Open Arms Lutheran Child Development Center to open

Lamb of God Lutheran Church is getting ready to open a new day care center.

The Open Arms Lutheran Child Development Center will be a reality the first week of January, pending state approval, organizers said.

"That's all we're waiting on at this point," said Kristy Pluard, who is the preschool director.

A few years ago, Lamb of God Lutheran Church did a study, and found the demand for a Christian-based preschool facility. They went through the Open Arms Foundation, a Lutheran-based organization, and were accepted.

Pluard, who has an early childhood degree from Concordia, had previously worked with the Open Arms Foundation in Fairbanks and was a natural fit for the church. By operating a preschool within the church, it gives children exposure to a number of important things.

"We are getting them excited about going to school, which is very important, but we're also exposing them to the church," Pluard explained. "So many families out here don't go to church."

There are enrollment applications available at the church, which is located on Church Road in Wasilla, and people can call Pluard at the school at 357-8078 to receive an application.

"After we get the application, I'll sit down and talk with the parents and the child and we'll go from there," Pluard said.

While initially the preschool will be licensed for 20, Pluard is hoping for bigger and better things.

"Maybe down the line we can add to our building and have a bigger facility, but for right now, it's 20 children," Pluard said.

Pluard said when the preschool opens, it will be for children ages three to five. They are also looking for people interested in working at the preschool facility.