Preschool is offered at twelve elementary schools (Arlington Heights, Binford, Childs, Clear Creek, Fairview, Grandview, Highland Park, Lakeview, Summit, and Templeton, Unionville, and University).  The preschool day follows the elementary school schedule and runs from either Elementary Group One (9:00am-3:45pm) or Elementary Group Two (9:30am-4:15pm).  Fee-based Before School Care is available beginning at 7:00am and After School Care is available until 5:45pm.

Curriculum 

We seek to support children’s curiosity as learners, and to prompt them to take initiative, be self-directed, and show interest in school and the world around them.  We help them develop flexible thinking and positive social interactions during play.  Children’s attentiveness and persistence to tasks are fostered.  Children are encouraged to engage in imaginative and cooperative play with others.

In addition to early literacy and math skills, our students experience instruction in several other areas.

Science

Preschool children learn foundational science concepts by exploring objects and the world around them in hands-on ways.  We support children’s understanding of the properties of objects and how the physical world changes.  We help children understand the natural world by exploring the earth, sky, weather, and seasons.  We offer experiences that help children understand the characteristics of living creatures and plants and we help them begin to understand how to solve problems using the engineering design process.

Social Studies

Preschool social studies helps children begin to learn about themselves and their role in families, school, the community, and eventually, in the world. Children assimilate knowledge about family and community roles through play. Children begin to understand the passage and measurement of time, as well as how to describe natural and manmade features of locations. They begin to understand the foundational concepts of economy, including that people have jobs and use money. They learn that citizens in a democracy have responsibility to work together to accomplish tasks.

Creative Arts

Preschool children learn foundational science concepts by exploring objects and the world around them in hands-on ways.  We support children’s understanding of the properties of objects and how the physical world changes.  We help children understand the natural world by exploring the earth, sky, weather, and seasons.  We offer experiences that help children understand the characteristics of living creatures and plants and we help them begin to understand how to solve problems using the engineering design process.

Physical Health and Growing

A child’s physical development proceeds from big muscles to small muscles, and so children need many opportunities to move their large muscles in order to be able to effectively use their small muscles to hold pencils and write.  Children are given many opportunities to use their big muscles as they run, climb, jump, and balance, and their small muscles as they stack blocks, string beads, pinch playdough, and more.  Children learn about healthy nutrition, personal care, and their senses.

Social-Emotional Learning

Social-emotional learning in preschool aims to help children develop a strong sense of self, confidence, and to be able to identify and express emotions.  Preschool teachers focus on helping children gain impulse control, planning skills, and emotional regulation.  In addition, teachers and children work on forming positive relationships and handling conflict in appropriate ways.