Nestled in the former Mt. Sinai church in the heart of Butler lies Clear Fork Christian Preschool (CFCP), filled with colorful play areas and the sound of children’s laughter.
CFCP has announced open enrollment for the upcoming 2014-2015 school year, though parents may still register children for the remainder of the current school year. The school accepts children ages 3 through 5 and enrollment is not limited to the Clear Fork school district.
CFCP will hold an open house on Wednesday, May 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Students currently enrolled for the upcoming 2014-2015 school year may attend, as well as those interested in enrolling at CFCP. Registration will be available at that time.
The school was established in 2011 thanks to the efforts of Melinda “Mindy” Sansom, Founder and Director of CFCP. Sansom holds a Master’s Degree in Education, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business.
“We didn’t have any preschools in the Bellville/Butler area,” said Sansom. “I was a mom who was looking for preschool for my own kids. We needed something in the Valley.”
Sansom approached her church, Three Crosses: A United Methodist Fellowship, about her idea. “I didn’t think it was supposed to be my thing; I knew this was supposed to be something that we were going to give glory to the Lord to do,” said Sansom.
“I went to the church and they graciously opened their arms,” added Sansom. “Through this process we have been given so much from the community and it’s just been such a blessing.”
A private donor purchased new security doors for the building, as well as assisted with remodeling, which allowed the preschool to expand within the building.
The building offers an indoor play area as well as an outdoor playground. The outdoor play area, landscaping and equipment were provided by a grant from the Richland County Foundation. “It was super exciting,” said Sansom. “We would never have been able to have this otherwise. Now we have this huge area out here that they can just go out and run around in and it’s fenced in. It’s perfect.”
The preschool has grown in the years since opening. Sansom noted that in the first year there were three classes and a total of 38 children. Currently, the preschool offers six classes and teaches 63 students.
“My goal is to get every Clear Fork preschooler into this facility so we can then get them prepared for what they need for school, teach them about the love of Jesus Christ, and also have them meet their peers that they are going to be going to kindergarten with, which is so important for them,” said Sansom.
Classes for the 2014-2015 school year begin Sept. 2 and are offered in five, three, or two day per week options. Hours are 8:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and noon to 2:30 p.m. Exact times, days, and tuition may be found at the website.
Sansom announced that CFCP is currently seeking a Lead Teacher for the preschool. Applicant must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education. More information can be found at the school’s Facebook page. Resumes and cover letters may be submitted to Mindy Sansom, Director, ClearForkChristianPreschool@yahoo.com
CFCP is located in the Three Crosses: A United Methodist Fellowship Annex building, which also houses a clothing ministry, at 115 Main Street, Butler, and may be reached at their website, Facebook page or by calling (419) 565-2309.
