John Crumplar’s years of hard work came to an end earlier this month with the opening of the preschool that he had envisioned for so many years at Plymouth Haven Baptist Church.
Beth Barrera, director of the new preschool, presided over the ceremonies that were held in the church hall.
“For five years, we tried to get a preschool,” Crumplar said. “We were going to use an outside company, but we were accused of ‘renting out the church.’ Church members didn’t like that at all and wanted a school that was managed internally.”
So with that, Crumplar and a group of parishioners started working with Fairfax County, which Crumplar said presented every obstacle that was possible.
“They weren’t interested in opening up a preschool in a church,” he said. “It took two-and-a-half years of going back and forth, begging and pleading. However, with Beth’s enthusiasm and dedication, we made it possible.”
BARRERA THANKED Crumplar and acknowledged that the most important person was the Rev. Tom Johnson, pastor of Plymouth Haven.
“Our hope and prayer is to partner alongside you and assist you,” Johnson said. “We thank you [John Crumplar] for your vision and energy. This is taking flight into reality.”
Barrera said that she was overwhelmed with the support that they received, and was overcome with emotion when she explained how surprised they were when they presented their proposal to the board and it was approved unanimously.
“We’re so happy you’ve chosen to place your family here,” she said to the parents who were gathered at the reception. “Over 90 percent of you are new to the area. You bring a lot of different cultures and a lot of different backgrounds. You are a blessing to us.”
After the presentation, the Rev. Tom Johnson, David Godfrey, Beth Barrera and John Crumplar cut the ribbon to the new Plymouth Haven Christian Preschool. Parents filtered into the various rooms — all freshly painted and equipped with plenty of blocks and puzzles.
Each class has a teaching team which will follow a school-wide curriculum with lesson plans specific for each age group. Teachers are also encouraged to bring their creativity and own experiences to the classroom. The program includes sharing biblical truths and Christian values through Bible stories, classroom prayer and weekly chapel service.
Their staff is ministry-minded with an interest in assisting families during the preschool years. Each teacher is certified in child CPR and first aid and attends a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education annually.
MORE INFORMATION is available at www.plymouthhaven.org/preschool. Its mission statement is, “to provide a quality early childhood education in a Christian environment. It is our goal to nurture the development of the whole child by focusing on emotional, social, physical, spiritual and cognitive growth. We provide an environment that is inviting, comfortable and stimulating while encouraging each child to discover and enhance their God-given gifts and abilities.”
Barrera said that they currently have 27 children enrolled and are accepting registrations for other children. Enrollment is open to children ages 2-5 years with 2, 3 and 5-day options. The weekday program is from 9 a.m. to noon with an opportunity for extended day, Stay and Play.