Little Lambs Preschool: Nurturing Growth Through Faith-Based Education

Little Lambs Preschool offers a Christian faith-based program dedicated to the care and education of young children. With a focus on fostering mental, physical, and spiritual growth, Little Lambs provides a nurturing environment where children can explore, learn, and develop their unique potential. The preschool welcomes children from all backgrounds, faiths, and abilities.

Programs Offered

Little Lambs Preschool offers programs tailored to different age groups, ensuring age-appropriate developmental skills are taught in each class. The programs include:

Two-Year-Old Class: Designed to introduce the youngest learners to a structured preschool environment.
Three-Year-Old Class: Focuses on building foundational skills through play-based learning.
Four-Year-Old Class: Prepares children for kindergarten with a curriculum that includes math, phonics, vocabulary building, literature, and social-emotional development.

In addition to these classes, Little Lambs Preschool is looking to start a new class on Monday mornings from 8:30 am to 10:30 am for potty-trained 2- and 3-year-olds that are ready for some independent learning time but aren't old enough for traditional preschool classes. This new class would offer read aloud's, music & movement time, recess, centers, and snack. This class is planned to begin January 12, 2026, and run through May 11, 2026.

A Christian-Based Program

Little Lambs Preschool is a ministry, offering a Christian faith-based program that serves children ages 1-4 years. The preschool is devoted to nurturing and teaching children in the spirit and truth of Jesus. Chapel is held once each week for the school. Children explore real life experiences at their own developmental pace, in a loving Christian atmosphere.

Learning Environment

All classrooms at Little Lambs Preschool are equipped with various books, toys, and other resources to enrich each child's learning experience. Little Lambs uses a curriculum that uses math, phonics, vocabulary building skills, literature, and social & emotional development through play- based learning centers, science experiments, and creative art projects to grow and develop our children. Motivational lessons are aligned with Early Childhood standards used in the public Kindergarten grade level and include a variety of thematic units. The preschool also provides for the education of young children in a Christian environment, offering small classes, half-day programs, religious instruction, music class, bi-monthly story time with Haslett Library staff, field trips and class holiday parties.

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Staff and Volunteers

Little Lambs Preschool is staffed by a dedicated team who have passed background checks and have CPR certification. Various church congregational members volunteer their time and talents at Little Lambs Preschool. The staff follows D.C.F.S. regulations, has had proper first aid & CPR training, background checks and teaching certificates. The staff is carefully chosen insuring that they are child-centered, creative, flexible, loving and are sensitive to all children’s needs.

The teachers at Little Lambs Preschool are passionate about working with children and helping them grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. They believe that children learn best through play, exploration, songs, and finger plays.

Meet some of the teachers:

