Celebrating 55 Years of Faithful Ministry

Baptist Temple's desire to meet the needs of our community set the tone for what became the longest-running community ministry in San Antonio’s South Side: the Baptist Temple Early Learning Center. In 1970, it was not yet evident that the program would endure decades of change. The first day, just three children arrived. But founding director Bea McEntire saw something much larger taking shape. “It was a chance to teach the children about the love Jesus has for them and to teach them to get along with each other,” she said.

Teachers like Billie Anderson, who would later serve as assistant director for two decades, remembered the spiritual atmosphere. “I loved sharing Bible stories, verses, and songs about Jesus with the children,” she said. “Hearing them sing... I was blessed.” 

By 1975, enrollment expanded, kindergarten and summer programs were launched, and the center’s license grew to serve 110 children. Children who attended sometimes came back years later as parents.

Serving families quickly became more than childcare—it evolved into a broader community ministry. It marked an era when Baptist Temple began to focus on ministering to a neighborhood that was rapidly transitioning, in keeping with the words of Jeremiah 29:7: “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you.”

When McEntire retired in 1988 after 18 years of service, her successor, Audrey Good, continued the Christian-centered model of care. Good ensured that faith remain the thread running through everything. “We are a Christian program that provides songs, prayers and other activities that acknowledge God’s love for children,” she said.

The Early Learning Center (ELC) adapted across generations: remodeled facilities, expanded age groups, after-school programs, accessible playground construction, and the acceptance of CCS vouchers for working families.

But no challenge was greater than COVID-19. Kathleen Lanzalotto, became the center's director just as shutdowns began. With medical workers and first responders needing childcare to perform essential tasks, closing wasn’t an option. She re-trained staff, created safety protocols, and reopened after a two week break. Under her leadership, the center grew, bought a new van, expanded after-school care, and earned a dramatic jump in its online ratings.

The program has reached the highest distinction available from the Texas Rising Star program: a Four-Star rating, recognizing excellence above state standards. “We are aiming for best practices,” said Baptist Temple Executive Pastor Jonathan Clark. 

For many parents, the difference is obvious the moment they arrive. “It looks and smells clean,” said Assistant Director Cindy Mendez.

One parent, Eric Estrada, said he once planned to keep his baby at home. But after enrolling, he changed his mind. “It feels like she’s with adults who care about her as much as we do,” he said.

Staff say their philosophy is simple: you can teach skills, but you can’t teach a heart for children. “If you love kids, you’re paying attention to them,” said a staff member.

What sets the ELC apart isn’t only the curriculum or the professional standards. It’s the consistency of mission. Faith remains central, with chapel services every Wednesday to honor the Proverbs 22:6  imperative to “Train up a child in the way he should go...”

After more than 25 years of service to ELC, Pat Mejia became director in 2025.She started at ELC as a teacher in 1999 and became an office assistant in 2020. After completing the required courses, she was promoted to assistant director in 2023. 

Through neighborhood transformation, economic hurdles, changing family needs, and even a global pandemic, the Early Learning Center’s 55-year story is not just a timeline—it’s a testament to endurance, faith, and the generations who shaped it.