Our History
Here's just a small sampling of the school's growth over the years.
Learning and Growing for years to come
With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Ascension Lutheran Preschool has been a cornerstone in serving local children and their families. We invite you to take your time exploring our website to gain a deeper understanding of our identity as a school. We hope you will consider joining our community, as your presence would contribute significantly to the warmth and inclusivity that characterizes Ascension Lutheran Preschool.
As all schools do, we are constantly evolving and dedicated to providing our students with the best possible education and environment. We are committed to staying dynamic and responsive to the ever-changing needs of our students, ensuring that our school remains a place of growth, learning, and care while upholding the values we have always cherished. Through establishing new connections and implementing innovative practices, our teachers and I are devoted to creating a joyful, respectful, and caring environment for our families.
We encourage you to continue exploring to gain a sense of our passion and commitment. Below are important moments and dates that have shaped our school.
ALC Preschool has been selected as a mentor school for upcoming educators.- February 2023
ALC Preschool and El Camino College have come together to ignite the passion for teaching in aspiring educators. With El Camino Childhood Education Department approving ALC as a site for future educators to gain experience and fulfill their teaching credentials and degree requirements, we have created a pathway for them to realize their dreams. ALC proudly boasts of two of their past mentees, now teachers at the school. We are excited about the continued partnership between the two institutions and are committed to inspiring more future educators. We aim to empower them to achieve their goals and become exceptional educators shaping future generations.
Director Change- February 2022
Jose Rodriguez assumed the role of Director at ALC Preschool. Jose brings to his new position a wealth of experience garnered during his tenure at First Presbyterian Nursery and SGM Atelier. Jose actively immersed himself in Reggio Emilia's approach to early childhood education, gaining inspiration and insights during his tenure at First Presbyterian Nursery and SGM Atelier. His experience at these schools served as a catalyst for his deep dive into the Reggio principles, which he wholeheartedly embraced. This transformative journey has profoundly shaped his educational philosophy and approach. The Reggio Emilia approach, emphasizing the child as an active participant in their learning journey, harmonizes seamlessly with Jose's values, fostering a culture of exploration, creativity, and collaboration.
Jose envisions ALC Preschool evolving into a beacon of excellence in early education. His enthusiasm for child development and steadfast commitment to providing a holistic educational experience are poised to enhance the preschool's standing within the community significantly.
Jose's appointment signifies a pivotal moment for ALC Preschool, and the community eagerly anticipates the undoubtedly positive impact he will bring to the institution as it embarks on this new and promising chapter under his capable leadership.
Transition Into Reggio-Inspired School
In 2017, our school underwent a significant transformation, where we shifted from a traditional Christian Preschool to a Reggio-inspired Preschool, taking inspiration from the schools and the incredible work of the Italian municipality of Reggio Emilia. Our previous director, Maureen Morrison, served from 2017 to 2022, during which our staff received training and gained experience in this new philosophy. This helped shape our school's identity and practices today. Although this transition was not easy, there were positive and challenging experiences. Our ever-evolving pedagogy is based on current trends and research. Our team works intentionally with each child, fostering social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth to co-construct a foundation for lifelong learning.