Naperville’s Little Blessings Preschool celebrating 30th anniversary this fall

South Naperville has seen vibrant growth and change in the past 30 years, from the development of new residential communities and expansive new parks to the opening of nationally recognized Neuqua Valley High School.

One constant presence during that time: Little Blessings Preschool, 4055 S. Book Road, operated by Alleluia! Lutheran Church and celebrating its 30th anniversary this fall.

Little Blessings’ deep roots in the community — and the tenure of many of the school’s teachers — have been a major draw for families, said preschool director Shannon Webb.

“Most of our teachers have been here for 10-plus years,” she said. “You come in here and it’s not just school; it’s not just a place where you drop off your child. There really is a family and a community being built.”

The school serves 2-year-olds through pre-kindergartners, with curricula built around monthly themes and following Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards.

In accordance with DCFS preschool standards, classes maintain a 10:1 student: teacher ratio. Programs range from two days per week to five days per week, with optional enrichment classes offered at the end of the school day. Before-school care is available from 7 to 9 a.m., and after-care is available from 2 to 5 p.m.

Among the afternoon enrichment offerings available for the coming school year are Preschool S.T.E.M., Kids in the Kitchen, Young Artists, and Let’s Get Moving.

“We have some unique programs,” Webb said. “In Kids in the Kitchen, for example, kids will learn how to prep snacks and about making healthy choices.” A book club and Spanish lessons also will be offered this fall

As a ministry of Alleluia! Lutheran Church, a member of the Chicago-based Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Little Blessings also offers music instruction and Godly Play, where students learn simple faith-based lessons and are taught that they are beloved children of God, always.

The school welcomes children of all faith traditions or no faith tradition, and students’ families are invited to monthly Chapel sessions, where students sing songs they have learned in the month and Webb and Alleluia! lead pastor Joel Vander Wal share a skit based on the month’s theme.

Little Blessings’ faith component and the fact that teachers can tailor programs to their individual classes help set the preschool apart, suggested Beige Pickert, Little Blessings’ assistant director.

“To me it just feels joyous,” she said. “I love that we can interact more with the kids and families here. I feel like people don’t understand what the difference is until you experience it.”

Preschool parent Greta Subedi echoed Pickert’s comments. “They provide a secure and happy environment every day,” said Subedi, whose son attends Little Blessings. “My son learns about kindness and compassion, which is like planting a quality seed in growing future generations.”

On Sunday, Oct. 18, Little Blessings will celebrate its 30th anniversary during the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at Alleluia!, with a reception for families to follow.

Openings remain for some classes for the 2026-27 school year, and registration for 2027-28 will open in November. For more information, visit littleblessings.org or call the preschool office at (630) 904-9898.