Registration for 2012-2013 School Year

Registration is underway for Preschool, Full Day Preschool and Lunch Bunch. 
Click here for 2012-2013 Preschool and Lunch Bunch Fees. 
For more information, and to arrange a parent tour, call 847-920-3910.

Early Childhood Center Preschool 

The 2011-2012 school year
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 NAEYC-endorsed "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.; Christen Reimer, ECE certified teacher, and assistant teachers Jennifer Bolich and Karen Funari.
          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, 2011, and toilet trained. Pull-Ups and diapers are not permitted.
          The Early Childhood Center offers a special 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, 2011, 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 10th of each month, with the first payment due by August 10, 2011.
          Please contact Wendy Caspersen at 847/920-3910 for more program information or availability for the 2010-2011 school year.

Full-Day Preschool

The 2011-2012 school year
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 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, two staff in-service days and during summer vacation.
          A non-refundable deposit of $200 is required at registration. Fees are paid in nine equal payments, due on the 10th of each month, with the first payment due by Aug. 10, 2011. 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 847/920-3910 for more program information or availability for the 2010-2011 school year.

Lunch Bunch

The 2011-2012 school year
A nice opportunity to extend a child’s time at school through the lunch hour, this program is a great option for children who are ready for a fuller and more enriching Preschool experience. Lunch Bunch is open to children participating in our four-year-old morning Preschool program. Children will be served a hot, catered lunch (as required by DCFS) and then enjoy a variety of activities such as music, gymnastics, art, drama, and science.
          Lunch Bunch will follow the Wilmette Public Schools District 39 calendar of full days off, as well as two Park District staff in-service days. A non-refundable deposit of $200 is required at registration. Fees are paid in nine equal payments, due on the 10th of each month, with the first payment due by Aug. 10, 2011.
          Please contact Wendy Caspersen at 847/920-3910 for more program information or availability for the 2010-2011 school year.