Preschool
Elkin First United Methodist Church Preschool
Elkin First United Methodist Church Preschool is dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of the whole child—physically, emotionally, socially, cognitively, and spiritually. Guided by our Christian mission, we provide a loving environment where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace, supported by highly trained and compassionate educators.
Our Developmental Goals
- Support growth in all areas of early childhood development while honoring each child’s individuality
- Partner with families in the care, education, and well-being of every child
Encourage active family and community involvement - Emphasize play-based learning as a meaningful and effective approach
- Provide safe, clean, and nurturing classrooms that inspire creativity and curiosity
- Prepare children for a confident and successful transition to kindergarten
Faith is at the heart of everything we do. We believe each child is a unique creation of God and deeply loved. Our daily routines reflect this through Bible stories, scripture memorization, prayer, songs of praise, and blessings. Most importantly, our staff models Christ-like love and kindness in every interaction.
All teachers at EFUMC Preschool are trained in Early Childhood Education and certified in CPR and First Aid, ensuring both quality instruction and a high standard of care.
We are a part-time, nonprofit preschool that operates on a nine-month schedule, following the Elkin City Schools calendar. This includes closures for holidays, teacher workdays, and seasonal breaks.
Program Options
Three-Day Program (Tuesday–Thursday | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
9 Months - Threes: $205/month
Kindergarten Readiness (Fours): $225/month
Four-Day Program (Monday–Thursday | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
9 Months - Threes: $225/month Kindergarten Readiness (Fours): $240/month
Now Enrolling for the 2026–2027 School Year!
At EFUMC Preschool, we are committed to growing the whole child in a safe, loving, Christ-centered environment.
Located in the heart of Elkin
Serving children ages 9 months through Pre-K
Faith-based learning woven into everyday experiences
Limited spots available — now enrolling
Why Families Love EFUMC Preschool
- Christ-centered environment
- Experienced, caring teachers
- Small class sizes for individualized attention
- Hands-on, play-based learning
- Strong focus on kindergarten readiness
- Safe, nurturing, family-like atmosphere
What Your Child Will Experience
Early literacy and foundational academics
Social and emotional development
Fine and gross motor skill growth
Music, movement, and creative play
Bible stories, prayer, and faith-based lessons
Programs Offered
- 9 Months & Toddlers
- Two-Year-Old Classes
- Three-Year-Old Classes
- Four-Year-Old / Kindergarten Readiness
- 9-Month School Year
- School Day Begins at 9:00 AM
We partner with families to create a joyful, supportive, and meaningful preschool experience.
- Come see what makes our preschool so special!
- For registration and more information: kristip@elkinfumc.org
At Elkin First United Methodist Church Preschool, we are committed to helping children thrive academically, socially, and spiritually building a strong foundation for life.
We would love to welcome your family into ours.
Elkin First United Methodist Church Preschool
Meet Our Preschool Family
Mrs. Kristi Pilkenton
Preschool Director
Kristi Pilkenton serves as the Preschool Director at Elkin First United Methodist Church, where she leads with both passion and purpose. With over a decade of experience in early childhood education, Kristi is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming environment where children and families feel deeply supported, valued, and loved.
Her journey with the preschool began in 2009 as a parent, later stepping into the role of lead teacher in 2012, and faithfully serving in various capacities before becoming Director in 2022. This unique path gives Kristi both professional expertise and personal insight, allowing her to build meaningful relationships with staff, families, and the church community.
Kristi holds degrees in Early Childhood Education and General Education, with a concentration in Preschool Administration and specialized training in Exceptional Children. She is also a Licensed Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), equipping her to support children of all abilities with intentional care, understanding, and individualized support.
At the heart of Kristi’s leadership is a deep commitment to ministry. She is passionate about creating a Christ-centered environment where children are known, nurtured, and encouraged to grow not only academically, but spiritually and emotionally as well. She considers it both a joy and a calling to share God’s love with children and families during such a foundational stage of life.
Kristi has been married to her husband, Aaron, since 2008, and together they have two daughters. Their family lives in Elkin and attends Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. In her free time, Kristi enjoys spending time with her family, supporting her children’s activities, and continuing to pour into others through encouragement, leadership, and faith.
Psalm 78:4“We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.”
Mrs. Lori
Lead Teachers
Mrs. Lori serves as one of the Lead Teachers in the Four-Year-Old Kindergarten Readiness classrooms at Elkin First United Methodist Church Preschool. Since joining the preschool in 2008, she has faithfully served in a variety of roles, beginning as an assistant teacher in the baby room and working with every age group—from infants to rising kindergarteners. Her depth of experience in early childhood education is a tremendous blessing to the program and to every child who enters her classroom.
