Belayers (1)

Belayers (1)

All About Belayers!

  • Curriculum

    Our Belayers class utilizes a faith-based toddler curriculum to ensure they have all of the necessary skills to succeed in school. Their curriculum includes subjects such as Bible study, reading, motor skills, art, and more. The Belayers are a screen-free class and will never incorporate any screens into regular lessons. The primary objective in the Belayers class is for each child to be introduced to basic shapes, numbers, colors, letters, and animals, as well as basic sign language, manners, and social skills.

  • Logistics

    All students in the Belayers class must be 12 months old before they begin the Belayers class. The Belayers weekly tuition rate is $200/week. Parents joining the Belayers should provide all diapers and wipes for their child, as well as backup clothes and any necessary diaper cream, sunscreen, and bug spray. The Belayers teachers conduct three assessments throughout the year to assess developmental and social skills to ensure school readiness.

  • Structure

    Our Belayers daily schedule is designed very carefully to include adequate time for all activities, while also acknowledging the developmental needs of 1 year olds. Exploration and play are encouraged, and outdoor time is emphasized throughout the daily schedule. The Belayers also participate in enrichment classes outside of the classroom, such as P.E., worship, and science.

Belayers Teaching Team

Devin Durkan

Ms. Devin has been at Grace Ridge since 2025. She believes that it is an incredible privilege to be a part of such an important stage in a child’s development. Through classroom bible stories, daily motor skills activities, and art, her goal is to help build important early life skills and develop each child’s unique personality.

Belayers Lead Teacher

Lexi Kilcrease

Ms. Lexi joined the Grace Ridge team in the summer of 2023. She’s somewhat of a jack-of-all-trades, serving as an aide, in the baby room, the school-age lead, and in the Belayers class. Lexi loves watching the kids hit their many developmental milestones throughout their time in the Belayers class! Outside of school, she loves to spend time with her niece and nephew, as well as her mom.

Belayers Assistant Teacher

Belayers Assistant Teacher

Mae Duree

Ms. Madison has been at Grace Ridge since February 2026. She is a Junior at Tarleton State studying child development, in hopes of becoming a Child Life Specialist. Outside of Grace Ridge, Madison has been a preschool and elementary school dance teacher for three years now. She loves the two year old age group and hopes to make a positive impact on the classroom!

Belayers Assistant Teacher

Emily McAnear

Emily has been at Grace Ridge since 2024. She graduated from Tarleton State in May 2026 with a B.S. in Public Relations and Social Engagement. Outside the classroom, she loves spending time with her dog, reading, hiking, and hanging out with friends.