Welcome to Mother’s Day Out and Preschool!
A Message from the Director
I am so glad you are interested in our Mother’s Day Out program where the goal for the children we care for is to create a faith-based atmosphere of trust and love where they grow in wisdom, confidence and kindness. Please contact me if you have any questions (mdo@fpcbr.org).
Mission Statement
Our Mother’s Day Out and Preschool is a ministry of First Presbyterian that seeks to create a love for Jesus, a love for others and a love for learning in a safe, nurturing and Christ-centered environment where each child can grow and develop spiritually, physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52).
Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year Opens:
Thursday, December 11:
Prekindergarten (4 years old by September 30, 2026)
Monday, January 26:
Church members and alumni
Wednesday, January 28:
New families
For program availability and more information, please contact our director, Whitney Weiner (mdo@fpcbr.org or 225.620.0245).
Program Tour
We would love to have you tour our program. This gives you an opportunity to see us in action, meet our teachers and learn more about our ministry. Individual parent tours are offered Tuesday–Thursday mornings. Contact our director to schedule a tour.
Quick Facts
- Monday–Thursday from 9 am to 2 pm
- 2- or 4-day per week programs (Monday–Thursday, Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday)
- Ages: 6 months through pre-k (6 months old by September of the enrollment year)
- Program runs late August–May (starts prior to Labor Day)
- Low child/teacher ratios (with small class sizes and two full-time teachers in each class)
- Resource officer and video surveillance security system
- Optional after-school program for all ages on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2 to 2.45 pm.
Philosophy and Values
At First Presbyterian MDO and Preschool, we partner with parents through a relationship built on trust, communication and respect to develop and nurture the whole child’s growth and development. We know that each child is uniquely created by God and that children will grow and develop at their own individual pace. We strive to create a love for Jesus through prayer, Scripture, Bible lessons, songs and in our daily interactions. Seeking to help children express love for others by teaching and modeling love, kindness, sharing, compassion and honesty is the foundation for a life-long pattern. We desire to prepare children not only for academic success but also to have a positive impact in our world, growing and exhibiting wisdom, confidence, responsibility, kindness, compassion, self-control, respect and love.
MDO strives to develop a love for learning through hands-on activities and play experiences that are developmentally appropriate, intellectually stimulating and spiritually nurturing. We use teacher-guided and child-initiated learning opportunities for children to ask questions, express themselves, collaborate with others, discover and take creative risks. Our program is rich in play, as it provides children with the primary foundation for learning, exploring, problem solving and building an understanding of our world and their role within it.
We desire to prepare children not only for academic success but also to have a positive impact in our world, growing and exhibiting wisdom, confidence, responsibility, kindness, compassion, self-control, respect and love.
Parent Testimonials
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Lauren B.
First Presbyterian MDO came highly recommended, and we have been so blessed by this ministry. The teachers love the children, and they provide a nurturing environment for them to learn and grow physically, spiritually, emotionally and intellectually. My children love MDO! They’ve learned so much and I love hearing them sing the praise and worship songs they’ve learned there. I’m so happy that our family attends First Presbyterian MDO and Preschool. It has enriched all of our lives and has blessed us abundantly.
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The L. Walker Family
We started our children at First Presbyterian MDO a few years ago. Ever since, we have watched our children receive unconditional love and support all along the way. Every single person in that building: teachers, staff, custodians, helpers, etc. have always made us feel warm and welcome. We watched our children thrive in a beautiful, loving, warm environment. Both have learned so much over the years not only academically but socially and for this we all feel blessed. Seeing our children get excited to go to school every day has never made us question our decision to send them to MDO. We are blessed beyond belief and thank God for everyone in the MDO ministry.
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Kate M.
I cannot say enough good things about First Presbyterian MDO and Preschool. I have had a child in the program for 6 straight years and we’ve seen every classroom. I have loved every single teacher we have had. They genuinely care about the children, so I feel very comfortable leaving my child. The classrooms are kept clean. The families I have met will always be considered friends. It’s such a great place for kids to make friendships, learn about God and learn so many important skills to give them a good foundation before beginning big school. My children have been very prepared for the social skills and academic curriculums in big school after leaving. It makes me sad to know one day my children will outgrow First Presbyterian.
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Anna P.
Mother’s Day Out at First Presbyterian has been a refreshing experience for my family. There are so many facets to the program that I could praise but what stands out the most to me is the devotion, patience and professionalism of the staff. As a former educator I truly believe that the teacher determines the entire tone for the classroom. Every single teacher over the last three years at First Presbyterian has poured into each of my children emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally. Even the long-standing substitutes are one of a kind!
The PreK-3 program has taught my daughter so much in such a short time. Her teachers challenge her thinking, welcome her ideas, encourage independence and spark creativity. The foundations have been well laid as I remember her specifically coming home well-versed in what hibernation was after a certain unit in the two-year-old class! My husband and I were so impressed!
We love the safe environment MDO has created! We love the dynamic staff and their genuine hearts! We love the fruits of their labor and the impact they have had on our children.
Curriculum
Our teachers use a theme-based curriculum that strives to provide each child with the opportunity to grow and learn. Our day is filled with developmental based activities balanced between teacher guided and child-initiated learning including:
- Morning Meeting and Prayer
- Play (free play and planned learning centers)
- Circle Time with story time, songs, music and finger plays
- Activity Time – art activities, sensory activities, STEM and more (small and large group)
- Chapel Time with weekly Bible stories, songs and prayer that share God’s Word and his love.
- Play: Outdoor and/or indoor play time balanced between structured and unstructured playtime. We have a toddler playground and separate playground for preschool age.
We incorporate Manners of the Heart into our program as we seek to foster and create a love for Jesus, a love for others and a love for learning. This is an educational program designed to strengthen morals, improve social and emotional skills and increase respectfulness.
Snack: The program will provide a daily morning snack.
Lunch: Parents provide lunch daily for their child. Our program is nut-free.
Nap & Rest time: Parents provide a nap mat for rest/nap time
Enrichment and After-School Classes
The following enrichment classes for children three years of age and older who are potty trained are offered: Soccer Shots, Tumbling Tigers,
Tiger Tennis, TOT Basketball, and King’s Praise Creative Movement.
Additionally, Stay and Play (after-school class) is offered for all ages on Tuesday through Thursday, 2 to 2.45 pm.
There is an additional cost for each of these programs.
Pre-K
Our Pre-Kindergarten curriculum follows a modified version of the Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum from the Louisiana State Department of Education. For more detailed information on our pre-k curriculum, click here.
*Alumni status is granted to those who have had a sibling attend our 3-year-old and older program within the last 10 years.
