FBC daycare worker retires

When one mentions the name “Luke” to Joan Knowles, the floodgates open.

For years, Knowles took care of Luke Barnett, an autistic child at First Baptist Preschool and Daycare of Atmore.

Knowles knew exactly what Barnett needed as he isn’t capable of saying what his needs are.

“Like Jordan (Luke’s mom) said, there were times Luke couldn’t tell what he wanted, but I knew what it was,” Knowles said. “We’ve never had any kid with autism at the school. We’ve had some with ADHD, and that’s a totally different ball game.”

Unfortunately for the daycare at FBC, Knowles worked her last day there on Fri., Feb. 24, after a 16-year career.

Over the years, Knowles has taken care of countless children, changed countless diapers and nurtured many others. She has even kept a watchful eye over her grandchildren as well.

“She has nurtured hundreds of children, diagnosed innumerable miscellaneous illnesses and comforted many a Mama in her time at the church in Atmore,” Daycare Director Tina Francis said. “She has been a valuable employee, a loving friend and will be greatly missed.”

A normal day for Knowles included driving to and from her native Flomaton, opening the daycare at 6:30 a.m. and watched over the 18 month olds until 2 p.m. each day.

She said her job also included making sure the children knew about Jesus.

“To be able to start them learning about Jesus and everything is very overwhelming,” Knowles said.

Knowles grew up loving children.

“It just came natural to me,” she said. “You’ve got to love them to be there that long. You’ve got to love your job.”

Knowles said her time at the daycare has been a blessing because of the other staff and of course, the children.

“It’s been a blessing, it really has,” she said. “There have been times I wanted to pull my hair out. For the most part, it really was a good thing.”

Knowles said she’s going to miss her job, especially taking care of those children who she has grown close to, like Luke.

“Luke came in in the mornings with his dad,” she said. “When Matt (Luke’s dad) walked out; you can’t force anything on an autistic child, it’s on their terms.

“When Matt walked out, he was mine.”