Bethel Early Childhood Academy

Bethel Early Childhood Academy is a registered child care ministry of Bethel United Methodist Church offering nurturing child care to families in our community.

Our loving, well-qualified staff provide a safe setting and Christian-themed program to enable children (infants thru age 5) to learn through play while developing emotionally, intellectually, socially, physically and spiritually.

All-day Educational Care

The annual academy program is offered weekdays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. year round. Programs includes learning centers, free play, storytelling, art, science, music, fine and gross motor activities, outside play, games, rest time and morning and afternoon snacks. Children learn social skills, pre-reading skills, fine and gross motor skills, language development and cognitive thinking.  

Paths to QUALITY

Paths to QUALITY is Indiana’s statewide rating system for early care and education programs. The system validates ongoing efforts to achieve higher standards of quality and provides incentives and awards for success.BECA has achieved Paths to QUALITY Level 3!

Interested or want to learn more? Contact us!

Leadership & Staff

Director’s Corner

BECA director Lynn Morris has been a member of the Bethel United Methodist Church family for over 35 years. Her two grown daughters are both Bethel Nursery School alumni! Lynn taught for 14 years at Bethel Nursery School and took on the role of director when Bethel Nursery School transitioned from a part-time preschool into a full- time child care ministry as Bethel Early Childhood Academy in 2013. Lynn spends her spare time volunteering, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. She is proud to help continue the school’s legacy and be a part of creating high quality educational child care ministry that spreads God’s love. 

Teacher Profiles 

Heather Bering, Teacher Assistant
Est. 2018

What makes BECA special to you? I love getting the hugs and snuggles when the kids get up from their naps. It is also fun watching the students learn a new task.
Fun Fact: I was once an international ambassador! 

Brittni Burden, Teacher assistant
Est. 2020 

What makes BECA special to you? BECA is special to me because I love the children, and my co-workers are so kind. I enjoy working here, and it’s the first time I’ve enjoyed going to a job.
Fun Fact: I love to draw and have been doing it since I was young. I want to be an animator someday.

Dee Cazares, Assistant Director
Child Development Associate
Board Member
Est. 2021

What makes BECA special to you? Bethel considers BECA a very special ministry.  The church’s love for children and education has existed for many, many years, and I feel that is a very important aspect of the life of the church.  Being with the children is wonderful and I enjoy not only how I get to see them learn and grow, but how I learn from just being with them.
Fun Fact: I owned my own business for 20 years, retired and then re-entered the workforce to come to work at BECA!

Davida Haile, 3-year olds Co-Lead Teacher
Child Development Associate
Est. 2022

What makes BECA special to you? The love from everyone here, including the parents.

Fun Fact: I used to play volleyball in the eighth grade.

Linda Jordan, Infants Lead Teacher
Child Development Associate
Est. 2016

What makes BECA special to you? Watching the children grow and learn new things and the warm family atmosphere.
Fun Fact: I think I can sing!

Saira Kahn, Teacher Assistant
Est. 2016

What makes BECA special to you? BECA is making progress every single day, and it continues to always provide an environment that is friendly and welcoming, treating everyone like family.
Fun Fact: I can laugh at myself! 

Angela Lowe, Teacher Assistant
Est. 2017

What makes BECA special to you? The kids, families and the nicest group of co-workers I’ve ever had!
Fun Fact: I am a Cub Scout mom! 

Cheryl Hazelwood, Teacher Assistant
Est. 2023

What makes BECA special to you? It’s really fun!
Fun Fact: I like cold snowy weather.

Jordan McQuiston, Teacher Assistant
Student at Purdue University (Global)
Est. 2022

What makes BECA special to you? ….the people I’ve met – both the staff and students. They’re not just teachers and they’re not just kids.
Fun Fact: I collect the potion ingredients from Harry Potter.

Lynn Morris, Director
Child Development Associate
Est. 2013 

What makes BECA special to you? My own children went here, and I still think of it as their school. It is special to me as I work to preserve the legacy that began in 1954. The creation of BECA in 2013 met the needs of the community, and we continue to strive to meet those needs.
Fun Fact: I’m from Texas and my family had a cattle ranch—I used to herd cattle and put up fences. You should ask me about my hat trick!

Mackenzie Morris, Family Engagement Specialist
Butterflies Lead Teacher
Child Development Associate
Est. 2017

What makes BECA special to you? BECA is special to me because I grew up at Bethel and attended the nursery school. I have seen my mother take a failing program and turn it into a beautiful, thriving one. I love being able to explore my passion for early childhood education and social work!
Fun Fact: I am currently living in, remodeling and purchasing my grandparents’ old home.

Yoshelinn Nowak, 2s-3s year old Lead Teacher
Child Development Associate
Est. 2017

What makes BECA special to you? BECA is special to me because when I go into work, it does not feel like work. I enjoy my time with the kids—watching them grow fascinates me! Another great perk is that my co-workers are funny and kind!
Fun Fact: I enjoy cooking food from different countries.

Madhu Patro, Pre-K Lead Teacher
Child Development Associate
Est. 2021

What makes BECA special to you? BECA makes sure the environment is safe and hygienic for children.  BECA teaches children to be independent and most importantly the kids are happy.  Teachers and staff are very helpful and welcoming.  I feel loved around the kids and they give me positive energy.
Fun Fact: They call me bookworm but little do they know one of my favorite things to do is to sew dresses, quilts, arts and crafts, and crocheting!

Jasmine Jenkins, 3-year olds Co-Lead Teacher
Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education
Est. 2019

What makes BECA special to you? BECA is special to me because it is a warm environment where everyone (teachers, children, and parents) is appreciated.
Fun Fact: I love sneakers and own over 40 pairs of shoes!

Barbara Schmid, Teacher Assistant
Child Development Associate
Est. 2015

What makes BECA special to you? Everyone works together.
Fun Fact: I collect Precious Moments figurines.

Latasha Suitt, Toddlers Lead Teacher
Child Development Associate
Est. 2016

What makes BECA special to you? All the love and care we have for each other as a team.
Fun Fact: I enjoy surprises!

Lauren Tanzosh, Teacher Assistant
Associate of Applied Science Child Development
Est. 2023

What makes BECA special to you? Everyone is family and helps each other. BECA goes up and beyond!
Fun Fact: I write when I get spare time.

Jill Weigel, Scheduler
Board Member
Teacher Assistant
CDA Certified
Est. 2014

What makes BECA special to you? BECA is special because of the people. It is truly a small family of individuals dedicated to quality early child care!
Fun Fact: For years I was a “cat person,” but now I have branched out and love both dogs and cats. I have a dog named Ella!

School Board

Lynn Morris, School Director
John Cazares, School Board Chairman
Dee Cazares
Bill Dorner
Donita Keidel
Joan Lyday

BECA Career Opportunities

Are you interested in becoming part of the BECA team? Check out the job descriptions below! To apply, print and fill out the job application and mail it along with your resume to BECA Director Lynn Morris, 5252 W. 52nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46254. If you have questions, contact Lynn at beca@bethelumc.info or 317-293-1555.