Preschool Program

Our daily program of Christian education relates to the experience of the young child addressing their complete developmental needs.  In addition to their mental, social, emotional, and physical needs, we address the child's spiritual needs as well.  In an informal, loving atmosphere, learning centers and discovery activities build foundations for future academic growth.

We have half-day classes for children from 2 1/2 through 5 years of age.  Preschool Registration for fall classes begins the prior January for currently enrolled students and church members.  Enrollment opens to the community at our Open Houses on January 19th and January 26th.  Open enrollment will continue, class size permitting.

The Christian curriculum used at Good Shepherd uses the Beginner's Bible materials extensively in the classroom (David C. Cook Publishing Company) and other early childhood Christian publications.  These materials relate to the experiences of the young child while providing Christian guidance.

There is a brief Chapel service every week performed by the pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  Children hear a Bible lesson, sing and pray with others.  Our weekly music program teaches your child many wonderful songs and gives them the opportunity to use simple instruments.  During the fall, the children prepare for our Christmas program, performed for families on a Sunday afternoon in December.

Preschool Goals

At Good Shepherd, we want your child to see himself or herself as a valuable person loved by God and by others.  Children who feel loved by God and by others are better equipped emotionally to meet the challenges of life.

Our students are free to develop into the unique individual that God created them to be.  We encourage them to express themselves through art, music, dramatic play, movement, language and outdoor play.

We desire for your child to learn in an atmosphere of Christian love: to learn to take turns, to share their time and materials with others, to respect their teachers and classmates, to show concern for the needs of others, and to resolve conflicts justly and peacefully.

Our goal is that your child would also grow intellectually, through interactions with materials and equipment designed to stimulate a child's interest in the surrounding world.

Lastly, we strive to provide an environment where your child can develop both large and small motor skills.  Outdoor play exercises muscles, improving your child's physical well being.  On rainy days we set up climbing equipment indoors and encourage cooperative games.  Art, puzzles, manipulative, blocks and practice at writing all help to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Preschool Staff

The staff of Good Shepherd Lutheran School is experienced and well trained.  Our turnover is low.  Our three lead teachers have been teaching at Good Shepherd for 30 years combined.  Almost all of our staff are members of the congregation and all are committed Christian women.  Most teachers have college degrees, and all have completed some college coursework. 

Our staff members attend many early childhood workshops and seminars throughout the year and participate in annual in-house training.  All staff members are trained in CPR, First Aid and PMAT (Pre-Medication Adminstratoin Training.)   Parents have shared numerous testimonials over the years about the positive influence our staff has had building their children's Christian character.

Our teachers have specific goals that they will work with your child to achieve.  Formal parent/teacher conferences are held in January, prior to registration for the coming fall.  Phone conferences are held in late fall so that teachers can keep parents informed of their child's progress at school.  Lead teachers share information with the parents about the school day at the end of each class.