Registration for Fall classes is still available for the state licensed preschool program at Palatine Park District. The program provides a warm, accepting environment where learning is fun for ages 3, 4, and 5. Experienced teachers offer a variety of developmentally appropriate activities designed to help children learn and grow socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Opportunities are provided to allow each child to reach their potential. Creativity and curiosity are encouraged, helping to foster a love of learning in the students enrolled in the program.
The curriculum includes pre-kindergarten skills, art, music, science, large and small motor development, and imaginative play. Outdoor play is also encouraged whenever the weather allows. Class size is limited to 20 students, led by two experienced teachers and an assistant. Teachers in the program must meet the requirements of the Department of Child and Family Services for college training in education or child development. The program follows the calendar for days off school determined by Community Consolidated School District 15.
Preschool classes for the 2019-2020 school year will be held from September 3 through May 19. Morning programs are available for various age groups throughout the week along with afternoon enrichment options to lengthen your child’s day. Limited space is still available for fall registration at the District’s four preschool program locations:
- Birchwood, 435 W. Illinois Avenue
- Eagle Park, 1425 N. Oak Street at Home Avenue
- Maple Park, 316 N. Winston at Anderson
- Parkside, 262 E. Palatine Road in Community Park
One of the preschool classes offered is the Young 3’s class for children who turn three years of age between January 1, 2019 and November 1, 2019. The program is held at Maple Park Preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00am to 11:00am. According to one family from the 2018-2019 Maple Park Preschool Program, “Our daughter loved her first year at Maple Park – she was so excited to come to school every week. We’re looking forward to next year in the M-W-F class.” Another family added “We don’t have a bad thing to say! This was our first year with a child in school and we couldn’t have asked for a better school year.”
Preschool registration requires a separate form which is available at Birchwood Recreation Center, 435 W. Illinois Avenue; Community Center, 250 E. Wood Street; and Falcon Park Recreation Center, 2195 N. Hicks Road. For program availability, call 847.991.1960.
No matter where your child will be attending preschool, it is important to make sure that they are prepared for this new adventure. The following tips can help children make the transition to school a smooth one.
Helping Your Child Get Ready for Preschool
Sending your child to Preschool is a big step. For some children this will be their first school experience. For others this will be their second year of preschool, perhaps with new teachers and classmates, and perhaps a new building. Preschool teachers will work with you to make the adjustment go smoothly. Here are some suggestions to help prepare your child for Preschool in September, especially if he/she has not been to Preschool before.
- Teach your child to handle bathroom needs without assistance, including wiping and managing clothing. Plan for easy to manage school clothes (elastic waists and sweats are best). It’s frustrating and embarrassing to have an accident because you can’t unbuckle a stiff belt or unfasten a shoulder strap on your overalls.
- Help your child learn to dress him/herself, including putting on shoes and jackets. The teachers will help with tying shoes and starting zippers.
- Teach your child to wash his/her hands without help, including turning faucets on and off, using liquid soap, and drying hands. At school we wash hands upon arrival at school, before snack, after blowing noses, and after using the bathroom.
- Teach your child to use a tissue to wipe or blow his/her nose, including disposing of the tissue and washing hands.
- If English is not the language you speak at home, the teachers will try to help your child learn some basic English words and phrases so that he or she can understand simple directions and communicate his/her needs to us. We may ask you to write down some words or phrases in your home language so that we can communicate more easily with your child at the beginning of school.
- Be sure your child has had the experience of playing at a friend’s house or staying with a babysitter. Children who have never been left with anyone other than a family member sometimes have a difficult time adjusting to Preschool.
- Take your child to story time at the library and check out a book about starting school.
- Be positive yourself – children can pick up your apprehensions.
- You do not need to buy fancy new clothes for school – play clothes and gym shoes are perfect for class. Your child will need a backpack or bag to carry papers home.
In addition to the fully licensed preschool program, a wide variety of early childhood classes are also offered at Palatine Park District. Several options are offered for children who do not meet the age requirements or are not quite ready to be in the preschool environment. Preschool Prep for ages 2 ½ to 3 offers activities, art, stories, and songs on Wednesday afternoons at Maple Park Preschool. Two Cool for School helps two-year-olds develop independence while socializing with others. The program includes art, play time, and group time and is offered on Monday-Wednesday or Tuesday-Thursday mornings. Additional early childhood classes include art, singing, dance, and sports options.
For more information about Palatine Park District Preschool, Parent-Tot programs, and Early Childhood programs, contact Preschool Coordinator Karen Rude at 847.496.6239.