Preschoolers enjoy spring at Elgin institution

Spring 2009 has finally sprung at the Elgin Parent Co-op School.

The preschoolers enjoy watching their Children's Garden come into bloom daily in the play yard. They have also participated in three special, field trips in the past month: a nature walk at Tekakwitha Woods, a tour of an Elgin fire station, and a train ride on the Metra.

As the school year winds down to its final weeks, we also look forward to our summer Park Days when current, former, and future preschoolers and their families meet at various Elgin-area parks on Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon each week. Visit the Web site, www.elginparentcoop.org, or call (847) 741-0506 for a Park Days schedule.

It is a play-based cooperative preschool; preschoolers learn through their play. Major studies have shown that play-based preschools give children the tools for creative, analytical, and critical thinking invaluable for later endeavors in school and life. The loss of free-play time in many preschool and kindergarten environments is to the detriment of children's healthy growth and development. The school provides an opportunity to recapture the play-based preschool environment while simultaneously allowing parents to play an integral part in their children's early education.

The Elgin Parent Co-op School continues to be an Elgin institution with a 39-year history. It is a parent-owned, parent-run, nonprofit preschool with an emphasis on play-based learning.

The school is located in a large space in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church on Elgin's near west side. Class times are 9 to 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

For information about the school or to join the group for Park Days during the summer, call (847) 741-0506.