Originally from central New York, Lori moved to Elkin in 2005 and has since become a deeply rooted part of the community. With years of hands-on classroom experience, she brings a passion for creating engaging, developmentally appropriate learning environments that meet the unique needs of each child. She is always seeking new ideas, strategies, and creative ways to make learning meaningful and fun for her students.
She loves serving at Elkin FUMC because of the opportunity to invest in the lives of young children and to be part of a Christ-centered environment that supports both students and families.
Lori is the proud mother of three boys and a loving grandmother to four. Her family is part of First United Methodist Church of Elkin. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting and reading, as well as spending quality time with her family and friends. Her warmth, dedication, and love for her students make her an invaluable part of the preschool family.
Mrs. Hannah
Lead Teachers
Mrs. Hannah serves as one of the Lead Teachers in the Four-Year-Old classrooms at Elkin First United Methodist Church Preschool. Entering her second year at EFUMC Preschool, she is excited to step into this new role, bringing both experience and enthusiasm to her classroom. Prior to joining the preschool, Hannah taught for six years at a Christian school in Fort Myers, Florida, where she developed a passion for creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that make education both meaningful and fun for young children.
Hannah brings a strong background in Christian education and early childhood teaching, with a special gift for helping students learn and grow in ways that feel natural and enjoyable. Her creativity and energy help foster a classroom environment where children feel encouraged, confident, and excited to learn.
She loves serving at Elkin FUMC because of the opportunity to teach in a Christ-centered environment and to be part of a supportive, faith-filled community.
Hannah has been married to her husband, Josh, for 12 years, and together they have three children: Henry, Ellie, and Jack. Their family is actively involved in the local community, and they are especially excited that their youngest will be part of the preschool this year. In her free time, Hannah enjoys spending time with her family and bringing creativity into both her home and classroom.
Mrs. Chelsea
Lead Teachers
Mrs. Chelsea serves as a Lead Teacher in the Three-Year-Old classroom at Elkin First United Methodist Church Preschool. Since joining the preschool in the fall of 2022, she has faithfully served in both the Two-Year-Old and Three-Year-Old classrooms, bringing consistency, care, and enthusiasm to each age group she teaches.
Chelsea holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Wilkes Community College and brings a strong foundation in early childhood development to her classroom. She is passionate about creating a nurturing and engaging environment where children can learn, explore, and grow each day.
She loves serving at Elkin FUMC because of the joy it brings to watch children discover new things and develop both academically and socially in a Christ-centered setting.
Mrs. Chelsea is married to her husband, Bryson, and together they have a son, Graham. Their family is actively involved at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, where they faithfully serve in several areas including the nursery, youth group, and choir.
Chelsea has a heart for both her family and her faith, and she brings that same love and dedication into the classroom each day. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and can often be found in the kitchen cooking or baking—something she joyfully shares with others.
Her warmth, creativity, and genuine love for her students shine through in all she does, making her a treasured and valued part of our preschool family.
Ms. Ronda
Lead Teachers
Miss Ronda serves as one of the Lead Teachers in our Terrific Threes classroom at Elkin First United Methodist Church Preschool. She brings a joyful spirit and a natural love for caring for young children, making her a wonderful part of our preschool team.
Ronda has a strong background in early childhood care, with experience caring for younger children in a variety of settings. She also participated in the Teacher Cadet Program during high school, where she began developing her passion for working with children. She is currently attending Wilkes Community College, pursuing her associate’s degree in arts.
She loves serving at Elkin FUMC because of the opportunity to care for children in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment and to be part of a supportive preschool family.
In addition to her role in the classroom, Miss Ronda also works alongside Miss Chloe in our afterschool and summer program, continuing to build relationships with children and families beyond the school day.
Ronda values family deeply and is very close with her two older sisters, as well as her nieces and nephews. In her free time, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, working outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.
In addition to her role in the classroom, Miss Ronda also works alongside Miss Chloe in our afterschool and summer program, continuing to build relationships with children and families beyond the school day.
Ronda values family deeply and is very close with her two older sisters, as well as her nieces and nephews. In her free time, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, working outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.
Miss Ronda is an active member at Central Full Gospel Church in State Road, North Carolina, where she uses her musical talents to sing praises to the Lord.
Her joyful heart, musical talents, and caring nature make her a cherished part of the preschool family.
