Concordia Lutheran Preschool in Cerritos, CA had experienced recent challenges due to an enrollment decline during and after the pandemic, along with their previous director taking a call elsewhere. Elizabeth, a teacher on staff who had been training to be a director, took on the director position. To begin addressing these challenges, she took the initiative to request a School Consultancy through the Pacific Southwest District (PSD) School Ministries team.
A PSD school consultancy brings a team of experienced peers together to analyze challenges and offer guidance and solutions. Concordia’s main challenge was defined primarily as school enrollment and how that impacted their financial situation. Along with this challenge, Elizabeth also knew the preschool had space to grow! The consultancy confirmed that they had the staff, curriculum, congregational and pastoral support, as well as the space, to make growth happen.
Based on the consultancy feedback, the congregation and school leaders recognized the need to update and refresh their facility, build their community recognition, and expand their partnerships within their neighborhood. Additionally, they were encouraged to add both a young 2-year-olds class and a TK/Pre-K. The community was looking for TK/Pre-K as neighboring public schools did offer that option.
And today, Concordia Lutheran Preschool now has three classes of students! They have added both a “preschool junior” for young 2-year-olds and a Pre-K/TK class. While still building enrollment, their reputation as a school of choice in their community is growing, with teachers and director working together on ways to promote the school at community functions. New signage is up and congregation members are working to spruce up the campus. Parents of enrolled children are very happy with the school and are telling their friends - word of mouth is the best advertising!
The school has also had two straight years of glowing visits from their state licensing analyst. This year the analyst said that not only was it an excellent visit, but she also told the trainee who accompanied her that this is the kind of school they wished every preschool could emulate.
Another key component to this turnaround is the very supportive, ministry-minded relationship between Pastor Dustin Parker and Elizabeth. Pastor Parker has encouraged Elizabeth to pursue the new Foundations of Lutheran Teaching program offered through the Pacific Southwest District Mission Training Center (MTC). This important program strengthens educators in their faith and provides them with the necessary tools to teach and lead in our classrooms and schools. Pastor Parker views this as an investment in Elizabeth’s leadership, providing professional development to be the best director she can be.
By God’s grace and His work, Concordia Lutheran Preschool will continue to grow and provide a Christ-centered education to young children and families within Cerritos and surrounding communities for years to come.
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