New Director named at Tiny Tigers

Donna Starnes Bodine named New Director of Tiny Tigers Daycare and Preschool. Contributed photo Effective Monday, August 16, Donna Starnes Bodine, a graduate of Centerville High School and 1994 graduate of Tarleton State University, begins management of the daily activities at Tiny Tigers Daycare and Preschool.

“It is exciting to have such a highly-qualified, director,” board member Wendy Neyland said. “The board and Mrs. Bodine are willing to do what it takes to maintain the quality of child care established at the center.”

Mrs. Bodine most recently worked as a Centerville ISD Classroom Substitute Teacher. Prior to moving back to Centerville she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Sunday School Superintendent for Peniel Church of the Nazarene in Greenville, Texas where she implemented rotational workshops for children’s Sunday School. She also served as a teacher/ coach at Austin Academy for Excellence where she was named teacher of the year in 2003. In 1998, 2003, and 2004 Mrs. Bodine was a recipient of the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers Award.

Bodine brings over fifteen years of educational experience to her new position. She also has over 231 hours of advanced academic training. Donna, the mother of James Dawson, a student at Centerville Elementary, and her husband Bo, are planning to reside in the Leona area.

Tiny Tigers was opened two years ago as a mission of the First United Methodist Church of Centerville, Texas. Its goal was to provide a faith-based option for childcare in our rural community. Tiny Tigers now offers a variety of childcare options to meet the needs of our parents and students. Our enrichment programs provided by local volunteers continues to grow at current time we have music, Physical Education, and Chapel once a week. Tiny Tigers is always open for other enrichment opportunities if you are interested please contact Mrs. Bodine at her office at 903.536.4656.

Original director Ms. Judy Wylie will be moving to the Head Start program in Buffalo as of August 13, 2010 which will be closer to her home in Jewett, Texas. The board of Tiny Tigers, students, parents and church family will defiantly miss Ms. Judy but we wish her luck in her new opportunity.

Bodine will greet current parents and families during office hours starting August 16, 2010. If you have a child needing the services of Tiny Tigers feel free to contact Mrs. Bodine at 903.536.4656 to set up an appointment or tour of the facility.

“Tiny Tigers” currently provides childcare and early childhood education for infants through kindergarten. The hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Enrollment is open to all area children. For information about enrollment and monthly rates, please call 903.536.4656.