Zion Lutheran Preschool has served the Fallbrook community since 1985. We are staffed by dedicated and experienced teachers. We honor and teach the values every parent desires for their child—honesty, integrity, respect, and self discipline. We offer a variety of activities each day for your child to enjoy and master. We believe the capacity for learning in Preschool is endless so we present age appropriate academic concepts in addition to “hands on” centers to make learning fun!

Mrs. Danena Riggs Preschool Department Leader Email: driggs@zlcs.org Education: • B.A. degree in Human Performance and Leisure Sport: Emphasis in K-12 grade Physical Education, Metropolitan State College, Denver, Colorado • M.A. degree in Education: Administration Supervision, University of Phoenix Background: Danena Riggs has four years of experience in Lutheran Education. Prior to her arrival at Zion Lutheran School in 2006, Danena worked as a substitute teacher for five years at Byers School District Byers, Colorado. At Zion Mrs. Riggs team teaches with Debby Schmidt in prekindergarten. Danena is married to Curt Riggs. They have two beautiful children. Zachary 19 and Darian 8.

Mrs. Debby Schmidt Pre-K Email:  dschmidt@zlcs.org   Education: • Early childhood classes at Southwestern Jr. College and Mesa College • Early childhood course in Religion/Ministry, Concordia University, Irvine, CA Background: Debby Schmidt has 27 years experience in Lutheran Education. Prior to her arrival at Zion, Debby served for 6 years at Pilgrim Lutheran School in Chula Vista, CA as a prekindergarten teacher. At Zion, Debby has served as a prekindergarten teacher since 1989 and currently team teaches with Danena Riggs. Debby has 2 grown sons, Patrick and Andrew with wonderful families. She also enjoys spending time with her grandson, Evan.

Ms. Darcie Gibson Pre-K Email: dgibson@zlcs.org  Education: BA in Liberal Arts, Education, Concordia University, Irvine, California. Currently obtaining California State Teaching Credential - Multiple Subject Background:  Darcie has 6 years of experience teaching prekindergarten at Zion and has played on and coached several volleyball teams over the years. She has three wonderful children, Amanda 16, Lexi 13, and Brooke 10 who all share her love for volleyball and the outdoors. Other interests include running, hiking, reading and spending time with family.

You can expect close communication between teachers and parents, so you will always be up to date on events in the classroom and your child’s progress. Each day the classes begin with devotions and bible stories, making them come alive so they have real meaning in your child’s life. Our foundation is our faith in Jesus and we want to share His love with our children and their families.

Currently there are openings in all classrooms. We invite you to visit our campus, meet our staff, and experience the joy in our classrooms! You may call and make an appointment, or just stop by anytime between M-Th 9-12:00 PM. Thank you for your interest in our school.

Our early childhood program is accredited by The Pacific Southwest District—The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. This church is committed to provide the same security, love and care to children today as those who sat in the lap of Jesus, our Savior, received. (Matt. 19:13-15)
 
Committed to excellence for young children and Christian nurture, the church focuses on providing and supporting Bible-based programs, supplemental to those provided in the home, while meeting the needs of young children.

Accreditation is…
-recognizing excellence within the Pacific Southwest District
-awarded to early childhood programs who have substantially complied with needed quality standards
-intended to assist each early childhood center to continually improve itself for the benefit of its children, families and congregation.
-the church and early childhood programs working together to promote the Gospel.

Accredited Faith-focused learning for the balanced growth of your child
Zion Lutheran Preschool’s teachers are experienced early childhood educators, dedicated to providing your child with an excellent, developmentally appropriate school experience. The staff participates in a regular program of in-service training, workshops and conferences in order to remain alert to the ever-changing needs of today’s families and to the findings of current research. Each staff member has been chosen not only for their excellence in education, but also for their love for young children. The teaching staff works in partnership with parents, community members and the leadership and congregation of Zion Lutheran Church and School.