New Preschool Program Fills Community Need In Orchard

After an Orchard daycare closed its doors, three local women decided to pursue some options for youth in their community.

Desirae Schwager, Lynae Stelling and Tammy Cheatum all met and discussed how to solve the issue when the Little Willow Daycare closed in December 2017. They later presented it to the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church council. After several meetings, they finally decided on a 3-year-old preschool program and began their search for someone to run the preschool.

Jill Walmer, a 2012 Orchard graduate, said she could no longer resist the urge to come home and was approached by church members to run the faith-based preschool. Walmer said she felt as if it was meant to be.

“I was moving back and looking for a job so they asked me to start here in their church,” she said.

Like all good things, it takes time and Walmer had to go through several steps in order to pursue this program, including getting her license, buying curriculum, undergoing inspections from the fire marshal and getting help from the community with donations.

Orchard Principal Cathy Cooper said with the lack of daycare in the community, this “is offering one more avenue” for families.

The preschool children attend class from 8 a.m. to noon, the opposite hours of those attending the 4-year-old preschool provided by the public school.

“We are hoping since we have the opposite hours of the public preschool we can open up spots at daycare,” Schwager explained.

Walmer runs the program with the help of a few volunteers, but is looking for more help.

“I would really like permanent volunteers,” she said. “And, if anyone such as a firefighter, policeman, or dentist would like to come in and talk about their job, please contact me at [email protected].”

Schwager said she hopes this faith-based program not only helps the community, but also helps give kids the headstart they need.

“We’re just hoping to spread faith-based education,” Schwager said with a smile, showing the pride she has for the new program.

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