Preschool education in a nurturing Christian environment is one of our most successful and productive ministries at Southside Methodist Church. Founded as a play group for preschoolers in the mid-1950s, 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 and director from 1968 to 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. Beginning in 2023 and under the direction of Sharon Feaster, Southside currently offers developmentally appropriate classes for toddlers through four-year-olds. Our highly rated Preschool provides education and discipleship for our youngest members, also serving 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 education in a developmentally appropriate setting where children are loved and learn.