Little Lamb Christian Preschool registering students for fall

For 27 years, the Little Lamb Christian Preschool, a ministry of the Hillsboro Church of Christ, has been preparing area pupils for elementary school, with a focus on a Christian-based curriculum.

Preschool administrator Donna Waller said that even though soaring unemployment rates have had an effect on enrollment, the school is already anticipating registration for its 28th year in service. 

"(Area job loss) has affected us a little bit this year," Waller said. "But we're still going strong. I think we have a lot to offer, and hopefully, will be here for years to come."

Though the Highland County Christian School was located out of the Hillsboro Church of Christ for a time, it is not affiliated with the preschool.  The HCCS recently announced it would take a one-year hiatus due to the poor economy and improved Hillsboro City Schools.

"We are a self-sufficient ministry of the church," Waller said, and completely funded through student tuition.

Little Lamb accepts children from ages 3 to 5, and is licensed through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Currently, the school has 67 students enrolled. 

"I have such a nice group of teachers and aides," Waller said. "They come back every year because they want to be here." 

"I think preschool is crucial, because they expect so much of them in kindergarten," Waller said. "Just learning the social skills is crucial."

Little Lamb follows a standard nine-month school year, and involves students in  a variety of activities such as field trips, and guest speakers, including area police officers and firefighters.

The pre-schoolers have several goals set for them at the beginning of the year, and includes everything from learning the alphabet, social adjustment, sensory motor abilities, number concepts, reading readiness, and Christian ideals. 

Class sizes are usually small, typically with no more than 15, according to Waller. 

"They receive a lot of one-on-one time and individual attention," Waller said. "We're gearing up for the end of the year right now. We have a spring fling carnival, and a preschool graduation."

Little Lamb Christian Preschool is currently accepting students for the 2010-2011 school year. For more information, call (937) 393-1752.