After 25 years, Christ Kids continues to serve Visalia's youngest students

Twenty five years ago, opening the doors of ChristKids Preschool on the Christ Lutheran Church campus meant that preschool became an option for more Visalia children.

High-quality early childhood education, nurturing a love for Jesus, others, and for learning continues to be the mission of this local childcare center, according to those who've watched it grow.

In the 1990s, as the lead pastor at Christ Lutheran Church, Brian Malison encouraged the founding of ChristKids Preschool.

It lives on today.

“The mandate of ChristKids has been to provide a safe environment for children to grow socially, intellectually, and spiritually,” Malison said. “In order to do this, families with financial constraints have received scholarship assistance; some received significant funds."

Over the years, the stories have been inspirational.

"A particular memory I have was a project the school did in making 'give-away' lunch sacks for the homeless, asking parents to give a sack away at their discretion when driving with their child,” the retired pastor said. "The response was overwhelming.”

Malison retired after 35 years as the lead pastor.

“I used to love seeing the kids, experiencing their energy and joy, and listening to the sweet voices as they sang,” he said. "The coolest thing is running into those same beautiful children years after they move on from ChristKids. Bumping into these now-grown kids throughout the community and hearing how their lives have developed is truly the best.”

ChristKids is licensed for 48 children each day, ages 2.9 years old to 6. Each classroom is staffed with a California-qualified preschool teacher. The staff uses hands-on learning as their main teaching method.

Playing outside and using their imaginations to explore the world around them is a part of the learning process for the students as well as having books read to them and theme based lessons introduced daily that involve a variety of sensory activities.

The 2022 Current Population Survey, the latest data, shows that the number of preschool age children enrolled in all U.S. schools, both federally funded and private, increased by 13%, from 40.3% in 2020, the first year of the pandemic, to 53.3% in 2022 when the pandemic emergency ended.

Private preschool options in Visalia are limited.

“ChristKids is a warm, nurturing and happy place for your child’s first academic experience," Director Denise Egge said. “We want children to leave us loving to learn.”

For 25 years, volunteer and church member, Carolyn Johnson has played the piano for the students of ChristKids each week during chapel time.  She accompanies the children for their yearly Christmas performance and graduation day chapel.

ChristKids curriculum includes weekly devotions in the sanctuary of the church. The chapel messages are taught by the pastors of Christ Lutheran Church.

“Speaking and singing at chapel is one of my favorite parts of what I do here at ChristKids Preschool/Christ Lutheran Church. The biggest blessing for me is to see the kids grow over the year,” said Noel Thompson, director of Student Ministries. “I love telling the kids that God loves them no matter what. That there is nothing they can do to separate them from God's love and grace. My goal and prayer is that they leave our preschool knowing they are loved, celebrated, and made with a purpose. Having an opportunity to share that message at chapel is my favorite thing.”

Christ Lutheran Church recently welcomed a new pastor. Sean Ewbank quickly discovered how important the preschoolers wellbeing is to the local congregation.

“ChristKids is a part of the culture of the congregation," Ewbank said. “The welfare of the kids is of paramount importance to the people of the congregation.”

The importance of early childhood education is detailed in a study done by the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families.

A study done by the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families finds that:

• Participating in ECE helps children to develop skills that will benefit them in many areas. Preschool teaches the foundational skills for reading, math, self-control, and positive relationships.
• Positive relationships with caring ECE teachers benefit children’s cognitive and social-emotional development.
• All young children can benefit from high-quality ECE, but it can be especially helpful for children from homes with a low income, children with disabilities served in inclusive classrooms, and dual language learners.
• The benefits of preschool for children often last into kindergarten, and some studies show lasting effects into middle school and high school.

As another school year quickly approaches local parents looking for a private Christian childcare option can contact Denise Egge at: (559) 732-7476

This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: After 25 years, Christ Kids continues to serve Visalia's youngest students