Frequently Asked Questions

Does our family have to be Lutheran to attend your preschool?

No, you do not have to be Lutheran to attend Good Shepherd. We have families of many faiths and also families who do not attend church at all. Everyone is welcome!

How large are your classes? What is the student-teacher ratio?

At Good Shepherd, we prefer to keep classes small with 2 teachers for each class of 12 to 13 students. We believe children thrive in an environment where they can get lots of individual attention and have their specific needs met. In smaller classes things are less rushed, and the atmosphere is calmer. This helps children to feel secure and enables them to learn in a more relaxed environment.

Can my child attend your school if they have an allergy or other medical condition?

Absolutely. We have students at Good Shepherd with all types of allergies. Snacks are brought from home, so your child will only be eating what you send for them. We have had children with severe nut allergies, gluten allergies, asthma, and diabetes. If your child needs to have medication administered at school we have staff trained in medication administration to take care of that. Good Shepherd is also a nut-free school.

What type of curriculum do you use?

Our curriculum is based on the Maryland Early Learning Standards for Birth-Age 8. Our goal is to have children ready for kindergarten when they complete our program. It is important to note that while we are preparing for kindergarten, the children are not yet in kindergarten. Therefore, we provide activities that are developmentally appropriate for preschool aged children, who learn best through play-based learning.

How long has your staff been with the preschool?

At Good Shepherd we have a very steady staff. Eighty percent of our teachers have been here for 10 years or more. We have very little turnover due to the dedication of our teachers and the support they give one another.

What are your teachers’ qualifications?

All of the teachers at Good Shepherd have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in education along with many years of classroom experience. Teachers take continued training each year to stay up to date on the latest research about how children learn best. They are also some of the kindest and most patient people on the planet!

Will my child get to play outside every day?

We play outside every day unless it is too rainy or snowy. On inclement weather days, we visit our large gym and play there. Each day we have time to exercise and improve our large motor skills.

Can a parent volunteer in their child’s classroom?

Yes. We love parent volunteers! The Office of Child Care requires that parents who volunteer in the classroom be fingerprinted and have a background check. We can provide you with the instructions and paperwork for that if you want to help in the classroom.

Are there any requirements for a child to be admitted to Good Shepherd?

The only requirement is that your child is potty-trained.

May I visit Good Shepherd to see if it is a good fit for my child?

Yes, we would love to have you visit! We try to schedule tours when class is in session so you can get a good feel for the school and watch a class in action. We encourage you to bring your child with you. We also offer tours at other times if that works better for you. To schedule a tour, please contact, the director, Lois Dobart, at 410-838-8457 or school@lcgselca.org.