Children frolic and dance in the courtyard of Plant City’s First Baptist Church Learning Center. Their excited shrills can be heard radiating through the main office door, bouncing between the colorful walls of the building.
Kim Shouse happily greets late-comers at the desk, checking them into the school. The director truly has a passion for what she does.
“I feel like my heart really is for pre-schoolers,” Shouse says. “You get to lay down the foundation. And since we’re a Christian-based organization, we get to lay the foundation for having God in their lives.”
SCHOOL’S IN SESSION
Shouse has been director of the facility ever since she had three kids in preschool — 15 years ago. Her daughter, Ellie, and twins, Emmy and Easton, all attended the school. Shouse, like her children, was raised in Plant City.
She lived near Gilchrist Park and attended Jackson Elementary. In high school, she cheered for the Plant City Raiders.
She went on to attend the University of Florida before marrying her husband, Steve. They moved away for several years to Panama City, but, it was always a goal to come back home. After they returned, Shouse scored the job as director.
“I felt like it was a calling to ministry,” Shouse says. “I’ve had a heart for this school.”
Shouse had two goals when she came to the school. One was to get it accredited, which she accomplished in 2007. Her second was to reach out to the families, as well, by praying for them or offering them assistance.
“It’s really hard to have a pre-schooler,” Shouse says. “It’s the happiest days, but it’s the toughest times, too.”
And, although Shouse pours her heart and soul into the school, she’s made it a point to have her employees put family first, as well as herself.
In fact, Shouse doesn’t just spend the entire day with kids at the school. She is still taking care of a growing brood. In addition to her biological children, the couple has taken in two foster infants.
FAMILY DYNAMIC
It’s been about a year since the family has opened their home to two babies. One was 17 months when they got her. The other was just 5 days old.
This has been something the Shouses have wanted to do since before they were married. While they were dating, they discussed having three children of their own and adopting a special-needs child.
“We had our big plan,” Shouse says.
But, after attending a Florida Baptist Children’s Home presentation on adoption versus fostering, they changed their minds about adoption.
“There really is a need for good, Christian homes,” Shouse says.
With the help of her older children, Shouse says the babies have really brought the family closer. And they’ve also made an imprint on their lives. She hopes to one day make them part of her permanent family.
“The entire family embraced their lives,” Shouse says. “We’re supposed to make their lives better, but they’ve made our lives better.”
THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
What was your first job?
Lad and Lassi which was downtown and was a children’s clothing store. It was my senior year of high school.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A mom, mostly. And then, a teacher after that.
What’s the best advice you have for being successful?
For me, I pray about everything. Every decision I make.
Who is your role model?
Really, my family. My parents, I guess. They showed me how to put my priorities in order. You know, God and family. And be nice to everyone.
What’s the hardest life lesson you’ve learned?
For me, now that I have a high schooler, jut how fast time goes. Your kids grow up so fast, Make the most of every day and don’t put things off … you can’t take back time.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I love to eavesdrop and people watch so I think I’d want really good hearing. So I can hear the conversations at the restaurant.
What’s the No. 1 played song on your iPod?
I don’t really have a favorite song, I don’t think. The music is on whatever the kids choose.
If you were reincarnated as an animal, what animal would it be?
Dogs, because they have it made. Especially in our house.
What’s your least favorite food?
Water chestnuts. I don’t like the sound they make when I bite into them. There’s really no taste.
Where would you go in a time machine?
The 90s because I graduated high school in ’92 and I was in college. Those were just the best days. I keep telling my kids those are the best days. And they don’t believe me.