Palatine Park District offers state licensed preschool

Registration for fall classes is still available for the state licensed preschool program at Palatine Park District.

The program provides a warm, accepting environment where learning is fun for ages 3, 4, and 5. Experienced teachers offer a variety of developmentally appropriate activities designed to help children learn and grow socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.

Opportunities are provided to allow each child to reach their potential. Creativity and curiosity are encouraged, helping to foster a love of learning in the students enrolled in the program.

The curriculum includes prekindergarten skills, art, music, science, large and small motor development and imaginative play. Outdoor play is also encouraged whenever the weather allows. Class size is limited to 20 students, led by two experienced teachers and an assistant.

Teachers in the program must meet the requirements of the Department of Child and Family Services for college training in education or child development.

The program follows the calendar for days off school determined by Community Consolidated School District 15.

Preschool classes for the 2019-2020 school year will be held Sept. 3 through May 19. Morning programs are available for various age groups throughout the week along with afternoon enrichment options to lengthen your child's day. Limited space is still available for fall registration at the district's four preschool program locations:

• Birchwood, 435 W. Illinois Ave.

• Eagle Park, 1425 N. Oak St. at Home Ave.

• Maple Park, 316 N. Winston at Anderson

• Parkside, 262 E. Palatine Road in Community Park

Several spaces are also available in the Young 3's class for children who turn 3 years old between Jan. 1 and Nov. 1. The program is held at Maple Park Preschool Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m.

According to one family from the 2018-2019 Maple Park Preschool Program, "Our daughter loved her first year at Maple Park. She was so excited to come to school every week. We're looking forward to next year in the M-W-F class."

Another family added, "We don't have a bad thing to say! This was our first year with a child in school and we couldn't have asked for a better school year."

For complete Preschool Program details, including times and fees, visit palatineparks.org. Preschool registration requires a separate form, which is available at Birchwood Recreation Center, 435 W. Illinois Ave.; Community Center, 250 E. Wood St.; and Falcon Park Recreation Center, 2195 N. Hicks Road. For program availability, call (847) 991-1960.

No matter where your child will be attending preschool, it is important to make sure that they are prepared for this new adventure. The following tips can help children make the transition to school a smooth one.

• Teach your child to handle bathroom needs without assistance, including wiping and managing clothing. Plan for easy to manage school clothes (elastic waists and sweats are best). It's frustrating and embarrassing to have an accident because you can't unbuckle a stiff belt or unfasten a shoulder strap on your overalls.

• Help your child learn to dress him/herself, including putting on shoes and jackets. The teachers will help with tying shoes and starting zippers.

• Teach your child to wash his/her hands without help, including turning faucets on and off, using liquid soap, and drying hands. At school we wash hands upon arrival at school, before snack, after blowing noses, and after using the bathroom.

• Teach your child to use a tissue to wipe or blow his/her nose, including disposing of the tissue and washing hands.

• If English is not the language you speak at home, the teachers will try to help your child learn some basic English words and phrases so that he or she can understand simple directions and communicate his/her needs. We may ask you to write down some words or phrases in your home language so that we can communicate more easily with your child at the beginning of school.

• Be sure your child has had the experience of playing at a friend's house or staying with a babysitter. Children who have never been left with anyone other than a family member sometimes have a difficult time adjusting to preschool.

• Take your child to story time at the library and check out a book about starting school.

• Be positive yourself - children can pick up your apprehensions.

• You do not need to buy fancy new clothes for school - play clothes and gym shoes are perfect for class. Your child will need a backpack or bag to carry papers home.

In addition to the fully licensed preschool program, a variety of early childhood classes are also offered at Palatine Park District.

Several options are offered for children who do not meet the age requirements or are not quite ready to be in the preschool environment. Preschool Prep for ages 2 ½ to 3 offers activities, art, stories, and songs Wednesday afternoons at Maple Park Preschool.

Two Cool for School helps 2-year-olds develop independence while socializing with others. The program includes art, play time, and group time and is offered Monday-Wednesday or Tuesday-Thursday mornings. Additional early childhood classes include art, singing, dance, and sports options.

For information about Palatine Park District Preschool, Parent-Tot programs, and Early Childhood programs, contact Preschool Coordinator Karen Rude at (847) 496-6239 or krude@palatineparks.org.