O’Fallon woman cherishes owning, operating Highland preschool
In what was a dark, dank, dismal, dreary warehouse now stands a multi-classroom for children decorated in a variety of themes all designed for happy learning accompanied by the shrill sounds of children laughing and learning.
Shannon Mills, owner of Bright Beginnings Preschool, had a vision to purchase the aging building at 500 Main St. in Highland and transform it into an atmosphere conducive to teaching and caring for children aged newborns through 12, which seems to be Shannon’s life-long dream.
Born on the Fourth of July in 1972 in Festus, Missouri, to Bill and Shirley Johnson, Shannon was the middle sibling to big brother David and little sister Trish. From the get go Shannon played school and often served as a babysitter during her older years.
When she was 10 and out bike riding with her brother, the skies darkened but they could not hear their mother whistling for them to get home. Knowing something was about to happen, they instinctively knew they best get home. It was none too soon inasmuch a tornado touched down obliterating their garage.
When only 14 years old, Shannon met who would later become her husband at Southside Baptist Church where Craig Sands’ father was the pastor. Their interest in each other never changed through ensuing school years.
She attended Hannibal High School and focused on childcare and home economics. She participated In a school program where she spent half her day in the classroom and the remainder working in childcare. Craig popped the question and they married April 27, 1991.
“He brought out the best in me,” said Shannon, an O’Fallon resident. “And he was cute and kind.”
As she initially requested her father’s permission, he said “no,” but then the couple realized he was joking.
The newlyweds wanted very much to have children, but thus far to no avail. Since they had often vacationed in Florida, they decided to relocate to that state, but they had no idea which city to choose.
“We literally wrote down names of cities on pieces of paper and put them in a hat and drew one,” recalled Shannon. “We drew out Naples, so that’s where we went.”
In Naples, Shannon owned and operated a daycare facility for the next 13 years and Craig worked for the U.S. government. They also kept trying to become parents, even to the extent they went through in vetro fertilization. After 10 years, still no babies. It seemed as though Shannon would never have one of those cuddly little creatures she’s so desired.
Children arrive, how it all started
But then, April 2000 came along and their daughter, Breanna, was born, follow by Caleb, Nathaniel and Colton during the next 11 years; all being born in the month of April. During the interim — and being desirous of raising children with grandparents nearby — they found their way back home and settled in O’Fallon in 2007, where Shannon was a stay-at-home mom.
Later she met with Highland Community Church and made arrangements to use a portion of their building for daycare and preschool the next two years. Then, she discovered the building she is currently in was for sale by a person using it as a warehouse.
Upon initial inspection, Shannon looked past the obvious dust and clutter and embarked on her life-long passion. They began renovating 10 separate rooms and transformed them into themed cubbies resembling a jungle, beach, butterflies, under the sea, camping, and two farm rooms. One room features a giant treehouse replete with palm trees and Taco the Turtle. They also teach sign language to their students.
A bit more about the business
For the past 10-plus years their census has been approximately 125 youngsters, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday supervised by 13 employees. Since the emergence of COVID-19 and under the direction of Gov. J.B. Pritzker, that number was trimmed to 80.
Shannon said because she applied for and received an emergency license during this pandemic, she has been the only such facility in Highland that has remained open at this time.
The facility has a kitchen where healthy, approved meals are prepared, including breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. All of these are preceded by little ones eagerly joining together in prayer. Shannon said, “God is definitely a part of our curriculum and my employee turnover is minimal and I believe that is because they have a deep affection for the children entrusted to their care, just as I do.”
Current situation, the future once life returns to normal
Currently, entry is denied to anyone but the children and temperatures are taken daily.
When life returns to normal and they can return to regularly scheduled projects, the children get to take goodies to first responders, make and deliver mission baskets for the needy and have an Angel Tree at Christmas with names of children to receive baskets and gifts. They also conduct an annual Give Back Day where they complete community endeavors, including singing at nursing homes.
At the completion of this interview, Shannon brought in her class of 4-and 5-year-olds who quietly sat down and politely raised their hands in response to Shannon’s query, “What is your favorite activity with Ms. Shannon?”
Every child replied in their own words, “Getting and giving hugs and kisses to Miss Shannon.”