The sounds of children that fill the FishHawk neighborhood are the same sounds that surround our school. Each day, our staff warmly greets the kids and families sailing in on their bikes and scooters and our parents who drop off their young learners.
Serving children from age one to VPK in our preschool programs and elementary-aged after-schoolers, we’re here to give you peace of mind that your child’s heart and mind will be filled each day.
A Community Education Tradition Since 2000
About FishHawk Early Learning Preschool
FishHawk Early Learning Preschool was established in the community's early days and grew along with it. We’ve watched hundreds of children and their siblings pass through our doors and begin their bright futures with us!
A private preschool setting where we’re partners together - We’d invite you to experience our difference!
Beyond the academics and social-emotional development our program is known for throughout our community, other program highlights our parents enjoy are:
- Our annual Fall Festival
- Fall and spring photos
- In-house “field trips” such as community helper visits and puppet plays
- Thematic weeks full of dress-up fun and literacy exploration
- Water play days
- Outdoor green spaces for running, climbing, and playing
- Holiday events
- VPK graduation and celebration
We involve our families through every step of their child’s early education. Taking into account your goals and expectations while openly dialoguing creates a positive learning atmosphere.
Meet the Leadership Team at FELP
Mary Lou Hewett, Owner
After serving 30 years in education that spanned from being a teacher to ending her tenure in Hillsborough County as a principal, Mary Lou Hewett decided to create an impact on local preschool education.
A resident of Plant City since the age of five, she recalls being the girl who always played school. Following her love for learning and seeing a vision for working with children, Mary Lou obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She was also awarded endorsements for K-12 Principalship, Exceptional Student Education (ESE), and English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
A mom of three adult children and grandmother to one adorable grandson, Mary Lou hopes to one day travel to Maine in the fall and take an Alaskan Cruise. Until then, she loves continuing her career in education leadership by growing quality private preschool options with her two schools-FishHawk Early Learning Preschool and Walden Lake Early Learning Center.
A resident of Plant City since the age of five, she recalls being the girl who always played school. Following her love for learning and seeing a vision for working with children, Mary Lou obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She was also awarded endorsements for K-12 Principalship, Exceptional Student Education (ESE), and English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
A mom of three adult children and grandmother to one adorable grandson, Mary Lou hopes to one day travel to Maine in the fall and take an Alaskan Cruise. Until then, she loves continuing her career in education leadership by growing quality private preschool options with her two schools-FishHawk Early Learning Preschool and Walden Lake Early Learning Center.
“I love watching children grow and develop intellectually, emotionally, and socially. I also love mentoring adults in education.”
“I love seeing the lightbulb moments when a child understands something new and watching teachers get excited about education.”
Rebecca Lasky (Miss Becky), Director & Curriculum Specialist
A Tampa native born on MacDill AFB to an Air Force family, Rebecca Lasky can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to teach. Sorting and collecting papers from her dolls transitioned into decades of dedicated work in early childhood education across many reputable preschool settings. In 2005, Rebecca was awarded Teacher of the Year at a former school and has served the students of FishHawk Early Learning Preschool since 2008.
Rebecca loves spending time on the beach and brings her love of nature to developing hands-on language, math, and science lessons. In her role as director, she is purposeful in infusing creativity into the curriculum and mentoring teachers to share joyful moments with their students.
A proud mom of a daughter continuing the family’s military service tradition in the U.S. Navy, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter’s young family.
Rebecca loves spending time on the beach and brings her love of nature to developing hands-on language, math, and science lessons. In her role as director, she is purposeful in infusing creativity into the curriculum and mentoring teachers to share joyful moments with their students.
A proud mom of a daughter continuing the family’s military service tradition in the U.S. Navy, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter’s young family.
We’d love to welcome your family into
Fishhawk Early Learning Preschool!
If you’re ready to see your child’s confidence soar and their learning potential engaged, we’d love to invite you to tour our school, ask questions, and find your place with our FishHawk family!
