Little Lambs Preschool at Immanuel Lutheran Church & Student Center is celebrating 30 years of providing preschool education to children and families throughout DeKalb County and the surrounding communities.
The story of Little Lambs began in November 1995, when the idea of establishing a Christian preschool was presented to Immanuel’s Board of Christian Education. Community interest quickly followed, and a committee was formed to explore what it would take to turn the idea into a preschool.
Darlene Hillman, then Chair of the Board of Christian Education, was involved from those earliest conversations. Following early discussions, Tammy Tiggelaar accepted the role of Chair of the Preschool Committee, helping lead the planning that resulted in Little Lambs opening its doors in the fall of 1996.
“Little Lambs has been a passion of mine for the past 30 years and such a joy to watch grow,” said Darlene Hillman, Office Manager at Immanuel Lutheran Church & Student Center and 1996 Chair of the Board of Christian Education. “It is especially meaningful to see children who once attended Little Lambs grow up and return years later to enroll their own children.”
That connection between generations has become an especially meaningful part of the preschool’s 30-year history.
“Tammy had the opportunity to watch her own children grow through the Little Lambs program, and now she is excited to see her grandchildren become part of the Little Lambs family,” Hillman said. “There is something very special about seeing Little Lambs come full circle through generations of families.”
Thirty Years of Growing Together
Since welcoming its first students in 1996, Little Lambs has provided hundreds of area children with a place to learn, play, make friends and prepare for kindergarten in a caring Christian environment.
While much has changed over three decades, the heart of the program has remained the same: creating a nurturing environment where young children receive individual attention while developing socially, emotionally, physically and academically.
Little Lambs offers a play-based approach to early childhood education, combining hands-on learning, creativity, exploration and kindergarten readiness with Christian teachings and values incorporated throughout the preschool day.
Small classes and a low student-to-adult ratio allow teachers and classroom staff to get to know each child individually and provide encouragement and support as children develop confidence and independence.
Recognized by the Community
The preschool’s long-standing relationship with area families was recently recognized when Little Lambs was once again voted DeKalb County Finest Preschool.
For the staff and congregation at Immanuel, the recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from the community Little Lambs has served for three decades.
Little Lambs welcomes families from DeKalb, Sycamore, Cortland, Malta and surrounding communities. Families do not need to be members of Immanuel Lutheran Church to enroll, with children of all faiths and backgrounds welcome.
Now Enrolling for Fall 2026
As Little Lambs celebrates where it has been, the preschool is also looking ahead to its next generation of students.
Enrollment is currently open for the 2026–2027 school year, with classes beginning September 8.
Little Lambs serves children ages 3–5 and offers half-day preschool from 9 a.m. to noon. Families may choose from two-, three- or five-morning-per-week options, allowing them to select a schedule that works best for their child and family.
The preschool is licensed by the State of Illinois and focuses on providing children with a strong foundation for kindergarten through age-appropriate learning, social interaction, creative activities and play.
“As both a pastor and a parent, Little Lambs has a very special place in my heart,” said Rev. Marty Marks, Administrative Pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church & Student Center, whose four children attended Little Lambs Preschool. “Our family has experienced firsthand the caring teachers, nurturing environment and strong foundation Little Lambs provides for children as they prepare for kindergarten.”
“For 30 years, Little Lambs has been blessed with families who place their trust in our teachers and staff during such an important time in their children’s lives,” Marks added. “We are grateful for the generations of families who have been part of this ministry and excited to welcome a new group of children this fall as Little Lambs begins its next 30 years.”
Families interested in Little Lambs Preschool are encouraged to learn more, arrange a visit and inquire about openings for the upcoming school year.
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