Kingdom Kids at First Baptist Church is getting more space and has a new director that is working to offer even more to the children who attend.
Kaylee Sykora took over as director for Kingdom Kids in October and most recently worked at Faith School in Stephenville.
Though she’s only been on the job for a couple of months, she already loves it and has bonded with the kids and other staff members.
“It’s a lot different since I’ve been a teacher since 2016, but this was the end goal. It’s a great thing that I’ve finally been able to achieve that goal and I absolutely love it,” she said.
Kaylee’s educational background includes graduating from Tarleton State University in fall 2020 with a bachelor’s in General Studies.
She started working at her first preschool when she was a sophomore in college and fell in love with the job. Starting as an assistant teacher she eventually worked her way up to lead teacher at the same school from 201620.
She then moved to a program in Glen Rose where she was an educational coordinator.
“I was over the lesson plans and kind of had more of an administrative role,” she explained. It was at this point that she took classes to get her director’s credentials which took her back to Faith School in Stephenville as lead teacher.
“This job just opened up at the perfect time and I’m finally able to use my credential,” she said.
“I love seeing the progress we have going on,” she said. “I am in the works of getting us Texas Rising Star certified and we have already seen growth in the school with the enrollment of six new families since I’ve been here.”
Currently, Kingdom Kids offers daycare beginning at 6 weeks, preschool for 3- to 4-year-olds and an after school program for kids through 12 weeks. They also offer a summer program for those kids who may need care while school is not in session.
Currently, they have about 30 in daycare and preschool and about 15 in the after school program. Their max capacity is 76.
Though there is currently a waitlist, Kaylee invites those interested to call or send an email to get more information or to be put on the waitlist. For more information email kingdomkidsdublin@gmail. com or call 254-445-0330.
“There is a big need for childcare especially with so many now transitioning back into an office environment after the pandemic,” she said.
Part of that progress is tearing down the old church next to First Baptist allowing for the daycare to have more space for its very own playground.
With the demolition being completed last week, Kaylee is excited to be able to move ahead with contractors completing dirt work and building the daycare its own playground.
“We will have one of the biggest playground centers in this area, hopefully by summer,” she said. “Seeing the expansion and the growth in just the two months that I’ve been here has been awesome.”
When she’s not busy with Kingdom Kids, Kaylee is raising her own little girls Adalynn, who is almost 2, and Presley, who is 6 months. Since she is getting married next week to Garrett, she is also busy with wedding planning preparations.