Early Childhood Encourager

Trinity Lutheran Preschool is located just 18 miles south of Eugene, OR. Trinity Lutheran Preschool was opened in the early 1980's primarily to teach Kindergarten. After the State of OR offered Kindergarten classes then Trinity's enrollment was converted to preschool with 3 and 4 year old children in attendance. The philosophy and goals fall under 5 categories. SPIRITUAL: The children will see their place as valued members of God's family with unique gifts. They learn to know God's love through Jesus work and ministry. We encourage response in song and prayer as well as acts of love for others. SOCIAL: To respect others as they share in work and play. INTELLECTUAL: To discover new aspects of God's world and to developed skills and talents as they participate in learning activities. Group lessons and activities in all areas of development are supported. PHYSICAL: To grow physically and exercise large and small muscles. Also health and nutrition instruction. EMOTIONAL: That the children will gain confidence and self-esteem in an environment where they are loved and respected.

Trinity Lutheran enrollment is 35 children that are divided into 4 classes. child abuse

Teacher Pat teaches all four with help from a dedicated, retired teacher who helps in only one of those classes. These little one are a blessing and challenge at the same time. This year we have a special challenge with 2 openly non believing families. We make no excuses for our religious curriculum and greet these families with open arms. The children and staff are blessed by a very supportive church staff and loving Pastor. Our janitor and friend, Marvin, surprises us several times a year with ice cream cones. When the children see him out in the community they say "there's the ice cream man!" The congregation is very interested in all we do and has given much support through prayer, time and money.

One of our upcoming activities will be to have several weeks of collection of non-perishable food items. In class, we will sort, count and classify all items brought. child abuse

At the end of our project the food items will be donated to the local Community Sharing program. Thanksgiving boxes will be filled for needy families in our community. This is a community effort but I am proud of how the children really know the importance of giving to others, even if it is "their favorite box of macaroni and cheese". Another out reach for our young group is to sing the songs that we have learned to a senior group of shut-in church members who gather one a month for lunch and devotion. They love to see and hear the children, and it is a blessing for us to be able to minister to them with our "Jesus songs".

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Lastly as you can see from the photos our preschool has been blessed by the construction of a new play structure. I am happy to say that the families and the congregation paid for all. Thanks to two special members who assembled it.

Parents say that the children are blessed to be able to come to school at Trinity. I say that I am the one that is blessed by the love and support I receive from the children, their families and my church family at Trinity.