For 25 years, our mission is to end the cycle of homelessness, one child at a time.
Precious Lamb provides free, trauma-informed early education and care for children and families experiencing homelessness in Long Beach.
We create systemic and social change by interrupting the cycle of homelessness and build a foundation for young children to love learning that will last a lifetime.
In this video, hear from the families, staff, donors, and community partners whose compassion and commitment have helped Precious Lamb nurture children, strengthen families experiencing homelessness, and build a future filled with hope and possibility.
Every day in Long Beach, there are children facing uncertainty. Homelessness, food insecurity, and lack of transportation, among other concerns, create an unstable environment for young children, making the ability to thrive very challenging.
Precious Lamb seeks to be the first stop for these children on their way to education and breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty in their family. Our goals are to educate, support, and enrich them in their daily lives. Precious Lamb Preschool is available free of charge to children living in shelters and rehabilitation programs in the greater Long Beach area.
For founder Sharalyn Croft, Precious Lamb Preschool was a dream long before it opened its doors in 2002. After working in private preschools for some time and noticing the high-quality care and low child-to-teacher ratios, she asked herself: Why isn’t this available to at-risk families?
She began to develop a school with all the advantages of a faith-based private school, but without the cost. She soon learned that there was a serious need for just her kind of program in the local homeless shelters.
That’s when Sharalyn knew the school wasn’t just her dream, it was a Godsend for many families. Precious Lamb began looking for a home in 1999, and after many doors were shut to a school accepting homeless families, a large church downtown answered our call and welcomed us in.
Since 2002, Precious Lamb has served hundreds of Long Beach families.
Founded in 1999, Precious Lamb Preschool began serving students in January 2002.
Children ages 18 months to 5 years old experiencing homelessness are receiving full-time, free preschool.
of every dollar donated supports programs
Our uniquely low ratio ensures small class size and an intimate learning environment.
For more than two decades, Precious Lamb has helped hundreds of children experiencing homelessness begin school ready to learn and thrive.
Tuition-free, full-time preschool for children ages 18 months to 5 years, designed specifically for families experiencing homelessness. Every classroom is nurturing, trauma-informed, and built to help children feel safe enough to learn.
While children are learning, parents can focus on counseling, treatment, education, employment, and securing permanent housing. Our program supports the entire family, not just the child.
Working alongside more than 20 shelters, treatment programs, schools, churches, and community organizations, Precious Lamb creates a network of care that helps families move toward lasting stability.
Precious Lamb is a faith-based Christian preschool that teaches biblical foundations and welcomes families of every faith background. We believe every child deserves love, dignity, and the opportunity to flourish.
“Every child deserves to be safe, known, and given the opportunity to learn”
Learn more about the people, programs, and stories behind our mission.
