What makes your Early Childhood Learning Center program unique?
We have creative scheduling options from part time to full-time care to meet the needs of our families.
We track and demonstrate the growth and development of every child in our program. Our professed Christian educators are committed to nurturing and educating the God-given potential in every child.
What fees are involved?
There is $200 non-refundable registration fee and the monthly tuition fees.
Are there class openings at this time?
Please contact the ELC at 303-707-4378 for information on class availability.
What ages of children to you accept at your Early Learning Center?
We provide ELC experiences for children who are 18 months to 3 years old. We provide Pre-K for children 4 years of age. And, we provide Jr. K for children who are 5 years of age and not ready for kindergarten.
Does my child need to be potty-trained before coming to school?
We encourage our children to be potty-trained by 3 years old, but understand that this is a process that takes time for children to learn. We support the process by taking children to the restroom at set intervals during the day. We ask that you support the process by providing us with the information that we need to know about your child including unique vocabulary or words, sending extra clothes for necessary changes, providing pull-ups and wipes, and understanding that independence is our goal.
What are your student-to-teacher ratios?
We follow the guidelines of the Colorado Department of Human Services guidelines. The required ratios are: 8 students to 1 teacher for 2 ½ year olds, 10 students to 1 teacher for 3 year olds, 12 students to one teacher for 4 year olds. We have one teacher and one teacher aide in many of our classrooms.
What qualifications do your teachers have?
Our ELC teachers have a variety of educational experiences, degrees and interests. All of them meet the requirements set by Human Services for being group-leader qualified. You will find teachers who have degrees in early childhood education. In addition, you will find that many of our teacher aides have a variety of experiences that include nursing, occupational and physical therapy, and speech/language pathology.
All staff go through training in CPR, First Aid, Universal Precautions, Safeguarding Our Children, and on-going early learning education and training. Our teachers understand the strains of daily life including family and can aid in developing a positive school environment for your child.
How can I know that Shepherd of the Hills Christian Early Learning Center is a quality preschool?
We are licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services. We go through periodic inspections by Tri-County Health Department and meet regulations for safety set by the Fire Department. Also, we have met the accreditation standards set forth by the National Lutheran Schools Accreditation. This accreditation process is recognized by the State of Colorado. Our teachers and staff ensure our preschool maintains quality classrooms, experiences and environments.
What are your Christian beliefs?
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church is a member congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. We believe that Jesus, God’s Son, died on the cross so that we might be forgiven of our sins and receive eternal life in heaven. Please see this page on our church website for statements about our church.
Can I get my registration fee back?
The registration fee is non-refundable unless we cannot place your child in a class. Usually, we do not process checks until we are certain about placement.