Zion Lutheran Preschool
Doris Quade, Director
(503) 640-8914
zionhillsb@aol.com
Zion Lutheran Preschool is located at 3090 NW Evergreen Drive, Hillsboro, Oregon. The preschool has been in existence since fall of 1993 beginning with a small combined class of thirteen threes and fours. The classroom was a shared Sunday school classroom. The following year the preschool was able to offer separate classes for the threes and fours. From the beginning the program has been financed through tuition and registration fees with no impact on the congregations budget. SInce it is a ministry of the congregation, the contribution from their budget is our space and extra utility costs.
In the fall of 2006 we were able to double the size of the preschool with the addition of a new education wing which consisted of two dedicated preschool classrooms, Sunday school rooms, and a large Family Life Center. With the second teacher, we now have two classes for threes and two classes for fours.
The purpose of the preschool is to carry on the mission of the congregation by providing a Christ-centered education and environment, minister to the special needs of the families, and serve as another means to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the communiity. To support the purpose statement, five growth areas: spiritual, language, science, social, and physical, are provided in a framework of daily instruction. Skill and social development activities are planned to meet the expectations of the kindergarten programs of Forest Hills Lutheran School and the Hillsboro Elementary School District.
Home visits were established with the organization of the preschool. The main objective of home visits is to be an ambassador for Christ and the preschool. The visits give the teachers an opportunity to review their story, for them to hear our story, and God's story of salvation. We are able to affirm the parents that we are there to assist them, to let them know our spiritual goals for their child, to share our academic programs, routines, field trips, and special activities, etc. This also gives the parents a time to share their questions. We also give the child a tote bag to use for carrying their projects, etc., back and forth.
A trip to the apple orchard, pumpkin patch, fire station, hospital, library, post office, grocery store, Forest Hills Lutheran School, or having the police, dentist or hygienist come helps to reinforce a particular lesson. St. Jude Bike Day gives the children an opportunity to help children who are not as fortunate as they are.
Invitations of church activities are shared with the parents. Our Board of Evangelism takes the opportunity to be seen by serving refreshments at the open house held prior to the opening of school and at the Christmas and closing programs. The congregation has the opportunity to pray for Zion's Lambs and a particular child during the year by taking home a magnet lamb which contains a child's picture. The preschool plays a big role in our VBS. This past year 69 children had preschool connections. God has used the preschool for us to minister to families that have no church background and to have their children baptized.
We are grateful for the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with the little children that He has placed in our care.
To God we give all praise and glory.
LCMS National Children's Ministry Conference
