About
Happy Times Preschool, founded in 1984 in Huntsville, AL, provided play-based early childhood education as a ministry of Central Church of Christ adjacent to downtown. Located at 407 Clinton Ave E in Old Town, the school emphasized development across social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual domains, guided by a play with a purpose approach. Established by Mary Etta Neiland, the program later operated under director Debbie Baucum, who taught there for over 17 years and served as director for 10.
Teachers delivered developmentally appropriate, hands-on activities, including theme-based learning, puppet shows, creative snacks, and indoor gross-motor play on rainy days. Families received regular communication, with private end-of-year meetings in the 4-year-old class to discuss kindergarten readiness. Parent feedback consistently cited caring staff and strong preparation for school.
Happy Times Preschool is now closed.