Mission Statement

It is the mission of Happyland Day School to provide a quality Christian education program encouraging the social, emotional, and intellectual development of each child while focusing on academic advancement in a safe and nurturing environment.

History

Happyland Day School was opened as a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale, which first opened its doors in 1912. Happyland was created in the 1940’s for the benefit of church members and the community. With the continued support of First Presbyterian Church we’ve been making an impact on our youngest community members ever since.

Governance

Happyland Day School is governed by the Happyland Board of Directors.

• Rev. Nicholas Merchant, Pastor

• Steve Wofford, Church Administrator

• Corey Thiel, Principal

• Emily Owen, Assistant Principal

• Cindy Vason, Director of the Children’s Ministry

• Allan Arch

• Pam Alexander

• Connie Betz

Happyland Parent’s Club

Our Happyland Parent’s Club works hard to plan events, raise money, and help our new parents connect with existing families. With 95% of our families joining our Parent’s Club, nearly every family is involved in making Happyland the happiest school in Fort Lauderdale!

School Certifications

Happyland is licensed by the Florida Department of Children & Families and the Board of County Commissioners of Broward County, and is an eight-time recipient of the Gold Seal Award. 

Ethics in Education

As educators, we have an obligation and legal responsibility to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affects the health, safety or welfare of a student. All Happyland Day School employees are required to report any abuse or misconduct to the school principal as well as the proper authorities.

Failure by any school personnel to report misconduct may result in penalties up to termination of employment and revocation of an educator’s certificate. Florida Statute section 39.203 and section 768.095 protect the person reporting ethical misconduct from reprisal by the individual reported or the employer if the report was made in good faith without malicious intent.

The process for reporting professional misconduct is as follows: Any incident that an employee believes is potentially harmful to a student or another employee should be immediately reported to the School Principal, Mrs. Corey Thiel at (954)‐463-6051 or in her absence, to the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Dr.Patrick Wrisley.

Suspected Child Abuse

 Under Florida law, anyone who suspects a child has been abused or neglected is obligated to report it. Reports of physical abuse or neglect should be reported to the State of Florida Central Abuse Hotline (800‐962‐2873) as well as local authorities or online at www.myFLfamilies.com.

Our Lead Teachers

Happyland is fortunate to have teachers that have been a part of our school family for many years. The longevity of our staff is what creates the combination of a loving environment and instruction that is effective and fun.