Readers Vote Good Shepherd Preschool as Best Child Care

Novato has more than 30 preschools and child care facilities, but apparently none has a more vocal and spirited following than .

After a weeklong Novato Patch contest, Good Shepherd came away as the top choice in town with 167 votes in our unscientific poll and a rating of five stars on the school's listing on Patch. The folks at Good Shepherd will receive a certificate of achievement in the coming weeks.

There was strong support in the contest for , the , , and .

Just to clarify: This contest was limited to locations not based in private homes. There are several highly regarded home-based child care spots as well.

Good Shepherd, part of the Lutheran church property on Lynwood Drive south of the downtown area, is for kids aged 2 to 5 years old. The children explore the senses, art, music, language and play, plus an introduction to numbers and mat. It's accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

"We wouldn't be anywhere else," wrote parent Donielle Chelini on the school's Patch listing. "you know that gut feeling you get? That's exactly what happened when we walked into the Good Shepherd Preschool. (We) never looked back and we are over the moon with all things GSLS!"

Thanks to all who voted and added comments not only to the Readers Choice story but to the listings for each school.

Next week, we ask you about your favorite Mexican restaurants in town. Get ready to show some loyalty!