The Highest Rated Christian Preschool in the EUP

Little Lambs Early Childhood Center

Little Lambs Early Childhood Center

Little Lambs Early Childhood Center serves the area of Sault Sainte Marie by providing a Christ-centered, curriculum-based early childhood education for children ages 3-5.

Little Lambs Early Childhood Center offers preschool and provides valuable learning experiences for children ages three through five in a Christian environment. It is open to families of the community during the Fall, Winter, and Spring according to a calendar set each year. Little Lambs will not operate unless it is licensed by the State of Michigan, Department of Human Services, Bureau of Child and Adult Licensing (BCAL).

Little Lambs takes seriously our obligation to teach and train children in accordance with the Savior's command: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20), and "Feed my lambs" (John 21:15).

Thus, the purpose of Little Lambs is to share the precious love and forgiveness of Jesus with the children who attend the center and also with their families. Each child, parent/guardian, and staff member will be treated with the same love and respect that God has shown to each of us.

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is a combination of two programs (HighScope® and Christ-Light®) providing your little lambs with the perfect balance of quality play-based learning and biblically sound education.

HighScope®

Play-based, child-centered, and grounded in research.

In a HighScope classroom, children are guided to explore, interact, and exercise their creative imagination through purposeful play. Well-prepared teachers support and extend each child’s learning based on their developmental levels, so children enter school ready and eager to learn.

Christ-Light®

Biblically sound Christian education.

Reflecting Martin Luther's passion for biblically sound Christian education, the Christ-Light curriculum guides children through a framework that teaches them the precious truth of God’s Word.

Our Facility

An ideal place for children to play and learn, Little Lambs facilities are designed with your child's development in mind. The classroom provides a safe and vibrant environment to prepare your children for kindergarten.

Little Lambs operates inside the building of Immanuel Lutheran Church, as a ministry of the congregation. The Little Lambs classroom provides ample space for most learning activities. Little Lambs also makes use of other areas of the building which are approved by the State of Michigan. A playground is adjacent to the building with developmentally appropriate equipment for preschoolers.

Meet the teachers

Our teachers bring their passion for early childhood learning and high standard of professionalism with them to the classroom every day. They will work closely with you and your children to ensure they are getting the highest quality Christian education available in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

Mrs. Kendra Lund

Director

Mrs. Lund is entering her 11th year at Little Lambs. She started as a substitute teacher, became a lead teacher, and is now the director. She lives with her husband, Greg, and has two daughters, Hope and Sophronia. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, doing ancestry research, expanding her social-emotional learning knowledge, and spending time with her family.

Education

Mrs. Lund has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, with a minor in sociology, from Lake Superior State University. She has a ministry certification through Martin Luther College and is currently working towards a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Ed from Northern Michigan University.

Fun Facts

  • Mr. and Mrs. Lund were both in the Air Force.
  • The property she lives on once belonged to her Great Grandparents.
  • Her cats are named after Scooby Doo characters!
  • Mrs. Lund believes in social-emotional and play-based learning! If you have time to listen, she has time to tell you about it!

Miss Becky Barclay

Lead Teacher

Miss Barclay has been one of our lead teachers for three years. While in college, she interned with Little Lambs and was our afternoon aid. In her free time, she enjoys photography, reading, boat watching, caring for her plants, visiting her family downstate, and being a "dance Aunt."

Education

Miss Barclay has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, with a minor in recreational studies from Lake Superior State University. She has also recently completed her ministry certification through Martin Luther College.

Fun Facts

  • Miss Barclay is a "boat nerd."
  • She loves to travel to new places, Alaska being a favorite.
  • If it's messy, Miss Barclay is going to try it!
  • Miss Barclay has had several photos published and some displayed in a local art gallery.

Mrs. Karen Kucharczyk

Afternoon Assistant Teacher

Mrs. Karen is our afternoon assistant teacher and our morning substitute. She has been with Little Lambs for three years. She lives with her husband, Andy, two horses, and two cats. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, swimming, biking, and focusing on positive mental health.

Education

Mrs. Karen has a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation, with a minor in psychology. She has also worked as a therapeutic horseback riding instructor and a registered behavior technician.

Fun Facts

  • She is a water safety instructor.
  • She has one grandson who lives in Colorado.
  • Mrs. Karen's dad, Mr. Gene, often comes to read to us.
  • She believes that movement is an integral part of education for all ages.

Why Choose Little Lambs?

Here's what parents have to say!

Apply for your child

We would love to have your little lamb join our flock. Fill out the application below and we will contact you within 1-3 business days.

Application Form

To apply for your child, fill out the online form, or download the application form below and drop it off with one of our teachers.

Download the Application Form

Parent Handbook

The Parent Handbook contains everything you need to know about having your child attend Little Lambs Early Childhood Center.

Download the Parent Handbook

Visit us in person

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church
615 Washington Way
Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783

Office Telephone: 906.632.2640

Get directions