Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Welch.
Amanda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I joined Alden Bridge Preschool in 2015 and at the time, the church and school were going through several transitions. From the beginning, I knew it was going to be a challenge but it ignited so much excitement within me that I knew I would be able to get things back on track. There was a total of 12 students enrolled in our school my first week joining the team and I could see that my work was cut out for me. The team that I was blessed with made it so much easier to take on the challenge that I was faced with. Our Assistant Director, Hannah Wilems, was eager and happy to do whatever needed to be done, including working on her off days. The teachers were absolutely amazing and the team work that was displayed was like no other. Truly inspired me even more to not let them down with the re-building of our school. By the end of our first year, we had more than tripled in size. It was a fast, extremely busy year, but having the substantial growth that we did, gave us the energy and inspiration we needed to continue. Moving into our second year together, we started the year with 50+ students and ended the year with 80+ students. Our special events and activities grew substantially in our second year as well. This was not only because our student body had expanded, but also because we had so many parents that wanted to be involved and a part of the wonderful things that were happening. We had our very first Gala in February 2017 at the Hyatt Centric The Woodlands and it too was a huge success. The plans and goals that I have for the years to come are consistent with what we are doing to ensure we take things one step at a time to accomplish all that we have set forth and hope to accomplish.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t by any means been a smooth road, but the team that I have has made it much more manageable. Starting the year out with such few students caused for severe financial strain and worry that there weren’t enough students for a class. Alden Bridge Presbyterian Church really stepped in and made our school their primary mission, which alleviated the financial strain. We anticipated growth, but it did happen much quicker than expected, so we did have to adapt to that with all of our planning.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Alden Bridge Presbyterian Preschool – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Our school, Alden Bridge Presbyterian Preschool, has been successfully preparing children for Kindergarten for over 15 years. We are known for our safe environment, developmentally based curriculum, low teacher/student ratios, flexible scheduling options, large classrooms and qualified teachers and staff. We are most proud of the relationships that are built between our students/families and our teachers and staff, and also the levels of mastery that our children have accomplished when they have completed our four-year-old Pre-K class. A positive relationship is key when it comes to establishing a love for learning in early childhood and we strive to ensure each child feels loved, safe, and comfortable so they can flourish in a classroom setting. Once a solid foundation is established, the possibilities are endless and we strongly feel this is what sets us apart from others.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The plans that I have for our school are to continue to grow, make a difference in our community, and elaborate more on what we currently have established within our school. I am eager and excited for our 20th anniversary gala and the partnerships we will build within the community throughout the upcoming school year.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7575 E. Alden Bridge Drive,
The Woodlands, TX 77382 - Website: aldenbridgepreschool.org
- Phone: 936.273.6330
- Email: amanda@aldenbridgepreschool.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aldenbridgepreschool/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
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