Did you know that we have a renown preschool right here on our Shepherd’s Grove campus?

Jenny Hart Preschool is a full-day Christian Preschool committed to quality childcare in the community of Irvine. It is a ministry of formerly Irvine Presbyterian Church now Shepherd’s Grove Presbyterian Church, founded in 1985 in the memory of Jennifer Lynn Hart (1978–1984).

Jenny Hart provides a play-based program, focusing on building healthy social skills while exposing children to pre-academic concepts. They offer a balance of teacher-directed and child-initiated activities in a full day of age-appropriate learning experiences.

Janelle Morgan has worked at Jenny Hart Preschool with 23 years. Beginning as a preschool teacher at age 19, Janelle has played various roles like assistant director, program director, and now serves as the Director of Jenny Hart Preschool.

When describing a typical day as the Jenny Hart Director, Janelle laughs as she says, “There’s not a typical day.” She mentions hugs, cuddles, running around, staff meetings, parent tours, checking for lice, and mandating things. Every day is different, but Janelle always encourages her staff with “love and logic.”

Janelle’s favorite part of her job is hugging kids and helping families. She shares a story of a mysterious donation received one day from a Jenny Hart parent that none of the staff could remember. They tracked down the parent and asked why they were given such a generous donation. It turns out, the child of the family only attended Jenny Hart for one year, but the man answered, “Through your preschool, we found Jesus.”

Janelle mentions how special it is to be able to share the campus with Shepherd’s Grove and for the opportunity to establish Christian values in the kid’s lives at such a young age, even reaching their families through what their children learn. The preschool is open to everyone, but Christian values are sprinkled through everything that Jenny Hart teaches.

In her spare time, Janelle likes brunch, watching football, and spending time with her two rescue bulldogs.

Jenny Hart currently has openings in their 3-year-old class, and Shepherd’s Church members get priority registration! Jenny Hart also offers classes from 2-year-olds to kindergarten. Visit jennyhart.org for more info.