Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, an institution well respected for early childhood education.  As such, we are excited about having School For Little People as a part of our ministry.  Our goal is to maintain the high quality of education that has been established over the years.  We are committed to continuing to serve the educational needs of the community.  Holy Trinity Lutheran Church provides the 'Chapel Time' each month for the School For Little People.  The Pastor and several congregational members serve on the SFLP Governing Board as volunteer officers in support of this community outreach educational ministry.

Our Philosophy:

School For Little People is a developmentally appropriate early childhood program with an age appropriate curriculum based on our belief that children learn best through direct involvement with people and hands-on experiences. 

We are open to all children regardless of race, nationality or religious creed, or the presence of any sensory or physical handicap (special needs).  We strive to foster and develop each child's potential to it's fullest by providing age and developmentally appropriate activities.  Through these activities the child will be given the opportunity to succeed and thus encourage the development of a positive self-concept. 

Our Goal:

To promote sound physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual growth and development through planned activities by organizing the environment into interest centers and providing a balanced daily schedule.

We believe in providing a climate of play that is vital to a child's learning, self-expression, sense of discovery, social values, emotional maturity and ability to make choices.

A climate for growth will be provided where children are helped to understand their world through the full use of their senses, feelings and intellects.

We help the child to extend his/her world beyond his/her immediate family and and small circle of friends. 

Admission Requirements:
A child must be at least three (3) years old, and toilet trained, on or before August 31st of the year they enter preschool or four (4) years old for Pre-K by August 31st.

Registration Fee and Tuition for 2010-2011:

Registration Fee:  $45.00 - non-refundable at the time application is made.  This fee secures a space for your child and is used to cover insurance and supply costs.  Early application is advisable because some classes fill very quickly. (See www.schoolforlittlepeople.org for more information and SFLP T-Shirt sample)

Tuition:  $125.00 per month for three days (3) per week, or

                 $90 per month for two days (2) per week. 

Please contact the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church office at:  (509)  926-7966 if you have questions or would like Registration Application forms.

Our Staff:

Our staff are all trained early childhood teachers who care about each child as an individual with unique mental capacities, emotions, skills and interests.  They regularly attend workshops, seminars and trainings pertaining to early childhood issues, practices and professional development.  The classroom ratios are kept small to provide for individual attention to our students. The 2010-2011 Classroom Ratio is:

3s - 1 Teacher per 12 students (with Teacher's Aide) and volunteer helpers (parents or congregational volunteers)

4s/5s - 1 Teacher per 14 students (with Teacher's Aide and/or 3s Teacher) and volunteer helpers (parents or congregational volunteers)

(Additional parent volunteers or others may be required and asked to help when needed for special projects, field trips, etc.)

 School Session:

SFLP is in session nine months of the year, September through May.  SFLP follows the Central Valley School District (CVSD) Schedule with the exception of curriculum days.  Classes begin following Labor Day and run through May.  Snow and winter closures are the same as CVSD and announced over the radio stations by 8:00 a.m.

Other: 

SFLP follows the Washington State Law regarding child protection.

Each child attending SFLP is required to have an up-dated enrollment record and immunizations form in their file.  We can only accept WELL children. 

SFLP has a  written Clothing Policy. 

A Newsletter and Calendar is provided each month.

Snacks are provided by SFLP and Parents, Birthdays are recognized with a 'Special Day' at school on or near his/her birthday. Parent may provide a special birthday treat or snack.  PLEASE NO PEANUT OR NUT PRODUCTS.

Field Trips are arranged 6-8 per year depending on the age of the group and (weather appropriate). 

Parent Involvement is always encouraged and opportunities provided (samples:  Parent liaison/member of the SFLP Board, In Classrooms, Field Trips) and many more.

Progress Reports - Fall Parent Orientation and a Group Conference in the Spring.  Two " Family Events" are planned for each group and include a Christmas and Spring Program. 

Written Progress Reports will be sent home about every 6-8 weeks.  

History of SFLP:

The SFLP has been in operation since 1973.  For 28 years it was operated by Mrs. Shirley Porter.  Upon her retirement in 2001 the Holy Trinity Lutheran Congregations committed themselves to operating the preschool as an education outreach ministry under the leadership of a SFLP Governing Board.

Governing Board:

This Board is responsible for the operations of SFLP.  It meets at least quarterly and includes the church pastor, SFLP director, assigned congregational members and preschool parents. 

Pastor of Holy Trinity:  James Kashork

President:  Kirsten Peterson

Vice President:  LaLita Tadena

Secretary:  Joyce Walker

Treasurer:  Heidi Bliesner

HTLC Council Representatives:  Jenny Stewart

SFLP Director – Jodi Mackin

Liaison (Parents, Staff, Church) - Kirsten Peterson

Direct SFLP Website:  www.schoolforlittlepeople.org