MOTHER'S DAY OUT &
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
Helping Children Grow
This is a 20+ year program that meets two days a week (Tues/Thurs) beginning mid-August running through mid-May. Our program helps children develop learning and social skills, through arts and creativity; music and movement; science and discovery, and play, enabling them to move on to kindergarten.
2 Year Old Class
Toddlers begin their adventure into learning with an introduction to uppercase letters, numbers 1-10, colors, and shapes. Fun activities like crafts, color sheets, sticker play,
and outdoor time help nurture fine and large motor skills.
We help develop important
social skills like listening, taking turns, sharing, and playing together.
This class is perfect for little ones starting to explore the world of potty training.
3 Year Old Class
Students dive deeper into the world of learning by identifying upper and lowercase letters, identifying letters in their names, numbers to 10, and shapes. They’ll learn to engage with phonics, use scissors, and practice holding pencils and crayons, as well as enhance social skills through cooperation and conflict resolution. Enrichment activities are included for motor skills development and structured classwork will help foster
attentiveness and listening.
Our 3-year olds are encouraged toward bathroom independence.
Pre-K Class
Preparing for kindergarten is exciting in our Pre-K class! Children learn to identify and write letters and numbers to 20; delve into beginning math concepts; develop English and early reading skills through sight words and print awareness; explore science through experiments and observations; practice leadership skills and teamwork; as well as learning social skills like expressing feelings and resolving conflicts. Independence is encouraged from opening lunches and carrying backpacks, to mastering bathroom etiquette.
Meet Our Director
Darlene Whorton
Darlene is originally from Central New York and moved to this area in
1995. She is married and has two grown daughters and 2 granddaughters, who’ve attended this program. Darlene joined the staff in January of 2002, after MDO’s inception in September 2001. In addition to teaching, she became the bookkeeper and Board Member in 2003, MDO Co-Director in 2007, and Christian Education Director for First Presbyterian Church from 2009-2023.
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She has seen hundreds of children come through the program and has
watched each one flourish in a variety of ways. As a Pre-K teacher for 20 years, she has taken pride in preparing children for kindergarten and seeing the excitement that comes with learning become infectious. The friendships she has developed with many of the families continue today. Darlene continues to develop partnerships with her staff and each MDO family to ensure the program continues to be the ministry that God has provided for the community.
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“There’s nothing more challenging, yet so rewarding, than watching a child accomplish something new and changing a child’s life."
Meet Our Director
Julie Castle
Originally from East Tennessee, Julie has called Nashville home since 2005. Married for 36 years and a proud mom of three grown sons, she began teaching in 2006 after her youngest graduated from the MDO program.
In 2024, she became Co-Director and Music Director while continuing to teach our Pre-K class. With over 25 years of experience in children’s ministry and early childhood education,
Julie has played a key role in developing programs and curriculum that prepare children for academic success. She is especially passionate about helping young learners build a strong foundation-socially, emotionally, and academically-so they are confident and ready to enter school. What Julie enjoys most is seeing kids have fun, explore their world, and light up when they discover something new.
About Our Preschool
Our Directors have 20+ years experience, while our teaching staff averages 13 years. We look forward to working with you and your child in helping them continue to grow and learn.
Together we will become family.
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Our program has been an integral part of the community for 25+ years working with parents/caregivers to prepare the children for kindergarten and more.
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The Mission Statement of our program is:
To provide a loving, nurturing and educational Christian care program for preschool aged children in the community. To help children develop important life skills, a sense of -worth and respect for others, to learn about God and the bible; to show the love of Jesus through our actions, and to develop an excitement for learning.
This program is a two day a week structured program that runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
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We follow the Rutherford County School system calendar for holidays and inclement weather days.
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This is not a year-round program but starts in August, and ends mid-May.
Contact Us
Address
540 Sam Ridley Pkwy W,
Smyrna, TN, 37167
Contact
615-220-0222
Opening Hours
Tuesday
8:45 am – 2:00 pm
Thursday
8:45 am – 2:00 pm
