Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." ~ Matt. 19:14
About Us
Precious Lambs Preschool is owned and operated by St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, and is directly supervised by St. Paul’s Board of Christian Education. Our church and school are members of a larger church body called the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, which has been providing quality Christian education for over 150 years. We are one of the Largest Private / Christian School Systems in the United States (National Center for Educational Statistics) and have:
Precious Lambs Preschool is an accredited preschool through the Association of Christian Schools International, and received its accreditation status in June 2007.
In the Bible God tells us that He “...wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (I Tim. 2:4) All children are welcome to enroll in Precious Lambs Preschool without reference to race, religion, national or ethnic origin or gender.
- 400 Early Childhood Ministries
- 345 Lutheran Elementary Schools
- 26 Lutheran High Schools
- 2 Colleges
- 1 Theological Seminary
Precious Lambs Preschool is an accredited preschool through the Association of Christian Schools International, and received its accreditation status in June 2007.
In the Bible God tells us that He “...wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (I Tim. 2:4) All children are welcome to enroll in Precious Lambs Preschool without reference to race, religion, national or ethnic origin or gender.
Mission and Vision
Our Mission
“Preparing children for this life and eternity by offering a superior academic and spiritual education.”
It is the mission of Precious Lambs Preschool to support and encourage parents in their God-given responsibility to educate and spiritually train their child. We provide young children a safe, loving Christian environment where they are prepared physically, socially, emotionally and educationally for future learning experiences.
Our Vision
Precious Lambs Preschool is known for its superior spiritual and academic education whose students:
“Preparing children for this life and eternity by offering a superior academic and spiritual education.”
It is the mission of Precious Lambs Preschool to support and encourage parents in their God-given responsibility to educate and spiritually train their child. We provide young children a safe, loving Christian environment where they are prepared physically, socially, emotionally and educationally for future learning experiences.
Our Vision
Precious Lambs Preschool is known for its superior spiritual and academic education whose students:
- know and appreciate Christ’s love for them and demonstrate that love towards others in their speech and behavior;
- recognize that God gives them their talents and abilities, and that they can use these to glorify him;
- are life-long learners by being well prepared for future learning experiences in Kindergarten and the early elementary grades;
- have compassion and respect for their fellow man;
- have an appreciation for God’s gift of good health and make God-pleasing decisions that promote a healthy lifestyle.
Our Curriculum
Parents often have questions and concerns about preschool curriculum. Many people tend to equate a school’s curriculum with a published set of materials that lead a teacher from one lesson to the next. These may include pre-made materials like worksheets, or cut and paste activities. Many preschools use such curriculums, but research disagrees that these create the best results in children. We have chosen to utilize research-based curricula that is flexible to meet the unique needs of the children in each classroom, and which use open-ended activities in which the children are active, participatory learners.
Our curriculum is based on our Christian faith, our understanding of child development, current research in early childhood education, and our knowledge of each individual child, his interests, needs, abilities, and background. As such, we offer a curriculum at Precious Lambs Preschool that is designed to meet the spiritual, physical, cognitive and social-emotional developmental needs of our children.
“Curriculum” in our early childhood setting is everything that we do throughout the day. In addition to addressing traditional academic subjects, it promotes independence, curiosity, decision making, cooperation, persistence, creativity and problem solving in young children. Our day consists of active and quiet times; individual, small, and large group experiences; and indoor and outdoor play.
The rich classroom environment allows children to be comfortable and practice skills they have learned, and encourages them to try new experiences. Children will develop the skills, attitudes and concepts that will enable them to make sense of the world, be successful and therefore develop a true feeling of self-worth. Following a daily routine helps children feel secure by giving them a sense of control as they come to know what to expect.
The teachers act as facilitators in this child-centered classroom as they guide and supervise play to foster learning. Children are encouraged to make choices, engage in active learning, and build relationships with peers and teachers. The learning centers are filled with concrete, process oriented experiences for children. Through supervised play children become better thinkers and problem solvers and develop creativity.
