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NW suburban family calendar

Events specifically for children or teens as well as those for, including classes, park and library programs, music, dances, family fitness events, battles of the bands. Send items to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com two weeks before event date.

District 23 Kindergarten: Prospect Heights School District 23 is accepting names of children, who will be entering kindergarten in the fall of 2010. Children must be age 5 by Sept. 1, 2010. A call to the school office at Betsy Ross (847) 870-3868 or Eisenhower (847) 870-3875 will result in a packet of information being sent to you regarding registration and orientation. Registration will take place from 1-7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, at Betsy Ross School, 700 N. Schoenbeck Road and from 2-7 p.m. at Eisenhower School, corner of Camp MacDonald and Schoenbeck roads.

Kingswood Preschool registration: Kingswood Preschool registration for the 2010-2011 school year is now open. For information about the program, current tuition prices or to schedule a personal tour, contact Laura Kpoka, (847) 398-0770, ext. 24 or kingswoodpreschool@comcast.net. Visit kingswoodpreschool.com.

Palatine Parks: The Palatine Park District is now taking registration for a variety of winter programs at the new Falcon Park Recreation Center, 2195 N. Hicks Road. Winter programs include classes for children and adults, fitness, dance and athletics. For information, visit palatineparks.org/falconprograms.html.

Creative Kids Preschool: Registration is being accepted for the 2010-2011 school year at the Prospect Heights Park District Creative Kids Preschool. Ages 21/2-4 welcome. For information, (847) 394-2848, ext. 12.

Bartlett Woman's Club scholarships: The Bartlett Woman's Club is again offering its yearly college scholarship to a high school senior, who resides in Bartlett. Applications are available at the Guidance office of Bartlett, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin and Larkin high schools. All other high school seniors need to call Ruth Beckner at (630) 837-8125 for an application. Applications are due April 1.

Before and After School Club: Before School Club begins at 6:30 a.m.; After School Club ends at 6:30 p.m., Hanover Park Park District. Activities, arts and crafts, sports, outside and homework time. For information and pricing, call (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.

Jan. 14

Mom and son game night: 6-8:30 p.m. Jan. 15, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Live entertainments, dancing, dinner and games for moms and their sons ages 4-10. $28-$42 per couple. Each additional child is $14-$16. To register, (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.

Internet Safety and Social Networking: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Detective Alan Krok from the Chicago Police Department's Internet Child Exploitation Team discusses topics including Internet sexual predators and how they operate, keeping your identity safe and the pros and cons of social networking sites, posting picture and videos online, cell phones and cyberbullying. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.

Holy Family Academy open house: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21; and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness. Open house events for 2-year-old preschool through eighth grade. Registration for the 2010-2011 school year begins Monday, Feb. 1. (847) 907-3452 or holyfamilycatholicacademy.net.

Internet Safety Program for Parents: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, Schaumburg Township District Library Youth Services classroom, 130 S. Roselle Road. Program is geared toward parents of children ages 5-18 and will be presented by Sarah Migas, Internet Safety specialist with the High-tech Crimes Bureau of the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. No registration or fee required.

Jan. 15

Monthly Movie: 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, and 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows. Follow Harry Potter in his sixth year at Hogwarts with evil Lord Voldermort's return. The film is 153 minutes long, and rated "PG." For registration or information, call (847) 259-6050.

Jan. 16

Winter Carnival: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, Village Green Park, Northbrook. Celebrate the season with entertainment and outside/inside activities for all ages. Includes dog sled and search and rescue demonstrations, snowshoe obstacle course, scavenger hunts, games, chili cook-off, food, music, sled decorating contest, more. Call (847) 291-2995.

Free Preschool Fair: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines. Parents are invited to learn more about area preschools. Representatives from more than 24 school in Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Park Ridge and other surrounding towns will be on hand. Free, no reservations required. For information, (847) 827-5551 or dppl.org.

Jan. 17

Chess Club: 1-2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Kids ages 5-14 can learn the game of chess. All levels of ability welcome. Free. Register at ahml.info.

