Boise Valley Adventist School has recently launched a new preschool program. Learn more about the core goal behind this program in the following Q&A with Ben Bobbitt, BVAS principal, and Kallie Thomas, BVAS preschool teacher.
Q: What led you to believe a preschool program was needed?
BOBBITT: The primary goal of starting our preschool was to serve families with 3-year-old children and to better align our classroom instruction with the developmental needs of our youngest learners. It’s about meeting children where they are and giving them the best possible start.
Q: How does this new preschool program fit into BVAS’s broader mission?
BOBBITT: Our mission has always been to build strong relationships between home, school and church. By welcoming younger learners, we deepen both the spiritual and educational impact we have on our community. In addition, a preschool class strengthens long-term enrollment, lays a stable foundation for student growth and opens the door to families who might not have considered BVAS before.
Q: What does it take to launch a preschool in Idaho?
BOBBITT: It’s a manageable process, but it does take time. Idaho law requires registration with the state if there are seven or more 3-year-olds. We also had to apply for a daycare license, complete background checks for staff, pass fire and health inspections, ensure city compliance, choose a curriculum and get approval from both our school board and Idaho Conference board of education.
Q: What curriculum is used in the preschool class?
THOMAS: The preschool curriculum is based on Bright Beginnings, which focuses on a different Bible story each week and a new memory verse each month with art and activities centered around that Bible story.
Q: What is your goal for the students in your classroom?
THOMAS: My main goal for each student is focused on them succeeding in a structured environment, such as learning our daily routines, how to be self-sufficient in cleaning up after themselves, how to follow instructions and how to solve problems with peers. In addition, my hope is to prepare students for success in their future grades.
Q: What’s your hope for the preschool program?
BOBBITT: I hope it becomes a cherished part of our school offerings. It would be a blessing for younger families in the Boise area to have access to Adventist education from the start. We aim to keep class sizes reasonable, foster growth and receive positive feedback from our community.
Ultimately, launching a preschool is an investment in our students’ futures and our community’s success. It supports mission alignment, strengthens enrollment, and enhances educational outcomes through smaller class sizes and tailored instruction. We are excited to see how God continues to lead our school and bless our new program.
Students line up for recess.
Students prepare for circle time with their teachers.
Students read with the teacher’s aide.