Other small and large group times involve children in teacher-initiated experiences. These are scheduled throughout the day and may include listening to stories, playing a game, cooking, singing, learning a finger play, experiencing music movement, or planning and sharing.
We believe this curriculum will create capable learners who are able to think for themselves, solve problems, and live as children of God. Children will be challenged to use language and to construct meaning from print. They will stretch their ability to think logically, solve problems, see relationships, and to use their senses. It is the integration of a day of preschool experiences that helps children learn and builds a foundation for further education in reading and math.
Our curriculum is based on our Christian faith, our understanding of child development, current research in early childhood education, and our knowledge of each individual child, his interests, needs, abilities, and background. As such, we offer a curriculum at Precious Lambs Preschool that is designed to meet the spiritual, physical, cognitive and social-emotional developmental needs of our children.
“Curriculum” in our early childhood setting is everything that we do throughout the day. In addition to addressing traditional academic subjects, it promotes independence, curiosity, decision making, cooperation, persistence, creativity and problem solving in young children. Our day consists of active and quiet times; individual, small, and large group experiences; and indoor and outdoor play.
The rich classroom environment allows children to be comfortable and practice skills they have learned, and encourages them to try new experiences. Children will develop the skills, attitudes and concepts that will enable them to make sense of the world, be successful and therefore develop a true feeling of self-worth. Following a daily routine helps children feel secure by giving them a sense of control as they come to know what to expect.
The teachers act as facilitators in this child-centered classroom as they guide and supervise play to foster learning. Children are encouraged to make choices, engage in active learning, and build relationships with peers and teachers. The learning centers are filled with concrete, process oriented experiences for children. Through supervised play children become better thinkers and problem solvers and develop creativity.
Other small and large group times involve children in teacher-initiated experiences. These are scheduled throughout the day and may include listening to stories, playing a game, cooking, singing, learning a finger play, experiencing music movement, or planning and sharing.
We believe this curriculum will create capable learners who are able to think for themselves, solve problems, and live as children of God. Children will be challenged to use language and to construct meaning from print. They will stretch their ability to think logically, solve problems, see relationships, and to use their senses. It is the integration of a day of preschool experiences that helps children learn and builds a foundation for further education in reading and math.
Philosophy and Goals
| Our Philosophy of Education We believe that God created human life to be developmental and that the educational process must nurture the development of the whole child. The classroom environment must be flexible in allowing children to go through the predictable stages of growth and maturation on individual timetables, and also allow for the unique characteristics, learning styles, and family experiences of each child. Children are active learners and learn best through concrete, quality play experiences which are facilitated through purposeful planning and modeling by caring adults. Program Goals Through their experiences at Precious Lambs Preschool our children will: Spiritual Development
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Daily Hours of Operation
| Preschool Doors Open: | 8:00 A.M. | Monday-Friday |
| Instructional Hours: | 8:15 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. 12:00 P.M. to 3:15 P.M. | Monday-Friday |
Family Programs
Throughout the year parents will have opportunity to attend regularly scheduled parent programs. These will revolve around topics of interest concerning different aspects of family life, parenting, and education, and may include outside speakers, video presentations, and forum discussions. Input from parents will be sought regarding areas of need or interest by means of parent surveys.
Field Trips and Special Days
Educational and fun field trips will be scheduled throughout the school year. Parents will be notified in advance and are asked to fill out a form giving their child permission to attend each trip. Parents are also invited to chaperone and help transport the children on these days. We look forward to having our parents and families join us on these outings.
The Preschool also enjoys Special Days with the preschoolers and their families. These are activities which are planned to celebrate holidays and other special times. Parents and immediate family members are always encouraged to join at these events.
Preschool Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to enroll in Precious Lambs Preschool?
Precious Lambs Preschool is a school‐year preschool program for all children who are at least three years old by September 1st of the year they are enrolling, and who are fully toilet‐trained and self‐sufficient in the bathroom. (This includes no pull‐ups or diapers to be worn during the Preschool program.)
