A Pruden Boulevard church has started a new preschool that is serving children ages 2 ½ to 5, plus elementary-age students for before- and after-school care.

“We’re excited about what we’re going to be doing here,” said Alyson Ellis, director of CrossPointe Preschool Academy. The preschool, located inside CrossPointe Church at 2460 Pruden Blvd., started school last week. It is approved for up to 43 children, Ellis said.

“This has been a goal of ours since we started CrossPointe in 2008,” Pastor David Sexton said. “It’s been a goal of ours and a burden of ours, but we waited on the timing of it.”

Sexton said the preschool is tied to the church in more than just location.

“It is a ministry of our church and extension of our church,” he said.

Ellis said the preschool is hoping to fill a gap in options in that area of Suffolk.

“We’re looking at being a blessing to the community,” Ellis said. “We’re trying to offer them a quality program they may not have had on this end of Suffolk.”

Ellis has a bachelor’s degree from Liberty University in K-12 education. She has a master’s degree, also from Liberty, in early childhood education.

Plus, she quipped, “I’ve had three kids. That’s the best experience you can get.”

The preschool has eight people on staff and aims to provide more than just daycare, Ellis said.

“From an academic perspective, we help them learn their colors and numbers, but we also know we want to address the whole child,” she said.

Sexton said the church aims to expand the ministry as they are able. It’s also planning a summer camp-type program next year.

“There is always a need,” he said.