The Preschool Program

Prairie Children Preschool is the preschool program for Indian Prairie School District 204. This guide is to provide you with information about Prairie Children Preschool and how to register your child for the Program. This guide answers the most frequently asked questions by parents.

Each classroom has approximately 16 preschoolers staffed by one teacher with a 4 year degree in regular and special education, many also have obtained their masters degree. There are also two teacher assistants in each room. Each class has a combination of three and four day children as well as a balance of boys and girls. Teacher to student ratio is 1:6. Continuity and longevity of staff is important in the preschool years. Prairie Children Preschool is proud of its’ tenured staff. Consistent with District 204’s philosophy, Prairie Children Preschool serves all children. Currently there are 22 classrooms with AM and PM sessions. Approximately 750 children are attending the Preschool.

FOUR YEAR OLD PROGRAM

There are four different options for your preschooler. Children in all four groups must be 4 years old by September 1st of this year. Children in these groups will be attending kindergarten next year. The special needs of individual children and families will be carefully considered. The groups are:

• Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday Mornings [8:15-10:45]
• Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday Afternoons [12:15-2:45]
   
• Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday Mornings [8:15-10:45]
• Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday Afternoons [12:15-2:45]

You will be asked to prioritize your choices. Please consider what is most important to you and your child’s schedule when making your selection. (eg. AM ,PM or number of days of the week) “No Preference” is also an option.

The four year old program will offer a variety of experiences in emergent literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, and social skills through learning centers and hands-on activities. Music and movement is also important for the development of the whole child and their self-esteem.

THREE YEAR OLD PROGRAM

There are four different options for your 3 year old. Children in all four groups must have their third birthday by September 1st of the current year. All children in these groups will have at least one more year of preschool before entering kindergarten. The special needs of individual children and families will be carefully considered. The groups are:

• Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday Mornings [8:15-10:45]
• Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday Afternoons [12:15-2:45]
   
• Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday Mornings [8:15-10:45]
• Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday Afternoons [12:15-2:45

You will be asked to prioritize your choices. Please consider what is most important to you and your child’s schedule when making your selection (ex: AM, PM or number of days of the week) “No preference” is also an option.

The three year old program will offer diversity of experiences in pre-literacy, mathematics, science, social studies and social skills through learning centers and hands-on activities. Music and movement will also be important for the development of the whole child and their self esteem.

CURRICULUM

Prairie Children Preschool uses the Creative Curriculum as the framework for the Preschool program. The teachers also develop “Units of Study” that thematically compliment the children, culture and community of District 204. The Illinois Early Learning Standards are also part of the curriculum.
Families will learn more about these programs at:

• Literacy Night [Fall]
• Parent/Teacher Conferences [Fall and Spring]
• Celebration of Learning Night [Spring]

Bi-monthly newsletters are sent home by each classroom teacher to provide communication between home and school and enhance language development.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

Prairie Children Preschool’s philosophy embraces family involvement through the school, PTA and family enrichment activities. Research has proved, and we conclude through our experience, that the greatest benefits are derived when parents and teachers work as partners to guide the children in their growth, development and education. The mutual involvement of those people most important to the child is the parent and teacher. They are the key to a meaningful experience for the development of the total child.

We offer a monthly newsletter plus a variety of programs that bring parents together for education, enrichment and support.

Preschool and PTA Sponsored Events

• Fall Costume Party (Saturday)
• February Sweet Heart Dance (Saturday)
• Spring Family Picnic (Saturday)
   
• Parent Workshops at PTA meetings (evening)
• Parent "Coffee and Tea With You and Me"
• "Parent Talk" Round Table Discussions