Families explore options at Elgin preschool fair

From preschools focused on play-based learning, to those that expect students to test at least one year beyond their chronological age, parents had plenty to choose from Saturday at the Gail Borden Public Library’s annual Preschool & Childcare Information Fair in Elgin.

The fair was organized an easy way for parents to get information without having to visit each school individually, said Gail Lundgren, the library’s coordinator of early childhood services.

Almost 60 families attended the two-hour event, where 17 area schools showcased their missions and programs.

This year, many parents were looking for day care options, “a good economic indicator” that more families are working, said Linda Hoffmann, secretary for St. John’s Lutheran School in Elgin.

“A lot of parents don’t know what they are looking for, and every family has different needs,” she added.

Jennifer Wells, of East Dundee, came looking for a school that her 3 ½- year-old son, Jonathan, can attend through the sixth or eight grade.

Elgin resident John Lafleur just wanted to get a feel for future options for his 16-month-old son, Morgan.

“I figured I might as well start out now,” he said.

Among the choices parents have to make is how much to pay for tuition, which can vary greatly.

Independent school Da Vinci Academy in Elgin, which admits only gifted students, charges $6,900 for five days a week for 3-year-olds, and rates increase with age. The Elgin Parent Co-Op School, a parent-run, play-based school for children ages 3 to 6, charges $115 per month for three days a week. Federally-funded Two Rivers Head Start in Elgin charges tuition based on family income.

Also attending was the United Way of Elgin, which showcased its partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that mails one free book per month to children up to age 5. For more information, visit uwelgin.org.