Morgan Akers: Director. I have absolutely loved teaching the 3’s classes here at Little Lambs Preschool and am excited to be working as director. I have always loved working with young children and teaching preschool has been such a blessing! I grew up in Bloomington-Normal, but I now live in Washington with my husband, our 4 kids, and our many pets. I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with a Special Education Letter of Approval from Illinois State University. In the past, I taught kindergarten and 3rd grade reading. Before coming back to teaching, I was a stay-at-home mom. I try to spend lots of time outside with my kids, but also love reading a good book, crocheting, or watching a favorite show. I love volunteering at Vacation Bible School during the summer, and I’ve recently discovered a new passion for mission work by traveling with a group from Crossroads to Guatemala to serve kids through a program called Corazón de los Niños.
Ashley Sherman: I work in the 4-year-old classroom, and I just completed my seventh year here at Little Lambs. I started out subbing here and became very passionate about working with children! I love helping them grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. In the past, I worked at resorts doing various children’s programs and activities, volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club, and interned at Disney World. I graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree. In my spare time I enjoy going on bike rides, attending my children’s activities, and going to concerts with friends! I seek to create a Preschool environment filled with happiness and fun!
Angie Shaw: I’m thrilled that I’ve had the opportunity for the last several years to teach one of the three-year-old classes at Little Lambs Preschool. I love watching the kids learn and develop new skills, and I believe that kids learn best through play, exploration, songs, and finger plays. I have a bachelor’s degree in Business from Eastern Illinois University and worked at Caterpillar for five years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. I then began working at Crossroads GMC as Nursery Director, and eventually full time as Assistant the Pastors. I’ve been employed by Crossroads Global Methodist Church for over 25 years, and am blessed that I get to teach preschool, in addition to my other duties at Crossroads. My husband and I have two grown children, a daughter and a son, as well as several pets. In my spare time, I enjoy crocheting and other crafts, reading, playing my saxophone in the Peoria Pops Orchestra, and playing handbells for Crossroads Ringers.
Krista Boston: I am beyond thrilled to step back into the classroom this year as one of the 3-year-old Little Lambs Preschool Teachers! I have been a stay at home mom of three incredible sons for the past 13 years (and married for 20 years!). Before being a mom I worked in many classrooms from early childhood to 5th grade and even taught a year of 4th grade. I have a Bachelor's Degree from Illinois State University in Elementary Education. I adore working with children; they bring such joy and wonder. I enjoy all the intentional and spontaneous teachable moments found through play, discussion, music and literature. I love singing, especially worship music. Other activities I enjoy are exercising with my gym friends and solving 1000+ piece puzzles. I'm sure I will use many of these skills while teaching these precious kiddos.
Carol Smeltzer: I am a teacher in one of the 4-year-old classrooms. I have been a preschool teacher for 9 years, this is my 3rd year with Little Lambs. I have been married to my husband, Kurt for 32 years. We have 4 boys, 2 of which are married, and we have 3 grandsons. We recently became empty nesters! We also have a Golden Retriever named Daisy. In my spare time, I enjoy scrapbooking, reading, and spending time with friends and with my growing family. I have an associate degree and a certificate of Early Childhood Education from Illinois Central College. Some experiences I’ve had with children include: being a stay-at-home mom for many years, a lead preschool teacher for 9 years, an assistant in a preschool classroom, and a teacher’s aide at a grade school. I love working with preschool-aged children and seeing their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.
Amy Pruitt: For the last several years, I have been volunteering at Little Lambs Preschool one morning a week. You might see me in the classroom interacting with the kids, making copies, doing bulletin boards, or even organizing materials. Basically, I go wherever I am needed. I have a degree in Special Education and Early Childhood. I previously taught for 18 years in the public schools, and a few years ago, I taught in one of the three-year-old classes at Little Lambs. I really enjoy my time volunteering at Little Lambs each week. It gives me a purpose and the kids bring so much sunshine to my life.

Operational Details

Little Lambs Preschool is open from 7:30 am until 5:30 pm Monday - Friday. Kelly Zorn and LaKysha Perkins direct the preschool, and a team of loving, engaging teachers provides a caring environment for children that fosters learning and social connections. Little Lambs Preschool is a securely locked facility.

Tuition and Fees

Little Lambs Preschool offers a variety of pricing options based on the schedule chosen. Here's a breakdown of the tuition fees for the 2025-2026 school year:

Monday/Wednesday/Friday - 7:30 AM - 2:45 PM: \$325 per month
Monday/Wednesday/Friday with Extended Day - 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM: \$415 per month
Monday-Friday - 7:30 AM - 2:45 PM: \$435 per month
Monday-Friday with Extended Day - 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM: \$550 per month

AM Extended and PM Extended are offered to all as a daily add on.

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AM EXTENDED RATE: \$15/day
PM EXTENDED RATE: \$20/day

These fees will total at the end of each month and be paid with the following month’s tuition.

Important Notes Regarding Tuition (2025-2026):

Tuition must be paid by the 5th of each month.
Payments can be made with cash, check, or card (a 2.95% charge fee applies to card payments).
Parents provide lunch for their children.
While not a peanut-free campus, the preschool is cautious with students who have peanut allergies.
The preschool can heat up lunches that take under 1 minute to heat.
Lunches requiring refrigeration need to have sufficient cooling packs to remain cold until lunchtime.

