Our half-day Christ-based preschool program was established in 1981 as a ministry of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. We warmly welcome all children ages 2 ½ to 5! Good Shepherd’s daily program of Christian education relates to the experience of the young child addressing their complete developmental needs. In addition to their educational, social, emotional, and physical needs, we provide a loving environment to nurture their spiritual needs. In an informal, caring atmosphere, learning centers and discovery activities build foundations for future academic growth.
Preschool Registration for the fall classes has begun. Open enrollment continues throughout the school year, class size permitting, as Good Shepherd maintains a low student/teacher ratio.
The Christian curriculum used at Good Shepherd includes a rich combination of many resources. We use the Beginner’s Bible materials extensively in the classroom (Zondervan Publishers) as well as specific lessons from Early Childhood Devotions and publications from Concordia Publishing House, the Southern Early Childhood Association, and NAEYC. These materials relate to the experiences of the young child while providing Christian guidance.
Our Pastor, Director of Christian Education, or our Music Director shares a Bible message each week in Chapel. Our weekly Music Program teachers your child many wonderful songs and provides them the opportunity to choose a simple musical instrument to play. In early December, all the children perform a Christmas program for their families and friends, followed by a fellowship event.
Preschool Goals
At Good Shepherd, we want your child to see him or herself as a celebrated person loved by God and others, so that they may be 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 want your child to learn in an atmosphere of Christian love: to be shown respect and for them to show respect to others; learn to take turns and to share their time and materials with others; 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 fine motor skills. Outdoor play exercises muscles, improving your child’s physical well being. During inclement weather, we offer climbing equipment, scooters, and encourage cooperative games in our large multi-purpose room. In the classroom, creative art, puzzles, manipulative blocks, and writing practice 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. Many of our staff members are also members of the church, and all are committed Christians. Parents continue to share testimonials about the positive influence our staff has had in building their child’s Christian character.
All staff members have college/graduate degrees, or have completed some college coursework. Staff members participate in continuing education by attending early childhood workshops and seminars throughout the school year, and also receive instruction in annual in-house training sessions. The Director and all teaching staff members are certified in CPR and First Aid, with all Lead Teachers, the Director, and many Assistants certified in PMAT. All staff members submit a yearly physician’s health screening report, and all have completed background checks.
Professional Organizations
Good Shepherd Lutheran School maintains Comprehensive Membership in the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC); is a member of the Northern Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children (NVAEYC); and is a member of the Southern Early Childhood Association. The Director is a participating member of Administrators of Early Childhood Christian Programs (AECCP).
Parent/Teacher Partnership
Our teachers have specific goals that they will work with your child to achieve. Phone conferences are held in the late fall so that teachers can keep parents informed of their child’s progress at school. Formal parent/teacher conferences are held in the spring. Lead teachers enjoy sharing information with the parents about the school day at the end of each class. We especially value the parent/teacher partnership. Parents are always invited to schedule a conference with the Lead Teacher or Director throughout the school year. We warmly welcome parents to the classroom, and maintain an “Open Door” policy in the School Office.
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