For Ferndale families seeking a warm, faith-centered early childhood program, St. Paul Lutheran Preschool offers an exceptional educational foundation just minutes away. Our developmentally appropriate preschool program combines play-based learning with Christian values, preparing young children for kindergarten readiness while nurturing their spiritual growth.

A Nurturing Christian Preschool Experience Minutes from Ferndale

Located in downtown Royal Oak, our preschool is conveniently accessible for Ferndale families—typically just a 5-10 minute drive. This proximity allows your child to experience the benefits of Christian education while maintaining close ties to your Ferndale community.

The St. Paul Preschool Difference

Our preschool program is designed to nurture the whole child—intellectually, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. With over 100 years of educational excellence, St. Paul brings proven experience to early childhood education.

Christ-Centered Environment

At St. Paul Preschool, children experience God's love daily through:

• Age-appropriate Bible stories and activities
• Daily prayers and simple worship experiences
• Christian values integrated throughout the curriculum
• Caring teachers who model Christian character

This faith foundation helps children develop a sense of wonder, gratitude, and care for others that shapes their earliest understanding of the world.

Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum

Our play-based approach follows Michigan Early Childhood Standards while recognizing that young children learn best through meaningful play and exploration:

• Social Development: Learning to work with others, taking turns, developing friendships, and participating in group activities
• Emotional Growth: Expressing feelings appropriately, developing self-regulation, and building confidence
• Physical Development: Refining both fine and gross motor skills through varied activities
• Language Skills: Expanding vocabulary, listening comprehension, and early literacy through stories, songs, and conversations
• Cognitive Learning: Developing thinking skills through counting, sorting, problem-solving, and scientific exploration
• Spiritual Formation: Growing in understanding of God's love and biblical values

Christie Sipila, our Preschool Director, explains: "We strive to prepare children through 'hands-on' activities and a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Learning involves all the senses—tasting, touching, smelling, listening, and seeing."

Individualized Attention

With excellent teacher-to-child ratios (1:8 for three-year-olds and 1:10 for four-year-olds), our program ensures that each child receives personalized attention and support. This allows our teachers to:

• Observe and respond to individual learning styles
• Adapt activities to meet diverse developmental needs
• Build meaningful relationships with each child
• Partner effectively with parents in supporting development

Experienced, Qualified Staff

Our preschool teachers are not only professionally qualified but personally committed to Christian early childhood education:

• Christie Sipila, Preschool Director, holds an Early Childhood Education degree and brings extensive experience to her leadership role
• Blythe MacKinder, a St. Paul alumna and parent of current students, combines her Fine Arts background with specialized early childhood education
• All staff maintain required certifications and ongoing professional development

Convenient for Ferndale Families

Easy Commute

Ferndale families appreciate how accessible our Royal Oak location is:

• Just 2.5 miles from downtown Ferndale
• 5-10 minute drive via Woodward Avenue or neighborhood streets
• Morning drop-off and flexible pick-up options
• Extended care available for working parents

Program Options to Fit Your Family's Needs

We offer flexible scheduling options for Ferndale families:

• Three-Year-Old Program: Tuesday/Thursday, 8:15-11:15 AM
• Four-Year-Old Program: Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 8:15-11:15 AM
• Full-Day Options: Extended day available until 3:15 PM
• Extended Care: Available from 7:00 AM and until 6:00 PM

This flexibility allows Ferndale families to choose the schedule that best meets their child's developmental needs and family logistics.

Preparing Your Child for Educational Success

Kindergarten Readiness

Our preschool program intentionally prepares children for successful kindergarten transition through:

• Age-appropriate academic readiness activities
• Development of listening skills and following directions
• Building attention span and task completion
• Social skills necessary for classroom success
• Self-help skills that foster independence

Seamless Transition to Elementary

For families considering continuing at St. Paul beyond preschool, we offer a seamless educational journey:

• Familiar environment and consistent values
• Coordinated curriculum between preschool and kindergarten
• Strong relationships with school staff and families
• Priority enrollment for current preschool families

Mrs. Miranda Lorence, our Kindergarten teacher, works closely with our preschool team to ensure smooth transitions for advancing students.

The Preschool Learning Environment

Safe, Engaging Classrooms

Our preschool classrooms are designed specifically for young learners:

• Age-appropriate furniture and materials
• Distinct learning centers for various developmental domains
• Secure, monitored facilities
• Sanitized equipment and toys
• Outdoor play area for gross motor development

Balanced Daily Schedule

Each day provides a thoughtful balance of activities:

• Welcome and free choice time
• Circle time for group learning
• Centers for self-directed exploration
• Outdoor or indoor large motor play
• Snack time for nutrition and social interaction
• Music and movement activities
• Story time and literacy experiences
• Art and creative expression

This predictable routine provides security for young children while allowing flexibility for teachable moments and special activities.

Enrollment Process for Ferndale Families

Starting at St. Paul Preschool involves these simple steps:

1. Schedule a visit by calling 248-546-6555
2. Tour our facilities and meet our preschool team
3. Complete registration forms and provide required documentation
4. Pay registration fee to secure your child's place
5. Attend orientation before your child's first day

We accept applications year-round, though many programs fill quickly. Ferndale families are encouraged to apply early for the best class availability.

Tuition and Payment Options

St. Paul Preschool offers competitive tuition rates with transparent payment policies:

• Monthly payment plans available
• Registration fee secures enrollment
• Multiple child discounts for families
• Enrollment in FACTS tuition management system

Our office staff is happy to discuss specific program costs and payment options with Ferndale families.

Frequently Asked Questions from Ferndale Families

Is there a religious requirement for enrollment?

While we teach from a Christian perspective, we welcome families of all backgrounds who are comfortable with our faith-based approach. No church membership is required.

How do you handle separation anxiety in young children?

Our experienced teachers have developed gentle transition strategies to help children adjust to preschool. We work closely with parents to create individualized approaches for children who need extra support.

What health and safety protocols do you follow?

Student safety is our priority. We maintain strict health protocols, secure facilities, regular safety drills, and comprehensive staff training to ensure a safe environment for all children.

Do children need to be fully potty-trained?

Children in our three-year-old program should be working toward independence in toileting. Our staff will support this development, but basic potty training should be established before enrollment.

How do you communicate with parents?

We maintain open communication through regular newsletters, digital updates, parent-teacher conferences, and daily interaction during drop-off and pick-up times. We value our partnership with parents!

Visit Us to Learn More

The best way to experience the warm, nurturing environment of St. Paul Preschool is to visit our classrooms. We invite Ferndale families to schedule a personal tour to see our program in action and meet our dedicated staff.

Contact us today at 248-546-6555 to arrange your visit. Discover why Ferndale families choose the short drive to St. Paul Lutheran Preschool for an early childhood experience that builds both academic and spiritual foundations.