out” program, babysitting service, and lunch option to traditional half-day classes
1989
As Hunterdon County’s population grew in the 1980’s, the nursery school grew to include 3 classrooms on the upper level and accommodated 178 children in various classes. The Church celebrated the school’s 20th Anniversary on Sunday, May 20 during Church service followed by a reception.
1994
The Church established a Board of Directors for the Nursery School as the governing body for the school.
1996
Artis Sprout retired after 26 years with the school. Dawn Walton is hired and served as Director for one year.
1997
After many years of teaching here, Diane Oswald assumed the position of Executive Director/Head Teacher.
1999
New Playground Installed
2000
The Whitehouse United Methodist Church Nursery School changed its name to The Preschool of Whitehouse United Methodist Churc
2007
In the mid-2000’s, enrollment began a steady decline from the highs in the late 1980’s and 1990’s. Lower birth rates, changing daycare/logistical needs of families, the Recession, and increased competition from newly opened, area preschool programs contributed to this decline.
2014
After much deliberation and in response to the continued decline in enrollment, The Preschool Board of Directors votes to offer morning only classes during the 2014/2015 school year. Diane Oswald retired after 30 years with The Preschool. Chris Scheick was hired as Executive Director/Head Teacher. The Readington Public Schools instituted full-day Kindergarten.
2015
Extended Day options (Early Risers/Lunch Bunch/Pre-K+ were reintroduced to assist student transition to full-day Kindergarten and maximize logistical options for families with preschoolers.
2019
The Preschool’s BOD launches a 50th Celebration Capital Campaign to celebrate this milestone. An inviting patio area, new signage, and seasonal planters were funded through this campaign.
October 27, 2019
The Whitehouse United Methodist Church and The Preschool formally celebrates The Preschool’s 50th Anniversary during the Church service followed by a reception. Preschool alumni and current students, families, staff, board members, and the WUMC congregation participated in this event! Memories were shared and can be viewed here.
January 16, 2020
The Preschool Board of Directors and Administrative Council of the Whitehouse United Methodist Church announce the closure of The Preschool at the end of the 2019/2020 School Year.
March 13, 2020
The Preschool closes due to the COVID Pandemic – not knowing that it would be the final day of Preschool operations after 50 years!
Late Spring – Fall 2020
After it was apparent that The Preschool could not reopen and finish the 2019/2020 School Year, Preschool staff planned a “Preschool Farewell” (a drive by combination of a clap out/pick up) for 2019/2020 school year families. Then, Preschool staff and WUMC members began the huge task of liquidating Preschool supplies & closing the business end.
