Contact Us: (315) 967-9561 or playschool@firstbaptist-manlius.org
Schedule and Programs:
Our classes are held Monday – Friday
9:00 a.m until 12:00 p.m.
2025-2026 Class Offerings
4 & 5-year-olds (by December 1)
3 days per week
5 days per week
We provide a “gap year” class for children eligible for kindergarten who would benefit from the advantage of an extra year in a smaller class setting. This program offers a healthy mix of play and academic activities designed to prepare them for kindergarten.
3-year-olds (by December 1)
2 days per week
3 days per week
5 days per week
The Director thoughtfully places children in classes based on age, preferred number of days, and input from families.
Gymnasium or playground occurs daily
Monthly story time with Miss Windy from the Manlius Library
Yoga with Miss Trista monthly
Kindergarten at Playschool for ages 5 and 6
Parents, did you know that you have choices regarding your child’s kindergarten year? Compulsory education in NYS is not required until the age of six. Even so, children aged six whose families prefer to homeschool can attend our half-day kindergarten class as an enrichment to their homeschool plan. With limited enrollment in our classes, teachers can tailor instruction to meet your child’s unique academic and social needs. Contact us today to explore the benefits of giving your child a nurturing and enriching kindergarten year at Playschool!
About Us
At Playschool, we foster the development of essential social skills and knowledge through engaging and purposeful lessons. Our curriculum is theme-based to help connect young children’s experiences to their learning. The program takes a playful approach to teaching activities that encourage sensory, fine, and gross motor development, reading readiness, music, and movement. Our focus is on providing opportunities for children to explore their interests, unleash their imagination, cultivate creativity, and enhance their confidence.
At Playschool, early childhood education goes beyond preparing children for kindergarten; it is an investment in their future, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success in a warm and welcoming Christian environment.
Our School
Our program is dedicated to promoting independence, group interaction, and personal responsibility. We provide a nurturing and welcoming environment where children learn to respect themselves, others, and the toys and materials they use.
Small Class Sizes
Our instruction is designed to meet each child’s unique needs. With a limit of 7 three-year-olds and 8 four-year-olds per class, our teachers can personalize instruction and create a caring, Christian atmosphere that takes into account the whole child – HEAD, HANDS, and HEART!
Educational Fun
Each activity at Playschool is designed to be both engaging and purposeful to promote cognitive and social development. We provide ample time for play, balanced with age-appropriate whole group and individualized instruction.
Family-Oriented
Our school places a strong emphasis on creating meaningful connections between home and school. We offer a range of activities through the year to encourage family participation: Rally Day, Trunk-or-Treat, Parents’ Afternoon Out, Craft Night, Field Trips, and a Christmas Concert.
in the Chapel
Sharing and Caring:
Throughout the year, Playschool students and parents can participate in the charitable and community programs of the First Baptist Church of Manlius:
Operation Christmas Child
Food Pantry Donations and Pajama Drive with FM Community Outreach
Mitten Tree
Grace Abounds (clothing charity at First Baptist Manlius)
Melissa Mapstone
Hello, and welcome to our school page! I am an elementary school teacher with a Master’s in Education Administration. I value building safe and nurturing classrooms with teachers who provide hands-on activities to encourage play and social interaction. I believe children learn letters and numbers best in the context of everyday experiences, and I love to see their artwork brightening our classroom walls and hallways! The saying, “Fight Fear with Faith,” grew in meaning to me as God and I journeyed through my 2nd brain tumor diagnosis, and you’ll often see me wearing gray in recognition of brain tumor awareness. Supporting others as I have received comfort and care is important to me. I am also a photographer. I enjoy taking photos of our children around our family farm, where I live with my husband, Peter. Our children attended Playschool, and I am excited to continue to be a part of the school community as Director. I look forward to welcoming you to the Playschool family!
Wednesday Morning Bible Studies
During the school year (September – June), Playschool parents are invited to join Melissa Mapstone’s Wednesday morning Bible studies in the church library.
Contact Us: (315) 967-9561 or playschool@firstbaptist-manlius.org