About the Preschool

Our Mission Statement

The mission of Grace First Presbyterian Church Preschool is to support the community by maintaining an affordable, high quality education and care program for young children, in a nurturing Christian environment.

Our Philosophy

We believe that all children have a natural desire to play, to explore to learn and to express themselves as individuals. As children engage in their environments, they strive to understand the world and all its properties and mysteries. As they grow, children develop relationships with peers and adults and learn to communicate, to express themselves and their ideas. Their engagement in their environment and relationships with others are experiences that help children build on their understanding of the world and their place in it. At Grace First Presbyterian Church Preschool we want children to explore actively, to express themselves freely, to think critically, to work collaboratively and to live joyfully.

Grace First Presbyterian Church Preschool believes that:

• Each child is a unique gift.
• Each child is highly capable.
• Each child should have the opportunity to discover, explore, and to express their curiosity.
• Each child has a right to be valued and respected for who they are.
• Each child should explore materials and share experiences.
• Each child should make discoveries that build knowledge, awareness, and skills.
• Each child should have the opportunities to share their ideas and feelings, and to listen to others.
• Each child should learn to resolve conflicts and to develop compassion.
• Each child, through their interactions with others, will develop trust and confidence.

OUR HISTORY

Grace First Preschool was established in 1957 as an outreach to serve the children and families in our community. It continues to provide developmentally-appropriate curriculum for children ages 2 1/2 to 5.

Our curriculum provides a balance of child discovery and teacher guidance. It builds self-regulation, self-help, and self-guidance. Our programs develop and grow school readiness skills, leading to a more successful future in school and beyond. Grace First Preschool is a great place to Learn and Grow!

The Preschool will provide an environment that encourages children to:

• Develop a love of learning

• Be part of a community of friends

• Develop a positive sense of self

• Communicate ideas effectively

• Explore, discover, ask questions and find solutions

• Use their whole body effectively

• Practice basic skills and healthy habits and understand why they are important.

OUR STAFF

Grace First Presbyterian Church Preschool is blessed with a qualified staff of warm and loving educators dedicated to making a positive difference in the life of each and every child.

Our teachers are your partners in assuring that your child is safe and has fun in an environment that is conducive to your child being their best self. 

Nicole Islas (Director) - I grew up in California and attended Mount San Antonio college while being a full-time mother. Thinking nursing was going to be my passion, I took a child development course, and that’s when things changed for me. I felt called to continue in the childcare field and started working as a teacher's aide. After completing the required licensing courses, I began teaching in my own classroom and I loved every aspect of my new field. Being able to help every child in different ways, as every child is unique, is such a joy to me. I’ve been in the child development field now for over 10 years. I am the mother of three children Hailey, Logan, and Selina. We enjoy hiking trips to be outdoors, and family movie nights all together.

Cristen Marshall (Teacher) – I graduated from San Diego State University with my Bachelor of Science Degree. After graduation, I began a full time career in the garment industry. When my second daughter entered Kindergarten, I decided to transition to a part time position as a teacher’s aide here at Grace First Preschool. I have been teaching here for the past 10 years. My daughters Tarah and Tatum attended preschool here and are now in college. I have enjoyed working with young children and providing a warm, loving and nurturing environment. I am a health enthusiast. I enjoy weight training and hiking, spending time with family and I love to cook fresh and nutritious meals with my daughters.

Stephanie Heard (Teacher) - I have been working with children for over 25 years as a Teacher’s Assistant. Now that I have completed my ECE units, I’m so excited to be working with your children as a teacher for the two year-olds. I am a Long Beach native. My husband, Michael and I enjoy walking on the beach, music and visiting with family. I want you all to know that I’m committed to doing my very best to care for the children that are entrusted to my care. We have a great team here at Grace First Preschool and we are all working together to provide the best care for your child.

Candace Dillon (Teacher) - I’m the lead 2 year old Teacher. I have worked for three years as a Preschool Teacher for the Long Beach Unified School District Child Development Program. I gained lots of experience working with children and helping prepare them for Kindergarten in this job. In October of 2021, I graduated with my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from the University of Arizona Global Campus. In my free time, I love to bake, cook and spend time with my husband of 14 years and our two sons, Kole (11) and Karter (7). I am so excited to work with all of you and your children. I look forward to creating a nurturing, loving, and fun classroom for my students to learn, play, and grow!

Sarah Lucas (Teacher) - I've been working in Early childhood education for 13 years and one of the best things about my job is that there's never a dull moment. I also have worked in The Los Angeles CourtHouse for 7 years at the child's care waiting room. I have three children of my own and enjoy spending time going to the movies and being outdoors.

Jeannette Mendoza (Teacher) - This will be my second year working at Grace First Preschool. I attended Long Beach Community College for early childhood education courses. I have lived in the Long Beach community for over 10 years. I also have two children and I love teaching because I love making learning fun and exciting.

Tianna Serrato (Teacher) - I am the lead teacher for our three year old’s and this is my second year at Grace First. I graduated from UC Davis in 2022 with a degree in psychology. I moved to Long Beach that same year and joined the preschool staff. In my free time I love to read, knit, and be outdoors. Working with children has always been a passion of mine and I love watching them grow and learn.

Sara Haynes - My journey in Early Childhood Education began over 10 years ago. In those years I have lead classes ranging from Parent Participation to Pre-K. I love to see and help to cultivate the joy, creativity, and growth your children bring to the world. In addition to my ECE units, I hold a BA in Art History and a Certificate of Completion in Library Studies. I have two kids and a bonus son (elementary through adulthood). I enjoy reading, exploring nature, and hanging out with my kids.

Adrienne Barerra - I graduated with an Associate’s in Science for Early Childhood Education, and an Associate’s in Liberal Arts & Science for Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and Mathematics and Natural Sciences from Los Angeles Harbor College, Initially, I worked at the campus’ Child Development Center, and that experience led me to go back to school and obtain my degrees. I found that working with young children can be an enlightening experience, and I knew I wanted to be a part of the opportunity to help them learn and grow the moment I stepped into a classroom. In my free time, I can be found outdoors. Whether it’s exploring the local coast, hiking deep into a forest, or wandering in the desert, I’m always curious about the vast world we live in.

Eileen Dominguez - I am a mother of 2 boys, my first son is 16 years old, and my youngest is 2 years old.  My fiancé Bryan and I are excited to get married next year. The family and I love board games and outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, beach walks, and sports. Currently, I am pursuing my BS degree in Child Development at Cal State Long Beach. I have over 14 years of experience in the classroom setting. Over these years, I have seen two year old’s grow into five year old’s or even older! Those messy little hands turned into little writers. It has fascinated me to see how much a child can learn in the first five years of life, if given the love, guidance, and patience they all need. I am beyond happy to be a part of your child’s development. “Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.” – Bob Talbert