Pre-K Tuition (2025-2026):

Pre-K 3: \$1,215 for the school year, payable upfront or in 9 monthly installments of \$135 (September through May).
Pre-K 4: \$1,485 for the school year, payable upfront or in 9 monthly installments of \$165 (September through May).

Fees for the 2026-2027 School Year:

Registration: A non-refundable fee of \$150 is required to reserve your child’s spot. Registration fees are separate from tuition and go toward classroom supplies and resources for the upcoming year.
Pre-K 3: Tuition is \$1,350 for the school year, which may be paid up front or divided into 9 monthly installments (September through May) of \$150.
Pre-K 4: Tuition is \$1,575 for the school year, which may be paid up front or divided into 9 monthly installments (September through May) of \$175.

Tuition is due within the first two school days of each month and may be paid in cash or by check (please make checks out to Trinity’s Little Lambs Preschool). A one school day grace period is allowed, after which time accounts are subject to a \$10 late fee each week tuition remains outstanding. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, or if you need to arrange a different monthly payment date, please reach out to our director to discuss your options.

For the 2026/2027 academic year, the tuition for the three-year-old and four-year-old classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays is \$135 per month. An enrollment fee of \$50 is due with the application.

Additional Information

Nap Time: All students have a nap each day. Parents need to provide a nap mat for their child to rest on. Each child is allowed to have a "rest buddy" to sleep with.
Class Sizes: 18 month class: 10, 2s class: 10-13, 3s class: 13-15, 4s class: 16-18
Registration: Registration takes place at the end of March for currently enrolled students, currently enrolled students’ siblings, and church members. After these groups have registered, open enrollment begins the first Monday of April. Registration for the 2026-2027 school year will open November 3rd.
Waiting List: If a spot is not available, your child may be placed on the waiting list.
Physical Required: A physical is required to attend the first day of school.
Food Allergies: We do not serve peanut nor peanut-butter foods at snack time. Families are welcome to supply the school snack due to any dietary needs.

Philosophy and Goal

Little Lambs Preschool's philosophy is based on the belief that every child is a wonderful gift from God, made in His image and likeness, and filled with dignity, goodness, and an incredible potential for discovery, learning, and growth. The goal is to have our students leave loving school, being ready to learn and being socially and academically prepared for Kindergarten. We nurture your child's natural strengths in a loving and safe environment. Children see the world around them in wonder and awe, we believe in encouraging their natural curiosity and helping them find the path that God has determined for them. Accordingly, the family is an integral part of our program, and their participation is an essential element to the success of our program.

Parent Involvement

Parent Participation: We have an open-door policy and you are invited to visit whenever you like. We have many opportunities throughout the year to volunteer, help with parties, or assist teachers with activities.

Testimonials

Parents rave about the loving and supportive environment at Little Lambs Preschool:

Amanda: "Both of my children have attended LLLC since they were 3 months old. I would not take them anywhere else! They are thriving, learning, and love going to school every day. Knowing your children are safe, loved, and well cared for when they are away from you is all parents can ever ask for.”
Joni: "We love little lambs and all the teachers. My daughter has been going to little lambs since she was 6 weeks old and had nothing but the best experience with each teacher in each room. All the teachers and staff have always treated her like their own which is what every parent hopes for. She absolutely loves her pre k teachers and has learned so much from them. She has been with the Pre-K teacher Rachel now for 2 years and loves her and so do we. If you want awesome teachers who are kind, loving, caring and treat you like family this is the place to go."
"All my interactions with the staff at Little Lambs have been absolutely amazing! The teachers are dedicated, hard working and provide the best environment possible.

Conclusion

Little Lambs Preschool is committed to providing a nurturing, faith-based learning environment for young children. With a dedicated staff, age-appropriate programs, and a focus on holistic development, Little Lambs Preschool strives to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond, instilling in them a lifelong love of learning.

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