For the 2011-2012 School Year

The Wilmette Park District offers a quality enrichment experience for kindergarten-age children attending half-day kindergarten programs. Our purpose is to provide a unique and multifaceted program designed to spark children's interest in a variety of activities such as art, music, movement, science, and more.

Our program offers a variety of new experiences, both in the classroom and through numerous field trips to places such as the library, theaters, animal hospital, museums, local businesses, and nature centers to name a few. Classes offer a balance of both structured and unstructured activities. Activity areas to choose from include blocks, quiet time, dramatic play, small and large motor activities as well as areas for music, art, literacy and science/discovery.

Two-Day Program: The two-day program spends a large portion of its time on a variety of field trips that give the children hands-on experience both in Wilmette and surrounding communities.

Three/Five Day Programs: The three-day and five-day programs also take part in special art activities, drama, music and cooking in addition to a variety of field trips.

All Kindergarten Enrichment classes include a hot catered lunch, as required by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Busing to or from Central, Harper and McKenzie schools is provided by the Wilmette Park District for a separate fee. Busing to or from Romona school is provided by Wilmette Public Schools District 39. Please contact their Transportation Department to arrange for your child’s transportation.

This program follows the Wilmette Public Schools District 39 calendar of full days off, as well as two Park District staff in-service days. Working parents who desire extended hours for their child can enroll in an "Early Bird Babysitting" program beginning at 7:30 a.m. and/or the After School Recreation program that goes from 3-6 p.m. There is an additional fee for each program.

Our Kindergarten Enrichment teachers are Nancy Benton, A.A.,ECE; Karen Bronski, B.A., Ed.; Dale Crystal, B.A., Ed.; Sharon Kaplan, B.A., Ed.; Catherine Knobel, B.A.,Ed.; Barb Maloney, B.A., Ed.; Barb Rushmeyer, A.A.Ed; and assistant teachers Jennifer Bolich and Karen Funari.

A non-refundable $200 deposit, per class, is required at registration. Fees are paid in nine equal payments, due on the 10th of each month, with the first payment due by August 10, 2011.

Contact Dale Crystal, Kindergarten Enrichment Coordinator, at 847-920-3909 or Wendy Caspersen, Early Childhood Supervisor, at 847-920-3910 for additional program information.

Kindergarten Enrichment follows the Wilmette Public Schools District #39 School Calendar.