If you’ve lived in Smyrna for any length of time, chances are good that you—or someone you know—has crossed paths with Cindi White. And if you’ve had the joy of knowing her, you know she’s more than just a familiar face. She’s a warm hug in human form, a faithful leader, and the steady heart behind one of the community’s most beloved institutions: the preschool at Smyrna First Baptist Church.
For nearly four decades, Cindi has been a guiding force in the lives of little learners and their families. She began as a Spanish and music enrichment teacher in 1987, when her own son started kindergarten at the church. Since then, she’s grown with the program—becoming a classroom teacher and, for the past 18 years, its dedicated director.
But if you ask Cindi, the magic isn’t just in the years or the leadership titles. The real treasure, she’ll tell you, is the preschool itself.
Nestled within the larger ministry of Smyrna First Baptist Church, the preschool has quietly shaped generations of Smyrna families for over 70 years. It's a place where faith and learning go hand in hand, where play is purposeful, and where children are not just prepared for kindergarten—but rooted in love, confidence, and belonging.
“This preschool is part of something much bigger,” Cindi says. “We’re a ministry to the community. The church has been part of Smyrna for over 140 years, and our preschool is one of the ways we share God’s love with our neighbors.”
Step inside on any weekday morning, and you’ll see cheerful classrooms filled with hands-on activities, tiny hands clapping to praise songs, and teachers who know each child—and their parents—by name. Bible stories and scripture are gently woven into the day, alongside exploration centers, building blocks, sensory bins, and circle time. Each week, children from age three to kindergarten attend Chapel, with families invited to join in.
“It’s a place where children thrive—socially, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually,” Cindi explains. “But just as important is how parents feel when they walk through our doors. They feel seen. They feel supported.”
First-time parents find comfort in open communication, classroom updates, and Sneak-a-Peek events that ease the nerves of that big first day. And when challenges arise—whether it’s separation anxiety or something more—families know they’re not walking alone.
The preschool’s connection to the larger church community is also part of its heartbeat. Weekday families are invited to participate in church events like the Fall Festival, Christmas VBS, and Family Ministry Nights. They often give back together too—supporting missions like Operation Christmas Child and Angel Tree for Kidz2Leaders. Church members in turn support the preschool, volunteering as “mystery readers,” prayer partners, and extra hands during special events.
And through it all, Cindi remains a quiet but steady presence—encouraging teachers, comforting parents, and offering high-fives to the littlest learners. One of her favorite memories is the time a young mom realized that Cindi’s mother had once cared for her as a child—proof, she says, of the beautiful tapestry God weaves across generations.
When she’s not at the preschool, Cindi enjoys cooking, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with her husband, Wayne, and their three grown sons. The Whites have called Smyrna home since 1981—and for so many local families, Cindi has been part of their home, too.
“To be trusted with someone’s child is the greatest honor,” she says. “I hope that when families look back on their time here, they remember the laughter, the love, and the peace of knowing their child was cherished.”
As the next school year begins and new little feet step through the doors of Smyrna First Baptist’s preschool, one thing is certain: they’re entering a place where faith is lived, love is shown, and every child is known by name.
Come Play, Learn, and Grow!
Curious about preschool? First Baptist Church of Smyrna Preschool would love to welcome your family!
Smyrna First Baptist Church Preschool
1275 Church Street SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
(770) 435-3549
www.smyrnafirst.org
cwhite@smyrnafirst.org
Tours are available year-round—families are invited to come see what makes these classrooms (and hearts!) so full of joy.
Follow SmyrnaFirstBaptist on Facebook for happy faces, big milestones, and a peek into preschool life.
Pull Quote:
“It’s more than preschool -- it’s a place where children and parents both find joy, support, and belonging.”