Betty Leonard

Teaching children has been a lifelong dream of Old Mission’s Early Education Center Director, who has been a part of the childcare center for nearly 35 years. While the center’s national accreditation is a clear indication that Old Mission is dedicated to providing quality care for kids, Betty Leonard says it’s the family atmosphere that really sets the church’s program apart.

Peeking into the classrooms on a typical day, you’ll see children reading stories, building with blocks, painting colorful masterpieces or mastering their musical skills. Daily prayer before meals and weekly Bible stories help kids develop an awareness of God’s love for them. Favorite activities include field trips, the Christmas and spring music programs, and the end-of-the-year picnic.

“We have a consistent staff that is professional, dedicated, works well with each other and is committed to providing quality care and education,” Betty says. “I love talking and playing with the children and watching them grow up.”

As the center’s director, Betty helps to plan the center’s activities, meets with parents, supervises the staff, heads up enrollment efforts, and purchases materials, among other things.

Trust is a big deal when it comes to kids. But trusting Christ is something even adults have to be reminded of, Betty notes. “Trusting — to just let go and give problems over to God — is a lesson I just seem to continue to need to learn over and over.”

More fun facts about Betty:

What’s your favorite food?

Chocolate covered strawberries and strawberry shortcake

What are some of your favorite movies?

“Parenthood”

What’s your favorite sports team?

K-State Wildcats

For fun I enjoy ...

Riding bikes on the trail with my husband and son, watching my son play sports, travel, reading, movies

Tell us about your family...

My husband Chris (also a K-Stater) is a former teacher and coach who now works for the U.S. Post Office; we’ve been married more than 15 years. Our son Ross is 12 and in middle school. He likes to play sports like basketball and baseball, he plays the piano and trombone, and he loves to watch Chiefs football games and college basketball.