The preschool years are a gift from God, full of questions, discoveries, and rapid growth. It's also the perfect time to plant seeds of faith that can last a lifetime. Shepherd's Fold Preschool is more than just preparation for kindergarten. It's a place where your child learns they are loved by God, valued by their teachers, and part of a caring community.
Our preschool is a ministry of First Evangelical Free Church, designed to nurture the whole child: emotionally, physically, academically, spiritually, and socially. Through guided play, Bible stories, songs, art, and age-appropriate activities, we create an environment where children flourish. Our qualified teachers don't just prepare kids for school; they help lay a foundation of faith, curiosity, and confidence.
Families of all backgrounds are welcome here. Whether you're part of our church or simply looking for a quality preschool with a Christian atmosphere, your child has a place at Shepherd's Fold. We believe every child is created by God with unique gifts and purpose, and we're honored to be part of their early journey.
We gather to play, learn, and discover that God loves us. We grow in skills, friendships, and faith. We go into kindergarten and life ready to thrive.
Bible stories, songs, and prayer woven naturally into daily activities
Balance of free play and structured learning
Art, music, literature, physical education, and early reading skills
Spacious indoor classroom and outdoor fenced play area
Small class sizes with qualified, caring teachers
Parent communication and kindergarten readiness evaluation
Ages: 4 and 5-year-olds (by September 1)
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 9:00 AM–11:30 AM
Season: Tuesday after Labor Day through end of May
Tuition: $180/month + $40 registration fee
We know choosing a preschool for your child is a big decision. Here are answers to questions we hear most often—because we want you to feel completely comfortable joining us.
Not at all! Shepherd's Fold is open to families from all backgrounds and faiths. Whether you're a longtime church member, new to our church, or simply looking for a quality preschool with a Christian atmosphere, your child is welcome here.
We teach children that God created them, loves them, and has a special book called the Bible. Faith is woven naturally into our day through Bible stories, songs, and prayer. We model Christian values like kindness, sharing, and respect. Parents of all faiths are welcome, and we're always happy to discuss how faith is integrated into our program.
If your child is 4 or 5 years old by September 1, they're ready for Shepherd's Fold! We meet children where they are developmentally. Some kids walk in confident and independent, while others need a little more time to adjust. Our teachers are experienced at helping all children feel comfortable and successful.
Our small class sizes allow teachers to give individualized attention to each child. Our qualified staff meets all Illinois state licensing requirements and has the education and experience to nurture young learners.
Yes, children should be potty trained before starting at Shepherd's Fold. We understand that occasional accidents happen as children are still developing independence, and our staff handles these situations with patience and grace. However, children should be consistently using the toilet during the day and able to communicate their bathroom needs. If you have concerns about your child's readiness, please reach out to us—we're happy to discuss your specific situation and offer guidance.
Absolutely! We encourage you to schedule a tour so you can see our facilities, meet our staff, and get a feel for our program. Seeing the classroom and playground helps both you and your child feel comfortable about joining Shepherd's Fold. You're also welcome to visit our church on Sunday mornings to experience our children's ministry and see the caring community your child would be part of.
Please let us know about any allergies, dietary restrictions, or medical needs during enrollment. We take these seriously and will work with you to keep your child safe and healthy.
To keep all children healthy, we ask that children stay home if they have a fever, are contagious, or are too ill to participate comfortably in activities. We'll communicate our full illness policy during enrollment.