Welcome to Children of the Shepherd. If you walk around our room, you will experience many different centers - library and puzzle area, manipulatives, truck and block area, woodwork bench, dramatic play and home living center, art and writing centers and discovery science table.

For large muscle indoor play our room is equipped with walking boards, tumbling mat and a large parachute. If you look outside, you will find a backyard designed for safety and large muscle workout. We have a variety of climbers, a slide and a sandbox. On snowy days the children enjoy a time of cooperative sledding on a hill in the back. (It is a challenge to get down the hill then bring the sled back, together!) During the Spring, you will notice the flowers sprouting from the bulbs the children plant in the Fall.

Our History
Children of the Shepherd Preschool (CSPS) is a ministry to the community sponsored by Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. CSPS was established in 1969 by the pastor and church members to minister to children and families of all denominations, race and color to support and strengthen them in Christian love.

The Preschool is licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and is a non-profit organization.  The director and volunteer board consisting of church members, parents of the Preschool and people interested in quality Christian Education, make and implement policies for the school, subject to the approval of the Board of Ministers of the Church.
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Our Goals
In our safe, secure and nurturing environment each child will:

• experience an accepting, loving relationship with a qualified Christian teacher.

• experience the goodness of God's created wonders firsthand.

• experience an environment of acceptance for each child as an individual where curiosity and creativity are encouraged.

• learn to trust and respect adults outside her/his immediate family.  Children are talked to and treated with respect by the adults in our classroom.

• learn to play with other children through cooperative play.

• develop self-discipline and an attitude of respect for her/his environment and  fellow classmates.

It is the belief of the Preschool Board that we are establishing a foundation for intellectual, physical, social, emotional and spiritual growth for the children enrolled in our school.
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Staff
The Director, Teachers, Assistant Teachers and substitutes meet all DCFS requirements for education.  They are committed to the Preschool's philosophy and goals creating a "home away from home" environment.  All members of the staff participate in ongoing education, training and a monthly staff meeting.  The CSPS Staff has successfully completed CPR and  First Aid training.
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Our Enrollment

Class size is limited to 16 children with a ratio of one adult for 6 children. Each class time one of the children is the "Special Helper" for the day. We offer an Extended Day Option once per month where the children bring their lunch and stay with us for an additional period of time.
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Daily Routine
Relaxed Time:  Children arrive and chat with teachers, work with puzzles and manipulatives, read books and investigate nature items on the "discovery table".
Informal Meeting Time:  Attendance. calendar, weather, acknowledgement of Special Helper and introduction to the day's activities are part of this time.
Center Time:  (choosing time) The children are free to choose to work in a variety of centers that are designed to enhance the day's activities and stimulate intellectual, social and muscle development.
Clean-Up:  Children are taught to put back their own materials and play equipment.
Snack Time:  (family Style) A variety of snacks are chosen with good nutrition in mind.
Outdoor Play:  Our backyard is equipped with a sandbox and a variety of climbers.
Group Activities:  Stories, music, drama, rhythm instruments, puppets and large muscle movement are alternated throughout the school year.
Special Good-Bye Time:  A time to thank God for our day and our friends.
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Special Events

• Visits to the classroom by Community Helpers and/or parents who share information about their jobs.
• Family activity and snack nights.
• Birthday or 1/2 Birthday Celebration for each child.
• Christmas and Easter are special to our Preschool Family.  We celebrate the Christian aspects rather than the secular focus.
• Special day to honor Mothers.
• End of the year Class Picnic (weather permitting).

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Communications

• Individual Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled twice during the school year.
•  A Daily Plan for class time is posted.
• A Preschool Newsletter and Calendar are sent home monthly.

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School Hours

• Morning Classes        9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
• Afternoon Classes     12:30 PM - 3:00 PM
• Children may be in pull-ups.

The Preschool follows District 23's decision for emergency school closings during severe weather conditions.
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Registration Procedure
Registration Fee is $50.00.  Registration is completed upon receipt of payment accompanying the Registration form.  This registration fee is not refundable.  Upon receipt of both the form and the fee, additional forms are sent to be completed by the parents.
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Tuition
Tuition