Patty Austin
Miss Patty is the Director of Early Step Daycare. She and the Pastor of the church began researching the requirements for a daycare ministry and the need for a daycare in the community. The possibility was presented to the church for the first time in March 2004. Patty was an original member of the Daycare Steering Committee which wa s established Nov. 2004. In Feb. of 2005 the church voted to start a daycare ministry with the Daycare Steering Committee becoming the Daycare Board of Directors. Patty was hired as the Daycare Director in April 2005. Early Step Daycare Ministry opened its doors for the first time on Aug. 8, 2005. Patty has done a wonderful job in her role as Director.
Childcare Staff:
Teresa Cooper-Kitchen Staff
Miss Teresa started as a volunteer here at Early Step. She was hired in September 2006 when we expanded and added additional classes. Miss Teresa loves working with the little ones. You will almost always find her sitting in the floor with little ones in her lap.
Karen Hemmings-Teacher
Miss Karen has been with Early Step since the fall of 2005. She became lead teacher in the Dove room in the fall of 2007.
Kendra Murphy-Teacher
Ms. Kendra came to work at Early Step in the spring of 2008. She brings preschool teaching experience with her.
Andrea Yager-Teacher
Miss Andrea started with Early Step Daycare in Aug. 2008. She has a BS in Elementary Education. She is team teaching with Miss Jackie. She teaches math and science to the 4 and 5 year olds. She shows a great deal of compassion for the children. You will always find Miss Andrea with a smile on her face a nice word for “her kids”.
Jackie Chapman-Teacher
Miss Jackie started with Early Stepin the Fall of 2007. She came to us with lots of pre-school experience, great ideas, and many fun things to do!!! Miss Jackie is loved by all of her students. She's been a great addition to the Early Step Staff.
Kitchen Staff:
MaMa & PaPa
Nancy and Donald Reinbrecht are our cooks and all the kids and staff call them MaMa & PaPa. They have been at Early Step since we opened. Not only are they our cooks, they also help with potty training! When a toddler goes on the potty, they get hugs, encouragement, and a special treat from MaMa & PaPa.
Cynthia Stephens
Miss Cynthia started as a volunteer in the Bumble Bee class. In January 2006 she started full time at Early Step. She worked in the Bumble Bee room as well as the kitchen. She now works full time in the kitchen. The children also know Miss Cynthia has a hug for each one.
Other Staff:
Brandon Austin
Mr. Brandon is a graduate of Tecumseh High School and is now a student at Oakland City University majoring in Elementary Education. Brandon began as a volunteer the first day we opened in 2005 and was hired shortly thereafter. He has worked with all the children from the Bumble Bees to the Rhinos. Brandon also works with our elementary age after school program. He also is responsible for our student record keeping.