Preschool
Because Each Child is a Unique Gift from God

About Our Program
This preschool, a mission of the United Methodist Church, offers 2, 3, & 5 day a week learning and care. The staff are dedicated Christians who have been hired on the basis of education, experience and maturity. We are proud of the high degree of professionalism our staff exhibits. Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Preschool is fully committed to you and your child and is excited to be part of your child’s growth and development.
For more information, please contact the Executive Preschool Director, Becci Lukes, or the Site Director, Cindie Reilly, at (949) 709-5219 or by email at preschool@smumc.com.
School Year Calendar: 2011-2012
Read about our expanded program!
Leadership
Becci Lukes - Executive Director
Becci has been a part of the Shepherd of the Hills renowned preschool for 25 years. The first 12 years she enjoyed teaching different programs, and then became director. She is a hands on administrator enjoying the many facets of this program. Under her leadership the school became accredited with NAEYC which is the highest ranking a preschool can achieve in our country. Now, in addition to this accomplishment, the school is part of the “First 5 Years” programs of California which works with distinguished schools promoting quality education for the young child. Becci has been happily married for 36 years, and has two grown, married daughters. Becci enjoys running around the lake and camping with her husband, Jim, and their two dachshunds, Eleanor and Mildred.
Cindie Reilly - Site Director
Cindie is in her 20th year working in Early Childhood Education, her 10th year at Shepherd of the Hills. She holds an A.A. in Early Childhood Education along with her Early Childhood Education Certificate, both from Saddleback Community College. She's celebrated 33 years of marriage to her husband, Bob. They are empty-nesters but share their home with two 4-legged "children" (dachshunds, Tucker & Ruby) along with four koi. Their 24 year-old son, Shaun, also has a dachshund named Charlie. Cindie's hobbies include genealogy research, reading and scrapbooking.
Features
- Preschool Program for children ages 2½ - 5
- Choice of classes:
- Monday - Friday (5 day),
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday (3 day) or
- Tuesday, Thursday (2 day)
- Preschool Hours: 8:30-12 or 8:30 -2:00
- Developmental Program
- Loving Christian Environment
- Hands-on Learning
- Dedicated, Experienced Staff
- Family Activities
- Low Student to Adult Ratio
- Curriculum addresses children's sensory, motor and communication development.

Registration / Admission Forms and Brochures
Registration Packets can be obtained by contacting the Preschool office.
- Program Brochure
- Registration Form 2011-2012
- Fall Registration Form 2012-2013
- Parental Consent Form
- Personal Rights - 613A
- Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment - 627
- Identification and Emergency Information - 700
- Physician’s Report - 701
- Child’s Preadmission Health History – Parent’s Report - 702
- Notification of Parent's Rights - 995
- Caregiver Background Check Process - 995E
Sunday Info
- Worship 9:30 AM: Relaxed Traditional – Traditional and new hymns with our Chancel Choir.
- Worship 11 AM: Contemporary / Modern Worship – Band, Candles, Families.
- Sunday school for children at each hour. Loving nursery care, too.
- Address: We are located at 30605 Avenida de Las Flores, Rancho Santa Margarita.
This Week at SMUMC
We begin a new series on what it means to have a deep joy and to celebrate within the faith, "Live It Up!" This kind of joy recognizes the tough parts of life and is a deeply rooted joy. This week we will hear the story of David and his undignified dance, 2 Samuel 6: 12-15. Join us in worship!
Featured
Multi-Media
- Campus Scenes: View a short video of scenes and activities from our campus.
- View Current Sermons: If you missed or want to re-experience a recent sermon, we have audio and video for you.
- Newsletters: An archive of recent newsletters. See what’s been going on.
- Sermon Series: Read about what’s upcoming and what’s past.