What documents will I need to provide to the preschool before my child will be permitted to attend?
Birth Certificate, Florida Immunization Record, and Florida School-Entry Physical. Your child's pediatrician can provide you with proper health forms.
Do you accept children using the VPK certificate?
Any child who is four years old before September 1st qualifies for Florida’s Voluntary Pre‐Kindergarten program. Our preschool accepts the VPK vouchers as payment for pre‐Kindergarten children to attend.
What are your class sizes and student/teacher ratio?
Class sizes may vary, but are limited to a maximum of 16 in the PreK‐4 classroom, and 12 in the PreK‐3 / 4 mixed classroom. Each classroom has a lead teacher as well as a teacher’s assistant, so that two adults are with the children at all times.
What are the preschool hours?
The preschool operates daily, Monday through Friday, from August through May. The various preschool sessions operate between 8:00 AM and 3:15 PM. Exceptions to the hours of operation can be found on the preschool calendar, which includes special event days, field trips, extended holiday breaks, and teacher in-service days.
What preschool programs are available?
The preschool offers several choices for preschool families:
PreK‐3 Half-Day (Must be 3 by Sept 1st)
Tuition costs vary depending on the program. Click PreK Tuition and Fees tab for more information.
Contact our Director, Sharon Welfel (Sharon.Welfel@stpaulsk8school.org), or 352‐489‐3027 for more information. .
What curriculum do you teach?
We have chosen to utilize research‐based curricula that is flexible to meet the unique needs of the children in each classroom, and which use open‐ended activities in which the children are active, participatory learners. Our curriculum is based on our Christian faith, our understanding of child development, current research in early childhood education, and our knowledge of each individual child, his interests, needs, abilities, and background. As such, we believe the curriculum of Precious Lambs Preschool is designed to meet the spiritual, physical, cognitive and social‐emotional developmental needs of our children. We believe this curriculum will create capable learners who are able to think for themselves, solve problems, and live as children of God.
Several specific curriculum resources which we utilize, but are not limited to, are the High Scope curriculum, the Christ‐Light curriculum, and the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum.
Where is the preschool located on your campus?
The preschool is an educational wing of the church building. It is located across the driveway from the fenced-in playground. Look for the porch that has the double doors with the bulletin boards on them.
Do I have to be a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran church to enroll my child in the preschool?
The preschool accepts all qualified applicants as space permits. Active members of the congregation and siblings of currently enrolled students have priority, and all others are accepted on a first‐come basis. Families do not need to attend St. Paul’s Lutheran Church to apply and be accepted.
How do I go about enrolling my child?
Complete an Preschool Interest Form to receive a call or email from the Director, Sharon Welfel (sharon.welfel@stpaulsk8school.org), to arrange a time to visit the Preschool . After your visit you will receive information regarding online registration and enrollment in preschool.
Precious Lambs Preschool is a school‐year preschool program for all children who are at least three years old by September 1st of the year they are enrolling, and who are fully toilet‐trained and self‐sufficient in the bathroom. (This includes no pull‐ups or diapers to be worn during the Preschool program.)
What documents will I need to provide to the preschool before my child will be permitted to attend?
Birth Certificate, Florida Immunization Record, and Florida School-Entry Physical. Your child's pediatrician can provide you with proper health forms.
Do you accept children using the VPK certificate?
Any child who is four years old before September 1st qualifies for Florida’s Voluntary Pre‐Kindergarten program. Our preschool accepts the VPK vouchers as payment for pre‐Kindergarten children to attend.
What are your class sizes and student/teacher ratio?
Class sizes may vary, but are limited to a maximum of 16 in the PreK‐4 classroom, and 12 in the PreK‐3 / 4 mixed classroom. Each classroom has a lead teacher as well as a teacher’s assistant, so that two adults are with the children at all times.
What are the preschool hours?
The preschool operates daily, Monday through Friday, from August through May. The various preschool sessions operate between 8:00 AM and 3:15 PM. Exceptions to the hours of operation can be found on the preschool calendar, which includes special event days, field trips, extended holiday breaks, and teacher in-service days.
