Registration for Preschool, Full Day Preschool and Lunch Bunch for the 2010-2011 school year will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 1, for Wilmette Residents. Non-Resident registration begins at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 8. 

     Parent Tours are offered twice a month in November and December. Please call 847-256-9119 for dates and times. 
 

Early Childhood Center Preschool
 

It is the goal of the Wilmette Park District's Early Childhood Center to provide a program for three and four-year-olds that is nurturing, allows children to grow through their natural instinct to explore, lays a solid foundation of self-confidence and prepares children for elementary school.

Our program, licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services, is based on the philosophy that children learn through play and experience. When given the opportunity, children will naturally explore, discover, learn to cooperate with others, and develop a strong self-esteem. Through a wide variety of experiences, children develop their social, emotional and physical skills as well.

At the Early Childhood Center children are offered a chance to learn in a place where each child meets with approval and success. Our teachers offer children a variety of individual, small and large group activities. We do this because we believe it is important that every child have a positive learning experience. Utilizing the Creative Curriculum approach, each classroom offers an area for blocks, small and large motor activities, quiet time and dramatic play, as well as areas for music, art, literacy and science/discovery.

While our Early Childhood staff offers each class an environment that gives children the opportunity to grow to their fullest potential, we also serve as a support system, helping to meet each individual family's needs. Our teachers are Nancy Benton, A.A., ECE; Jan Cain, B.A., Ed.; Carol Heredia, A.S., ECD; Sharon Kaplan, B.A., Ed.; Barb Maloney, B.A., Ed.; Barb Rushmeyer, A.A., Ed. and assistant teachers Jennifer Bolich, Karen Funari and Deena Uzzell.

The Early Childhood Center follows the Wilmette Public Schools District 39 calendar of full days off, as well as two Park District staff in-service days. Children must be 3-years-old by September 1, 2009 and toilet trained. Pull-Ups and diapers are not permitted.

The Early Childhood Center offers a special 4-day morning program for older 3-year-olds to accommodate the rapid development of fine motor and cognitive skills within this age group. This is a multi age class that combines the older 3-year-olds with 4-year-olds for a unique classroom experience with many learning opportunities available to the children. Children must be 3-years-old by March 1, 2009 to enroll in this program.

A non-refundable deposit of $200 is required at registration. Fees are paid in nine equal payments, due on the 5^th of each month, with the first payment due by August 5, 2009. Please contact Wendy Caspersen at 847/256-9119 for availability and program information.

Full-Day Preschool 2009-2010

The Wilmette Park District Early Childhood Center offers high quality preschool education with extended coverage to provide a full-day program option. Children may join us for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days at 11:30 a.m., after their preschool day ends, for a hot catered lunch and extended playtime. Activities will include art, music, science, literature, outdoor playtime and free exploration. The afternoon will also include a rest/naptime. Note: Children must be enrolled in the Wilmette Park District Preschool program, and must be toilet trained.

In addition to closures on Thanksgiving, the Friday after Thanksgiving and Memorial Day, the Full-Day Preschool program will be closed for two weeks over Winter break, one week for Spring break and during summer vacation. A non-refundable $200 deposit is required at registration. Fees are paid in nine equal payments, due on the 5^th of each month, with the first payment due by August 5, 2009. Full monthly tuition is due for all months, including months with days off and holiday breaks. This program is licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services.  Please contact Wendy Caspersen at 847/256-9119 for more information.

Please note: Schedules other than days offered above must be pre-approved by the Early Childhood Supervisor in advance of registration.