Early Childhood

Our mission is to joyfully share the gospel and prepare children, by nurturing their faith, for a lifetime of learning and service to Christ.

Our Programs

Childcare Program

Hours of Operation: 7:30-5:30

  • Nursery (Infant Room)
    • 6 weeks-15 months (Part-time and Full-time options available)
  • Toddler Room:
    • 15 months- 24 months (Part-time and Full-time options available)

Preschool Hours of Operation

St. James Lutheran Early Childhood operates on the St. James Lutheran School calendar. Half-Day and Full-day options are available.

  • Half-Day Preschool: 
    • 7:30-7:55 drop off with our day starting at 8:00 am
    • 12:15-12:30 pick up after lunch.
  • Full-Day Preschool:
    • 7:30-7:55 drop off with our day starting at 8:00 am
    • Pick up anytime before 5:30pm – Children remaining after 5:30pm will be assessed a late charge.
    • Includes rest time for restoring minds.

Preschool Classes Offered:

  • Preschool 2’s Classroom
    • Children must be 2 years old, on or before August 1st
    • Enrollment options include 2-5 days per week.
  • Preschool 3’s Classroom-
    • Children must be 3 years old, on or before August 1st, and potty trained.
    • Enrollment options include 3-5 days per week.
  • Pre-Kindergarten Classroom-
    • Children must be 4 years old, on or before August 1st
    • Enrollment options include 4-5 days per week.

Play Based Learning

We believe young children learn best through hands-on, meaningful play which encourages curiosity, discovery, and problem solving.   We offer a balance of guided, directed, and free-choice play for our students which allows for individual growth and positive self-image. Our teachers encourage and support students to make choices and practice decision-making, so they may succeed in a complex and ever-changing world as lifelong learners.

Throughout their day, your child will be exposed to the following: 

Zoo phonics – Our choice for learning letter recognition, learning letter sounds, and an introductory to beginning word sounds. This program is utilized throughout the whole preschool, with each age group having their own specific curriculum. The children will learn through songs, dances, and games. Parents may read about Zoo phonics at https://zoo-phonics.com/

One In Christ – Our choice for religion curriculum is One in Christ, published by Concordia Publishing House.   These materials are used throughout our program, nursery through preK.

Daily Chapel – Our chapel services feature a daily message that follows along with the curriculum lesson for that week, we show our love for the Gospel through song and fellowship. By the end of their time with us, your child will have been exposed to and will have mastered the Apostle’s Creed, Lord’s Prayer, and the Common Doxology.

Weekly Library visits – Each week your child will have the opportunity to visit our school library and check out a book of their choosing.

Daily recess – We will go outdoors for recess on most days and will follow the state Weather Standards. A chart is posted in each room to help make the decision of where large motor play will be for the day.  Parents may view this chart at https://www.in.gov/fssa/files/BCCchildcareweatherwatch.pdf.    It is important that you dress your child for the appropriate weather conditions:  coats/jackets, hats, mittens, rain boots.

Art and Music classes for Pre-kindergarten and  Prekindergarten / Preschool 3 classes  only at this time.
Mrs. Joan Tietz leads our art class and each lesson is based on the story of the week, exploring different art styles and mediums to cultivate a love for creativity. 

Mrs. Goodspeed leads our music class and tailors her lessons specifically for early childhood.  Our students grow in their appreciation and love for music and learn how music affects everyday life.


Explore Preschool for your Child

If you would like to learn more about how our preschool program can nurture your child, contact our admissions team. Email Morgan Kurtz, our Director of Admissions at admissions@stjameslaf.org or call 765-742-6464.