In the early 1970’s, West University resident and early
childhood educator, Ann Wallin, acted on her vision of creating a preschool
where her children and neighborhood friends could enhance their development
and parents could enrich their parenting skills. She and her friend, Marcia
Wall, obtained permission from her church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church,
to use their classrooms to pilot their idea. However, when St. Andrew’s
chose to adopt a more traditional preschool model for their comprehensive
early childhood program, Beehive was without a home.
The Beehive Parent-Child Center, Inc. opened its doors in its present location in October, 1973. Ann worked with the City of West University Place and the Houston Independent School District officials for over a year in order to obtain the necessary permission and funding to move Beehive to the campus of West University Elementary. The City of West University Place, through the Parks and Recreation Board, and the Houston Independent School District jointly sponsored the project. The City agreed to provide seed money for materials and supplies. The school district agreed to provide a “temporary building” with two classrooms and restrooms. A review committee made up of parents, city officials, and HISD personnel was formed to oversee and evaluate the project after one year.
The school’s mission, as stated in the original proposal submitted to HISD, has three components. First, the school is to serve preschool age children in an environment designed to engage them in ways that are appropriate to develop physical, intellectual, emotional and social growth and form a good self-concept. The second goal of the school is to provide parents support and guidance in child-rearing skills. The school’s final aim is to build community between families through the shared effort and interaction of the children and parents at the school and develop positive feelings for the City of West University Place and the West University Elementary School.
As envisioned by Mrs.Wallin, Beehive continues its mission of providing an environment that benefits young children and their parents as they grow and develop. The school remains housed in the same building where it opened in 1973. Although the classrooms and playground have undergone a few transformations with paint and new equipment, the operation is generally the same. The original model, which proposed that children be allowed to move between open classrooms with numerous interest centers and an outdoor playground, remains a viable concept. The most distinctive aspect of the school continues to be the daily, active involvement of parents. The curriculum is enriched by parents’ contributions. The Beehive Parent Child Center community is proud of its legacy of providing preschool children, their parents, and the community many long-lasting benefits.
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