Preschool education was a relatively foreign concept when the First Community Church launched the Children’s Center in 1952.
Today, preschools are commonplace, and the Children’s Center, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, continues to teach basic educational and social skills to neighborhood children ages 2-5.
“The church started the school to provide a school of excellence for the young children of this community,” says Children’s Center director Ouida Johnson, who has been with the school 41 years.
“Our goal is to create a happy and loving environment where young children can learn to make decisions.”
Johnson joined the staff at the Children’s Center when her daughter, Janis – who is now the school’s computer instructor – was a student there in 1956. She has been a fixture ever since, replacing Carol Jones as director in 1971.
A 45th anniversary celebration is scheduled Dec. 6 at the home of neighborhood residents Matthew and Lori Trent. Anyone who has ever been involved with the school (parents, teachers and students) is welcome to attend. The celebration – a family Christmas party – will feature a party tent with games and prizes for children. Adults can participate in a silent auction to benefit the Children’s Center.
“The people there are so dedicated and never toot their own horn,” Trent says. “They do a lot for the Lakewood and Lake Highlands communities.”
“For a preschool, it’s amazing.”
For more information about the anniversary party, call the Children’s Center at 214-823-2119.
KIDS CALENDAR
Skillman Southwestern Library: The Skillman Southwestern Branch of the Dallas Public Library, 5707 Skillman at Southwestern, presents several activities for children. Toddler Time stories, songs, rhymes and fun for children ages 18-36 months will be held Nov. 11, 18 & 25 at 10 a.m. Preschool Story Fun, a similar program for children ages 3-6, will be held Nov. 4, 11, 18 & 25, at 10:40 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Pajama story time for children two and up will be held Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. Wear your pajamas and bring your favorite stuffed animal for stories. The Kids Fun Club meets Nov. 15 at 2:30 p.m. for a Medieval Festival. The Kids Fun Club meets once a month. Children must be in the first grade or older to join. Membership cards are available at the information desk. For information, call 214-670-6078.
Dallas Children’s Theater: The Dallas Children’s Theater begins its 1997-98 Crescent Theater Season with Sherlock Holmes’ “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” Performances run through Nov. 9 at the Crescent Theater, 2215 Cedar Springs across from the Hotel Crescent Court. Performances are Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 & 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for children and $12 for adults. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more. For reservations and information, call 214-978-0110.
