Batavia preschool has been molding young minds for 20 years

BATAVIA – Batavia Covenant Church Preschool teacher Chris Cramer on Wednesday was clapping along with her students to the song "If You're Happy and You Know It."

"I love working with 3-year-olds," Cramer said. "They are the ones who will yell 'I did it!' when they learn something."

The nonprofit preschool first opened its doors in 1990. The preschool begins classes the first week of September and ends the school year the last week of May.

Cramer this fall is starting her 19th year with the school.

She started with the preschool as an aide after enrolling her son David in the school.

Cramer works closely with the other teachers at the preschool.

"There are a lot of caring and loving people here," Cramer said. "There is so much support. We're like a family. Most all of us have started with a child here."

That includes Jennifer Boice, who is starting her 16th year at the preschool.

"I started as a teaching assistant when my daughter, Hannah, who is now 20, was in a class," Boice said. "She was hesitant to separate from me."

Boice currently teaches a pre-kindergarten class at the school that is for children who are five years old but not yet in kindergarten.

"The children are very eager to learn and show so much excitement when they come up with a word," Boice said. "They are so pleased with themselves."

Kay Ollett also is starting her 16th year at the preschool. Ollett believes the longevity of the school's staff gives the preschool a boost.

"It makes the school stronger," Ollett said. "We are known in the neighborhood."

Families don't have to be members of Batavia Covenant Church to enroll their children in the preschool.

"We are here to serve the families and children of the area," said preschool director Leesa Urban.

Fifty-eight students are currently enrolled in the preschool, who are from as far away as Yorkville.

"All are classes are designed to prepare the students for kindergarten, to be successful in kindergarten," Urban said. "We are really trying to address all the phases of a child's development."

Urban, who started at the preschool last fall, teaches a class for 2-year-olds.

"I love seeing the kids come in every day," Urban said. "They are just so happy to be here."

She appreciates the efforts of her staff.

"The teachers are fantastic," Urban said. "Everybody loves what they are doing."

Batavia Covenant Preschool is located at 1314 Main St., Batavia, 630-879-3795. More information is available at www.bataviacovenant.com.