Shepherd of the Valley Preschool: A Place to Grow, Play, and Belong
Nestled in the back hallway, Shepherd of the Valley Preschool (SOTVP) exists as a play-based learning and community program. For nearly 30 years, this small but vibrant preschool has nurtured young minds, fostering a love of learning while instilling Christian values. It’s more than just a preschool; it’s a place where children discover their passions, families find support, and lasting friendships blossom.
Amanda Pellika, a mother of three and now a preschool teacher at SOTVP, experienced the magic of the program firsthand. Moving to Apple Valley in 2017, her family quickly found a welcoming home at Shepherd of the Valley. Drawn to the church’s family-oriented atmosphere and diverse youth programming, they immersed themselves in the community. While her eldest attended preschool elsewhere because SOTVP was full, her middle and youngest children thrived in SOTVP’s play-based environment.
“My children love being here,” Amanda shares. “We connect with other families, and we feel like Shepherd of the Valley is introducing faith and educating our kids through all the different programs. They want to be a part of it, and it started with preschool.” This enthusiasm, she notes, is crucial. Her own positive experiences with youth programming growing up cemented her belief in the power of voluntary engagement. “I see that happening with my kids here,” she says. “They’re older now and still here every Wednesday and Sunday, attending camps, and taking advantage of everything they can fit into their busy schedules.” SOTVP’s play-based curriculum is central to its success. The program recognizes that play is not just fun; it’s the foundation of learning. As Linda Nelson, Preschool Director, explains, “We believe children learn best through play. This is the first time they are truly independent, and they are filling their own time. Play helps develop their brains so they are better problem solvers, and it forms the basis of self-regulation, reading, and math skills.”
Amanda echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of allowing children to simply be children. “It’s really important for the kids just to figure out how to have fun and be little humans and interact with other kids their age, and not just have to sit and do lessons all the time,” she says. “It’s more play-based and fun, and it’s a happy environment, so I love coming here, and my students love coming here.”
The small size of SOTVP allows for personalized attention and tailored learning. “Because SOTVP is a small program, we are able to meet each child where they are in learning,” Nelson explains. Whether it’s mastering name recognition, spelling, or writing, teachers adapt activities to suit each child’s individual pace and needs and ready them for kindergarten. This individualized approach, combined with the integration of Christian values, creates a nurturing and supportive learning environment that appeals to many families. Religious aspects are woven into the daily routine, from chapel and prayers before snack to Bible stories and lessons on kindness and compassion. “This appeals to many families,” Nelson notes, “and it is part of why they choose to attend SOTVP.”
Beth Baumgard, SOTVP volunteer shared, “Having taught for 28 years, I’ve seen my share of classrooms, and the classroom management at Shepherd of the Valley Preschool is truly excellent. The small class sizes are a real asset, and the teachers create such engaging learning experiences. My grandson came home so excited about one of their themes and shouted, ‘Grandma! I’m going to Mexico!’ He had a passport and everything.”
Beyond the core curriculum, SOTVP offers a variety of enriching extracurricular activities, including Lunch Bunch, Soccer Shots, dance classes, and music programs. These programs provide children with opportunities to explore different interests, develop new skills, and build confidence. “I feel like for kids when they’re at this age, just exposing them to so many different opportunities…is a good way to see where their passions are,” Amanda observes. These activities also offer a valuable social experience, allowing children to interact with peers from other classes and forge new friendships. For parents, these programs provide convenience and a chance to connect with other families. “That’s also where I made, as a parent, a ton of connections with other parents and grandparents when my kids were here,” Amanda recalls.
SOTVP is more than just a preschool; it’s a community. It’s a place where children feel safe, loved, and encouraged to grow. It’s a place where families find support and connection. And it’s a place where faith and learning intertwine, nurturing not just bright minds, but also kind and compassionate hearts. As Amanda’s story illustrates, the impact of SOTVP extends far beyond the classroom, shaping lives and building a stronger community, one child, one family, at a time. The bonds forged within its walls often last a lifetime, a testament to the enduring power of play, faith, and community.
