Mission Statement
Loving Shepherd Early Learning Center (LSELC) exists to provide Christian nurture, support, and education to parents and children, so they may know Jesus and touch the lives of others with His love.
Purpose
LSELC is committed to work in partnership with parents to provide the best care possible for children. In a caring, Christian atmosphere children explore their environment and receive guidance in participation to increase self-esteem and personal success. Safe and secure age-appropriate learning is emphasized. Christian education and values are integrated into daily living curriculum.
Philosophy
It is the philosophy of LSELC that young children learn most effectively when they have the opportunity to explore their environment and experience a variety of materials and situations while they play. We also believe in a responsive development approach to early childhood learning which emphasizes that each child develops at their own rate and that progress is measured individually rather than in comparison to other children in their group.
LSELC is a Christ-centered program. Learning experiences are taught from the Christian perspective that each child is a child of God and that all people are deserving of respect as creatures of God. In accordance with this philosophy, we include prayer, worship, Bible stories and teaching, and service to others as part of our curriculum.
LICENSING
Our center is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, and therefore complies with the Child Care Regulations presented in MN Statute 9503 (Rule 3). If parents wish to contact the Department of Human Services, the number is 651.431.6515.
ACCREDITATIONS
LSELC is accredited through the National Lutheran School Accreditation Commission. This is a completely voluntary process of self-evaluation followed by a visit from objective observers to help Lutheran schools improve the quality of their programs. Quality Lutheran early childhood centers deserve recognition. NSLA has an outstanding process for the evaluation, improvement, and recognition of schools of all levels. Lutheran early childhood centers, elementary schools and high schools that complete the NLSA self-study process receive the national recognition they deserve because of the quality Christian care and education they provide. Loving Shepherd has been going through this process every five years since 2004. After completing the accreditation process in 2012, Loving Shepherd Early Learning Center received Exemplary Status through NLSA. For more information please visit NLSA | LuthEd.
LSELC is also accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) which is also a mark of quality in early childhood education. NAEYC Accreditation helps to ensure the quality of education and care provided in programs for young children. Loving Shepherd has been going through this process every five years since 2013. You can visit www.naeyc.org for more information.
PARENT AWARE
LSELC earned a 4 Star Parent Aware Rating in 2014. This is the highest possible rating. For more information about Parent Aware, you can visit the Parent Aware website at www.parentawareratings.org.