The Harvester Sheffield Christian Preschool opened its doors on July 1 at 2432 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.
The preschool is named after the late Beverly Sheffield who retired from the U.S. Air Force after serving for many years as a nurse. She’s also being honored for having been a longtime member of Harvester Community Church and for providing funds to help establish the preschool following her death.
The new preschool occupies an entire wing of the church that has Russ McKee as its pastor.
Jamilet “Milly” Rodriguez is program director of the preschool that has students who are between two and five years old.
Rodriguez earned director credentials from Brewster Technical College in Tampa and she also has a Child Development Associate credential from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAYEC), a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.
There are currently two teachers at the preschool along with her as program director, Rodriguez said. Four students are currently enrolled there.
Both of those numbers are anticipated to increase as more people become aware of the new preschool, Rodriguez said. The preschool will operate 12 months out of the year and will only be closed during holidays and in case of inclement weather.
Having a preschool there was a dream when the church first opened in December of 1995, McKee said. It took 29 years but that dream’s finally been realized according to Rodriguez and McKee.
Anyone desiring additional information about the preschool, including how much it will cost for a student to attend, can call Rodriguez at (813) 949-0096.
Published August 14, 2024
