New preschool set to open at local church

Grace Gardens preschool, located at Sidney's First United Methodist Church will be holding its first class on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Open to kids 4 and 5 years old, the preschool intends to provide a faith-based curriculum that will help students develop socially, cognitively, emotionally, physically and creatively. It has been licensed by the State of Nebraska.

The classes will be taught by Yvette Martin, who taught preschool for eight years before coming to Sidney. Originally from Lamar, Colo., she graduated from Adams State College with a bachelor's degree in education, and has endorsements in elementary education and early childhood.

Ashley Johnson, the assistant teacher, taught preschool for a year in Gering before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Her own child will be attending the preschool this year.

Both women are ready for classes to begin. Martin in particular is interested in helping to get the first year of the preschool off to a good start.

"I'm just excited," she said. "I'm ready for the kids to come in."

Morning and afternoon sessions will be available at the preschool from Monday through Thursday, with class sizes to be limited to 12 children. Tuition is $160 per month.

Pastor Thomas Hyde says children will be accepted until the class is full, and slots are still available.

Hyde believes having a preschool at the church will enhance the ministry.

"We want this to be a welcoming place to all people, including young families," he said.

For more information or to enroll students in the preschool, call (308) 254-4505 or visit SidneyFirstUMC.org.