If you are a first-time parent with a child 3, 4, or 5 years old, or if you are a stay-at-home parent, The Lamb’s Workshop is for your child! They can guide you and your child into the world of school. The Lamb’s Workshop is a Christian preschool and kindergarten at Bethany Covenant Church, 1 Covenant Way, off Rt. 101, toward Amherst.

It began in 1982, and has staff who have been there for 19 and 20 years. Its stability and longevity, as well high quality, have given it a reputation over the past three decades. Peruse their web site and you will see excellent parenting advice, honed to perfection over the years. For example, one of the difficult tasks for families is negotiating separation for their securely attached young child. The Lamb’s Workshop uses strategies such as gradual entry, so that children separate without anxiety. There are useful tips for parents, on the web site.

The Lamb’s Workshop began 37 years ago as a ministry for children and parents who attended Bethany Covenant Church, where The Lamb’s Workshop is housed in the spacious area of the ground floor in the west entrance. It shares space with Bethany’s Christian Education Program. It soon became known throughout the community as a quality early childhood program.

While many early childhood programs are struggling to find staff, bios on the web site of the teachers and staff show that they have a combined well-over-50 years of experience here. Some began as parents who sent their children to The Lamb’s Workshop, and stayed on to become part of the staff. Alumni who went through the program as children are now sending their own children.

The Lamb’s Workshop is a pre-school and kindergarten. It does not provide childcare. The children are divided into classes based on their ages (cut off 9/30 birthday). There are 3-year old classes that come two mornings a week, 4-year old classes that come three mornings a week, and a kindergarten for 5 year olds, five days, full day.

There is an afternoon enrichment program for 4s and 5s. A few children attend only the afternoon program. It includes music, art, science, and other less academic activities.

For 25 years Donna Gamans was the Director of The Lamb’s Workshop, and active in early childhood education in New Hampshire. Donna retired, although she comes back to teach music. The new director, starting her second year here, is Melissa Gannon, who is in her second year at The Lamb’s Workshop. She, her husband and their two young children, came from California where she had been director of a Christian preschool. They have returned to this area where she grew up and has extensive family.

The Lamb’s Workshop combines education, ministry, and a social life for young children and their families. Bethany Covenant Church and the town of Bedford are justified in being proud of this fine program.

The Lamb’s Workshop is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International, and is licensed by the State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

www.lambsworkshop.com

Rev. Dr. Lori Wiley; PhD Development Psychology

Early Childhood Education; Doctor of Religious Education