By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

Rebekah Millroy has been selected as the new director of Neffs UCC Preschool where she has been a teacher for more than five years.

Millroy, who earned a degree in early childhood education from Northampton County Community College, has 20 years experience working with preschool age children.

When she was a 16-year-old student at Northampton High School, Millroy held a job at the preschool she had attended and continued working there part time and during summers throughout her college years.

She took courses at Millersville University, including some in special education.

Millroy worked at a day care center in Allentown for 10 years until her family built a home in Slatington and she was looking for a shorter commute.

She was hired at Neffs UCC Preschool in 2018, to fill an assistant’s position and took on more roles as needed.

The past school term she taught classes for 3- and 4-year-olds and pre-kindergarten.

Millroy commented on her new position.

“This is the best place that I ever worked,” she said. “I’m excited I get to continue that.”

One of the first things she will have to do is hire new teachers, including one to replace herself.

Millroy noted the preschool typically has one teacher and one assistant per classroom.

During the summer months, she will prepare for the new term and take a look at some changes in the curriculum and schedule.

There will be a reunion in the grove for last year’s students and orientation for children enrolled in the new term.

Millroy said communication with parents and families will be a focus in her role as director.

“Families need a lot of support,” Millroy said. “This is their first entry to the school world.”

She looks forward to building a community at the preschool where parents can get acquainted with each other and share experiences.

Additional functions of her position include guiding the teachers, making sure state standards are followed, and implementing new programs or policies.

Millroy wants to continue the traditions of Neffs UCC Preschool and look for ways to have families be involved, while welcoming feedback from them on the school itself.

Millroy offered remarks as she began her leadership of the Neffs UCC Preschool.

“I’m really looking forward to taking on this role,” she said.

“Hopefully, my years of experience will help to support the teachers and guide them in any way they need, especially if they are new to the program.”