
Ann Shirley
Preschool Minister
The Preschool Ministry (newborn through Pre-K) partners with parents to raise our little ones to know and serve the Lord. We provide a safe and loving environment where preschoolers know that God loves them, and that His Word is living and true. Preschool classes, including nursery, are offered during all Gatherings. For families who choose to keep their children with them, preschool activity bags are available at the interior doors of the Life Center for use during all Gathering times.
Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”
Keeping our preschoolers safe and secure is our highest priority. We have three computer check-in stations in the Preschool Hall to enable parents to quickly and easily check-in. Our system assigns a unique number to each child every week, giving our staff a way to contact parents if necessary during the Gatherings. A guardian receipt is required upon pick-up of each child in all preschool classes.
The Preschool Hall is located on the 2nd floor of our Education Building. We offer classes on Sundays at all Gatherings using a curriculum that takes us through the entire Bible every three years. Through engaging Bible stories, music, crafts, games, and hands-on activities, preschoolers discover who God is, learn about Jesus, and build a foundation of biblical truth.
Parent Volunteer Schedule
Parent volunteers are vital to our Preschool environment – we could not provide safe, loving care without our parent helpers! All preschool parents who help in the nursery are covenant members, screened with a background check, and supervised by a lead teacher.
Preschoolers have the opportunity to grow through our Kids Foundation program during the fall and spring semesters. In Kids Foundation, we equip kids with the Truth, empowering them to defend their faith as set apart followers of Jesus. We partner with families to lay a strong foundation through Scripture, worship, and discipleship in fun and engaging ways. Click HERE for more information.
Family dedication is scheduled five times per year and happens at every Gathering hour on that given Sunday. The next dedication is August 16 in the 8:40, 10am and 4pm Gatherings. If you are considering having your child dedicated, register HERE by Friday, August 7.
Upcoming 2026 family dedication dates: October 18, December 20
At the beginning of each semester we have opportunities available to begin serving with preschoolers. Our first requirement is that you are a member of Highland or are on the road to membership. For more information about the volunteer application process, email Ann Shirley.
Kids Kingdom is our Parent's Day Out program, designed to nurture children in a loving, Christ-centered environment. Inspired by Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it," we recognize that every child is uniquely created by God with a special purpose. Our goal is to provide a strong foundation that encourages each child to grow according to God's design (mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally) through age-appropriate learning, play, and biblical truth.
Our fall/spring program meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-2:30pm. We generally coincide with the WISD school holiday schedule.

Preschool Minister

Associate Preschool Minister

Preschool/Kids Admin

Preschool Assistant: Kids Kingdom