Contact Us:  (315) 967-9561 or playschool@firstbaptist-manlius.org


Schedule and Programs:

Our classes are held Monday – Friday

9:00 a.m until 12:00 p.m.

2026-2027 Class Offerings

First Play – Age 2 (by December 1)
2 or 4 day options (9-11:15 a.m.)
Recognizing that toddlers need a balance of nurturing care and active exploration, our two-room suite provides the perfect setting for their first school experience with easy stair-free access to our gymnasium.To ensure personalized attention and a nurturing environment during this foundational year, we maintain a 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio.
Click Here For The First Play Sample Schedule
 
Partner Play – Typical age 3 (by December 1)
Children attend from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with flexible enrollment options for 2, 3, or 5 days a week.
At the age of three, children are transitioning from “parallel play” (playing near others) to “associative play” (playing with others). Instruction is designed to support this social-emotional leap while building foundational cognitive skills.
Click Here For The Partner Play Sample Schedule

Purposeful Play – Typical age 4 (by December 1)
Children attend from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with options for 3 or 5 days a week
Four-year-olds engage in cooperative play, negotiating shared goals and rules, leading to more complex interactions and academic integration. We move from recognition to application with our academic skills.
Click Here For The Purposeful Play Sample Schedule

Power Play – Typical Age 5 (by December 1)
Children attend from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with options for 3 or 5 days a week.
The Power Play year provides the advantage of the “gift of time,” offering a unique “gap year” for children to develop essential maturity and leadership skills. Our class creates an ideal setting for families who wish to enjoy an extra year before formal kindergarten, or for those seeking social and academic enrichment to their Homeschool Kindergarten experience. 
Click Here For The Power Play Sample Schedule
 
The Director thoughtfully places children in classes based on age, preferred number of days, and input from families.
 

Gymnasium or playground occurs daily

Monthly story time with Miss Windy from the Manlius Library

Monthly yoga for students

Weekly music class with Bluebird Music Together for ages 3 and up.

About Us

At Playschool, we foster the development of essential social skills and knowledge through engaging and purposeful lessons. Our curriculum is theme-based to help connect young children’s experiences to their learning. The program takes a playful approach to teaching activities that encourage sensory, fine, and gross motor development, reading readiness, music, and movement. Our focus is on providing opportunities for children to explore their interests, unleash their imagination, cultivate creativity, and enhance their confidence.

At Playschool, early childhood education goes beyond preparing children for kindergarten; it is an investment in their future, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success in a warm and welcoming Christian environment. 

Our School

Our program is dedicated to promoting independence, group interaction, and personal responsibility.  We provide a nurturing and welcoming environment where children learn to respect themselves, others, and the toys and materials they use.

Small Class Sizes

Our small class sizes enable our teachers to customize their instruction to meet each child’s academic and social skill needs. To ensure an optimal learning environment, classes are capped at a maximum of ten students (eight in our “First Play” class), maintaining appropriate student-teacher ratios for each age group.

Educational Fun

Each activity at Playschool is designed to be both engaging and purposeful to promote cognitive and social development.  We provide ample time for play, balanced with age-appropriate whole group and individualized instruction.

Family-Oriented

Our school places a strong emphasis on  creating meaningful connections between home and school.  We offer a range of activities through the year to encourage family participation:  Rally Day, Trunk-or-Treat, Parents’ Afternoon Out, Craft Night, Field Trips, and a Christmas Concert.

Reading Readiness
Fine Motor Activities
Holiday and School Events
Playschool children playing in gym
Full-Size Gym
Story Time and Music
in the Chapel
Playground with climbing apparatus, playhouses, swings.
Gated Playground

Sharing and Caring:

Throughout the year, Playschool students and parents can participate in the charitable and community programs of the First Baptist Church of Manlius:

Operation Christmas Child

Food Pantry Donations and Pajama Drive with FM Community Outreach

Mitten Tree

Grace Abounds (clothing charity at First Baptist Manlius)

Melissa Mapstone
Playschool Director

Hello, and welcome to our school page! I am a pre-kindergarten – 6th grade certified teacher with a Master’s in Education Administration. I value building safe and nurturing classrooms with teachers who provide hands-on activities to encourage play and social interaction. I believe children learn letters and numbers best in the context of everyday experiences, and I love to see their artwork brightening our classroom walls and hallways! The saying, “Fight Fear with Faith,” grew in meaning to me as God and I journeyed through my 2nd brain tumor diagnosis, and you’ll often see me wearing gray in recognition of brain tumor awareness. Supporting others as I have received comfort and care is important to me.  I am also a photographer. I enjoy taking photos of our children around our family farm, where I live with my husband, Peter. Our children attended Playschool, and I am excited to continue to be a part of the school community as Director.    I look forward to welcoming you to the Playschool family!

Please Use the Red Door Entrance for Playschool

Contact Us:  (315) 967-9561 or playschool@firstbaptist-manlius.org

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