Mrs. Debbie
Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Debbie serves as an Assistant Teacher in the Three-Year-Old classroom at Elkin First United Methodist Church Preschool, where she works alongside Ms. Ronda and Mrs. Chelsea. As a retired pediatric nurse with twenty-eight years of experience, she brings a unique and invaluable perspective to the classroom, combining her medical background with a deep love for young children.
Debbie’s professional background in pediatric nursing has equipped her with exceptional skills in caring for and supporting children and their families. Her ability to nurture, comfort, and respond to children’s needs makes her an incredible asset to the preschool environment. She is especially gifted in encouraging independence, strengthening fine and gross motor skills, and reinforcing foundational concepts such as letters, shapes, colors, and numbers—all while modeling empathy and positive social interactions.
She loves serving at Elkin FUMC because it allows her to continue her lifelong passion for helping children and families in a Christ-centered setting. As an active member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, she faithfully serves in the children’s department, AWANA program, and Vacation Bible School.
Debbie is married and the proud mother of three daughters, as well as a loving grandmother to six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In the classroom, she is known for her cheerful “Good Morning,” her gentle and calming presence, and her willingness to meet children right where they are—even if that means sitting under a table during playtime. Her patience, kindness, and servant’s heart make her a treasured part of the preschool family.
Ms. Chloe
Lead Teachers
Miss Chloe serves as the Lead Teacher in the Two-Year-Old Classroom and Afterschool Director at Elkin First United Methodist Church Preschool. Since joining the early childhood field, she has gained valuable experience through her involvement in the Duke Endowment Summer Literacy Program since 2018 and her role as Lead Teacher at North Wilkesboro FUMC Preschool beginning in 2021. Her passion for teaching and leadership shines through in every aspect of her work.
Chloe brings a strong background in early childhood education, with a focus on creating engaging, structured, and nurturing learning environments. She has a natural ability to connect with young children, helping them feel safe, confident, and excited to learn each day.
She loves serving at Elkin FUMC because it allows her to pour into children’s lives in a Christ-centered setting, where faith and learning go hand in hand. Her desire is to ensure that every child feels loved, supported, and encouraged to grow.
Outside of the classroom, Chloe enjoys spending time with her loved ones, playing with her dog Bruno, building Legos, and kayaking on the New River. She is guided by 1 Corinthians 13:7: “Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Miss Hilary
Assistant Teacher
Miss Hilary serves as an Assistant Teacher in one of the Two-Year-Old classrooms at Elkin First United Methodist Church Preschool, where she works alongside Miss Chloe. She has been part of the preschool family for many years and is truly a favorite among the students, known for her kind and nurturing presence.
Hilary brings a natural gift for caring for young children, creating a calm and welcoming environment where they feel safe, loved, and supported. Her soft-spoken voice and gentle spirit allow her to connect easily with each child, helping them grow with confidence and comfort.
She loves serving at Elkin FUMC because of the opportunity to care for others and be part of a Christ-centered community. As an active member of the church, she also serves faithfully on the Meals on Wheels Committee, extending her heart for service beyond the classroom.
Hilary is deeply devoted to her family and friends and is always looking for ways to care for those around her. She is an active and involved member at Ronda First Baptist Church, where she continues to live out her faith through service.
Ms. Holly
Lead Teachers
Ms. Holly serves as a Lead Teacher in the Two-Year-Old classrooms at Elkin First United Methodist Church Preschool. Since joining the preschool in 2015, she has faithfully served in a variety of roles, spending many years nurturing and caring for children in the toddler classroom. Her transition into leading a two-year-old class reflects both her experience and her deep commitment to early childhood education.
Holly brings years of hands-on experience working with young children, with a special heart for the littlest learners. Her nurturing spirit, patience, and attentiveness create a safe and loving environment where children can grow, explore, and thrive.
She loves serving at Elkin FUMC because of the relationships she has built with her coworkers, the children, and the families within the program. Being part of a supportive, Christ-centered preschool community is something she deeply values.
Holly is an involved member at Pleasant Home Baptist Church in Roaring River, Wilkes County, where her heart for service continues beyond the classroom. She is also a proud mother of three boys—Owen, Caid, and Kove—and enjoys spending time with her family. Her joy, dedication, and love for children make her a cherished part of the preschool family.
Mrs. Michelle
Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Michelle serves as an Assistant Teacher in the Two-Year-Old classroom at Elkin First United Methodist Church Preschool, where she works alongside Ms. Holly. Since joining the preschool a few years ago, she has been a valued part of the team, bringing a gentle spirit and cheerful heart that help create a nurturing and joyful environment for young children.
