Winter Garden Baptist dedicates new preschool

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Winter Garden Academy early childhood education center was held Sept. 14, 2022, with children’s sand pails and shovels, so it’s only fitting the Aug. 26 ribbon-cutting took place with preschool safety scissors.

First Baptist Church of Winter Garden held the dedication of its new preschool and childcare center — on North Woodland Street — for ages 5 weeks to 4 years old Saturday morning. Pastor Tim Grosshans led the ceremony, with remarks from Winter Garden Mayor John Rees, who attends the church, and preschool director Luz Velez.

Rees called it a well-built facility and a beautiful addition to the city of Winter Garden.

“(This school) is going to start these children off, learning and knowing about Christ at an early age, and as they go forward, they’re going to be a positive influence, not only just in our city, our community, but (in the world).”

Velez said she’s blessed to be leading the new preschool.

“The building is beautiful, the heart behind the people that actually wanted to build this building is amazing,” she said.

Families in attendance toured the facility — and children checked out the playgrounds — following the ribbon-cutting.

WINTER GARDEN ACADEMY

“Pastor Tim had the vision of parents picking up their children and hearing them sing about Jesus as they drove home,” project leader Bill Gavin said.

That was five years ago. Today, the $6 million facility has been completed with the most modern equipment and design.

On the construction team are GC Keator Construction, architect Becky Bell with SMA Architect and Interior, civil engineer Selby Weeks with Kilma Weeks Civil Engineers, and preschool consultant Nelson Eagle.

The 12,738-square-foot building was planned for 154 students in 10 classrooms. There are two infant rooms, an indoor play area, an outdoor playground partially under a roof and placed on top of artificial turf, a full laundry room and shower, and three shared restrooms throughout the facility. In addition, eight of the classrooms have two restroom stalls and sinks.

The facility was designed with many extra features, such as special door hinges that can’t pinch little fingers; pint-sized toilets, furniture and refrigerators; and storage outside each classroom for car seats and strollers for children who are dropped off and picked up by different people.

There are several rooms for every age, and each hallway and classroom wall is a different color to help children find their rooms. Children are sorted by age and class name: Infants, Bumblebees and Caterpillars; toddlers, Busy Bees and Sunshine classes; 2-year-olds, Dragonflies, Lovebugs and Bear Cubs; 3-year-olds, Mighty Ducks and Pandas; and pre-K, Cuties.

A few openings remain. For more information, visit wgacademy.com or call (407) 573-8037 to schedule a tour.

MEET THE DIRECTOR

Velez has 27 years of preschool experience. She said she is excited for the inaugural year of the preschool and getting to do what she loves in a Christian setting. This year’s program will include chapel time, in-house “field trips,” guest visitors to participate in activities with the children and a small spring festival.

“This year we’re starting slow,” Velez said. “We are fully staffed, and we want to make sure the school is full as well.”

Next year there will be a full calendar of activities and events for the year-round program, she said. This will include an open house, monthly activities, fall and spring festivals, and a Christmas program; as well as programs centered around grandparents, parents and friends.

The director lives in Orlando and is married with three children and five grandchildren.

“One of my favorite things is spending time with family; it doesn’t matter where,” Velez said. “I just love it.”

Her “family” has now expanded to include a large preschool of children from West Orange County.

“I feel very honored to be here … putting God first in everything that we do and making sure that we never lose focus that is not about any of us,” she said. “It’s about what He wants for us and to be able to impact not just on this community but all the lives of the children we will be touching.”