What preschool programs are available?
The preschool offers several choices for preschool families:
PreK‐3 Half-Day (Must be 3 by Sept 1st)
- Tuesday/Thursday 8:15 – 11:30
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8:15 – 11:30
- Monday-Friday 8:15 - 11:30
- Tuesday/Thursday 8:15 – 3:15
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8:15 – 3:15
- Monday-Friday 8:15 - 3:15
- Monday-Friday 8:15 - 11:30
- Monday-Friday 12:00(Noon) - 3:15
- Monday-Friday 8:15 - 3:15
Tuition costs vary depending on the program. Click PreK Tuition and Fees tab for more information.
Contact our Director, Sharon Welfel (Sharon.Welfel@stpaulsk8school.org), or 352‐489‐3027 for more information. .
What curriculum do you teach?
We have chosen to utilize research‐based curricula that is flexible to meet the unique needs of the children in each classroom, and which use open‐ended activities in which the children are active, participatory learners. Our curriculum is based on our Christian faith, our understanding of child development, current research in early childhood education, and our knowledge of each individual child, his interests, needs, abilities, and background. As such, we believe the curriculum of Precious Lambs Preschool is designed to meet the spiritual, physical, cognitive and social‐emotional developmental needs of our children. We believe this curriculum will create capable learners who are able to think for themselves, solve problems, and live as children of God.
Several specific curriculum resources which we utilize, but are not limited to, are the High Scope curriculum, the Christ‐Light curriculum, and the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum.
Where is the preschool located on your campus?
The preschool is an educational wing of the church building. It is located across the driveway from the fenced-in playground. Look for the porch that has the double doors with the bulletin boards on them.
Do I have to be a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran church to enroll my child in the preschool?
The preschool accepts all qualified applicants as space permits. Active members of the congregation and siblings of currently enrolled students have priority, and all others are accepted on a first‐come basis. Families do not need to attend St. Paul’s Lutheran Church to apply and be accepted.
How do I go about enrolling my child?
Complete an Preschool Interest Form to receive a call or email from the Director, Sharon Welfel (sharon.welfel@stpaulsk8school.org), to arrange a time to visit the Preschool . After your visit you will receive information regarding online registration and enrollment in preschool.
Pre-K Tuition and Fees
- Must be three years old by September 1st.
- Must be fully potty trained – no pull-ups.
- All Three-Year- Old’s - (One-time) Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $175
- A refundable deposit of ½ months tuition must be paid prior to starting preschool and guarantees placement in full-day program. This deposit will be refunded after completion of the 10-month program (early withdrawal does not qualify for this refund).
| Three-Year-Old Programs | CHOOSE THE DAYS | HALF-DAY Tuition Rates 8:15 AM - 11:30 AM | FULL-DAY Tuition Rates 8:15 AM - 3:15 PM |
| Annual/Monthly | Annual/Monthly | ||
| 2 Days | Tuesday/Thursday | $1,545/154.50 | $2,835/$283.50 |
| 3 Days | Mon. Wed. Fri. | $2,165/$216.50 | $3,865/$386.50 |
| 5 Days | Mon. – Fri. | $3,300/$330 | $6,130/$613 |
- Must be four years old by Sept. 1st.
- One-time) Non-Refundable Enrollment Fee: $175 (This fee applies to Extended Care students only.)
- A refundable deposit of ½ months of Extended Care tuition ($141.75) must be paid prior to starting preschool and guarantees placement in the Extended Care program. This deposit will be refunded after completion of the 10-month program (early withdrawal does not qualify for this refund).
| HALF-DAY VPK Morning | 8:15 AM - 11:30 AM | FULL-DAY (Morning + Extended Care) 8:15 AM - 3:15 PM |
| Annual/Monthly | ||
| FREE w/voucher | $2,835/$283.50 | |
| HALF-DAY VPK Afternoon | 12:00 PM (noon) - 3:15 PM | |
| FREE w/voucher |