Michelle brings years of hands-on experience caring for children, including time spent helping care for her nieces. This has given her a natural ability to connect with little ones and support their growth with patience, kindness, and love.
She loves serving at Elkin FUMC because of the opportunity to care for children in a Christ-centered environment and to be part of a team that values service, compassion, and community.
Michelle has two daughters and enjoys spending her free time supporting them in their extracurricular activities. As a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, her heart for service is evident in all she does. Her warmth, positivity, and dedication make her a cherished part of the preschool family.
Mrs. Maegan Warren
Lead Teachers
Mrs. Maegan serves as the Lead Teacher of the Baby / Toddler classroom at Elkin First United Methodist Church Preschool. She has been a valued part of the preschool family for three years and brings both professional training and a deep love for children into her classroom each day.
Maegan holds a Birth–Kindergarten degree with a minor in psychology from Appalachian State University and has completed Early Childhood Credentials Levels One and Two through the local community college. Her background in early childhood education, combined with her hands-on experience caring for young children in various settings, equips her to create a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment for her students.
She loves serving at Elkin FUMC because of the opportunity to watch young children learn, grow, and discover the world around them in a Christ-centered setting. Her passion for early childhood education is evident in the joy and care she brings to her classroom each day.
Maegan is a proud mother of two energetic and wonderful children, and she and her family are joyfully awaiting the arrival of a baby girl. She is an active member of Horizon Church, where she serves in the children’s department. Her love for children, gentle spirit, and dedication to her calling make her a treasured part of the preschool team.
Mrs. Maegan Woodie
Lead Teacher
Mrs. Maegan Woodie serves as our Lead Teacher in the Toddler classroom at Elkin First United Methodist Church Preschool. With a natural gift for nurturing young children, she plays an important role in creating a safe, loving, and engaging environment where little ones can learn and grow.
Maegan has several years of experience in childcare and early childhood development. Her compassionate and patient nature allows her to connect easily with children, supporting their social, emotional, and developmental needs each day. She is dedicated to helping each child feel secure, valued, and encouraged as they begin their early learning journey.
She loves serving at Elkin FUMC because it allows her to invest in the lives of young children and their families while being part of a caring and faith-centered community.
Maegan has been happily married to her husband, Derek, for 11 years, and together they have three beautiful daughters. Family is at the center of her life, and she enjoys spending time on the lake, planning trips, and making meaningful memories with those she loves most. Her warmth, dedication, and genuine love for children make her a treasured part of the preschool team. Mrs. Maegan is a member of Flint Hill Baptist Church.
Mrs. Angie
Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Angie serves as an Assistant Teacher in the Three- and Four-Year-Old classrooms at Elkin First United Methodist Church Preschool. She joined the preschool staff in 2017 after spending 30 years in a high school classroom, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a deep love for education.
Angie’s background in education spans decades, giving her a strong foundation in working with students of all ages. Her experience, patience, and steady presence make her a valuable support in the classroom, where she helps create a nurturing and encouraging environment for young learners.
She loves serving at Elkin FUMC because of the opportunity to continue investing in students’ lives and to be part of a caring, faith-centered community.
Outside of the classroom, Angie enjoys walking, reading, and savoring a good cup of coffee. She and her husband, Chuck, worship and serve at Dobson First Baptist Church. They are blessed with two grown sons and a wonderful daughter-in-law. Her wisdom, kindness, and dedication make her a treasured part of the preschool family.
Mr. Caid
Assistant Teacher
Mr. Caid serves as an assistant teacher in the Four-Year-Old classroom at Elkin First United Methodist Church Preschool, where he works alongside Mrs. Lori. Since officially joining the staff in 2023, he has brought energy, joy, and a genuine love for the Lord into the classroom each day. Although newer to the staff, Caid has been part of the Elkin FUMC family for many years, and his positive attitude and contagious smile have quickly made him a favorite among both students and staff.
Caid has a growing background in early childhood support and a strong interest in learning, particularly in the areas of history and geography. He is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and feel encouraged in their early educational experiences.
He loves serving at Elkin FUMC because of the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students and be part of their growth and development each day.
Outside of the classroom, Caid enjoys working in the fields and pursuing his passion for agriculture. He hopes to one day own and operate his own farm. His love for learning and hardworking spirit shine through in everything he does. Mr. Caid is an active and involved church member at Pleasant Home Baptist Church of Roaring River, NC.