Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Cross.
Hi Lindsay, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started working at The Preschool at Church Eleven32 in August of 2020 and became Director in January of 2021.
The Preschool at Church Eleve32 opened in the fall of 2014 as a two-day-a-week Mother’s Day Out program, beginning with just eight children. In the fall of 2016, it transitioned into a fully licensed, five-day-a-week preschool. In 2019, The Preschool merged with Rivercrest Private School, allowing the program to continue growing and expanding its reach. From the very beginning, The Preschool was founded with the heart of creating a safe, positive place for our own children to learn and grow. Though we started small, we always carried a vision and faith that God would grow the school into what it is today.
When I took on the director position, we were coming out of covid. We were having to navigate a whole new world of social distancing while maintaining a strong healthy relationship with both kids and their families. I knew it was not going to be an easy road of building bascially a new preschool staff while also trying to increase enrollment.
Now being in 2026, we have been consistant growing in enrollment numbers each year and have maintained an amazing preschool staff that are called to teaching, caring and loving these children.
Every school year, we seek new ways to expand and reach families who are looking for a safe, God-filled environment where their children can grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have certainly been challenges along the way.
First, I had a great deal to learn when stepping into the role of director. I experienced a significant staff turnover early on—not for negative reasons, but because many of the women who stepped in to serve after the COVID shutdown did so to meet an immediate need. As the world reopened, several of them transitioned into careers they had been actively working toward.
Second, I had to navigate what preschool looked like on the other side of COVID, adjusting policies, routines, and expectations while continuing to build trust and strong relationships with families.
Third, I have had to find ways to continue growing enrollment and programming while working within limited physical space.
Finally, learning how to balance staff needs has been a continual priority. One of my greatest commitments is ensuring that our staff feels loved, supported, and valued. Childcare workers are often overlooked and underappreciated, but not at The Preschool at Church Eleven32. We take great pride in caring for our staff so they can confidently care for the children entrusted to us.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As the Preschool Director, I oversee the daily operations of the school while also focusing on building a strong, faith-centered environment for both children and staff. My role includes leadership of our teaching team, enrollment growth, family relationships, curriculum oversight, and ensuring that our program remains a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate place for children to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
I specialize in building and leading healthy preschool teams. I am especially passionate about creating a culture where teachers feel supported, valued, and equipped, because I believe the quality of a preschool starts with the people who care for the children each day. I am also known for fostering strong relationships with families, clear communication, and creating systems that allow a preschool to grow while still feeling personal and community-driven.
What I am most proud of is the growth and stability of our preschool in the years following COVID. Stepping into leadership during such a challenging season required rebuilding staff, restoring trust, and reimagining what preschool could look like moving forward. Seeing consistent enrollment growth, a dedicated and committed staff, and families who feel confident and cared for has been incredibly rewarding.
What sets me apart is my heart for both children and the people who serve them. I lead with empathy, faith, and intentionality, always striving to create an environment where children feel safe and loved, families feel supported, and teachers feel seen, appreciated, and called to the important work they do.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
When it comes to the practical side of being a director in Texas childcare, I rely heavily on Timothy Smith, also known as Tym the Trainer. My staff and I complete all of our annual training through Tym’s programs. His knowledge of preschool and early childhood education surpasses anyone or anything I’ve encountered, and his training company is incredibly personable. They genuinely care about Texas childcare and preschools, which makes learning from them both practical and inspiring.
As a very busy mom of three, I don’t have a lot of time for podcasts, but I do have a daily routine that is non-negotiable: reading my Bible and spending time with Jesus each morning. For all the moms out there, I know how hard it is to wake up early, but I promise it’s worth it. Even just 30 minutes before your kids wake up can make a huge difference—you’ll be a better mom, spouse, and leader. I am living proof of that routine in my own life.
I also attend Church Eleven32 every Sunday and have built a strong, supportive community there. We truly do life together, and I encourage everyone to find their people. It takes a village—not only to raise kids, but to navigate life. I firmly believe that without the relationships I’ve formed at Church Eleven32, my life would be filled with much more anxiety and struggle. My faith and community are the foundation that allows me to show up fully for my family, my staff, and the children in our care.
Pricing:
- $810 Mon-Fri 9am-2pm
- $605 Mon/Wed/Fri 9am-2pm
- $530 Tues/Thurs 9am-2pm
- Addtional before and after school hours starting at $110
Contact Info:
- Website: https://churcheleven32.com/education/the-preschool/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preschooleleven32?igsh=NW5oa3B2djNtdDM%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/181xVXjHnx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Valerie Mills- Church Eleven32 Media