Preschool open house: Resurrection Catholic Preschool in Wayne will be hosting two Open House dates for the Fall 2010 enrollment year from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, and from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21. Resurrection Catholic Preschool offers fun-filled curriculum and play-based program for 3- and 4-year-old children. The 4-year-old program incorporates an academic focus in order to prepare children for kindergarten. Students registering by March 1 will receive $25 off the first month's tuition. For more information and to receive a $25 off coupon, call Missy Rubino at (630) 289-5400, ext. 205.

Brothers Grimm-Four Plays: 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Live performance of the Brothers Grimm stories with a modern twist, teaching lessons of forgiveness, safety and importance of family and humility. Drop-in, no registration required. (847) 827-5551 or dppl.org.

Jan. 18

School Day Off Activity: Drop in between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St. Learn about Ghana's history and culture and make prints on fabric inspired by Ghanaian kente cloth designs. Adults must accompany children. $1 for nonmembers. (847) 391-5399 or desplaineshistory.org.

Mini Golf at the library: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Drop in for a few rounds of golf on the library's indoor putting green. For information, (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.

Knit your own scarf workshop: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Mosaic Yarn Studio in Des Plaines guides participants through a simple scarf project. Bring knitting needles (size US 35, 19 mm). Register at (847) 358-5881, ext. 132 or palatinelibrary.org.

Mario Kart Tournament: 2-4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Grades K-eight can compete in a round robin-style tournament. Event if you don't win, you will still get to play. Snacks and door prizes included. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.

Chat & Chew: 1-2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Fourth-sixth-graders are invited to chew on some good food while chatting about "The Homework Machine" by Dan Gutman. To register, (847) 253-5675 or mppl.org/events.

Book Voyagers: 4:15-5:15 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. First through third-graders who like hockey, ice skating and sledding are invited to share stories, a craft, snack and a video about different kinds of cold weather fun. Register at (847) 253-5675 or mppl.org/events.

Open Gaming: 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 18, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Wii and GameCube, along with board games, available to school-ages children. Register on the events calendar at ahml.info.

American Girl: 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 18, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 2-5 will do a craft, have a snack and play a game based on American Girl Rebecca and her life in 1914. Read the American Girl Books about Rebecca for a trivia game. No registration required but space is limited; tickets will be given out 30 minutes before the program. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Children's grief program: Good Mourning Program is a monthly support group for children, teens and families who have lost a loved one through death. Preliminary interview required before registration. Third Monday of the month, 6:45-8 p.m. Jan. 18, Feb. 15 and March 15 at Lutheran General Family Care Center, 9375 Church St., Des Plaines. For information or to register, call Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care Bereavement Services at (847) 692-8884.

Spa Princess Party: 10:30 a.m. Grades K-1; 1 p.m. grades two-three Monday, Jan. 18, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Create lip gloss or body lotion fit for a princess while sipping on enchanted punch and decorating relaxation cookies. Register at (847) 827-5551 or dppl.org.

Jan. 19

Meet The Gamer: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Part of a series about local game inventors. Meet David L. Hoyt, whose games are played by millions of people each day in newspapers, online, as on many other platforms. To register, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Support Your Child's Reading Achievements: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Parents and teachers learn how to help improve reading skills. To register, (847) 827-5551 or dppl.org.

Monthly movie: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. See Harry Potter in his sixth year at Hogwarts with evil Lord Voldermort's return. (PG, 153 minutes). (847) 259-6055.

Smarty Pants Big Balloon Show: 11-11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Performance featuring balloon animals, comedy and a big balloon finale. To register, call (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.

Jan. 20

Parenting a Child with Special Needs: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, JCFS, 1156 W. Shure Drive, Arlington Heights. Parents support one another as they discuss the stresses and challenges involved in parenting children with special needs. Ongoing weekly group. $15 per session. For information, call Pamela, (224) 625-2804.

JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, Jacob Duman JCC at Woodland Commons, 370 Half Day Road, Buffalo Grove. (847) 763-3551.

Home-School program: 10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St. January's theme is "the Fur Trade." Participants will act out the role of a fur trader by playing a game with reproduction artifacts and make their own powder horn. Learn about trapping on the Des Plaines River. Free, register at (847) 391-5399 or desplaineshistory.org.

Preschool Information Night: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Meet teachers and associates from more than 30 local preschool programs at this free drop-in event. For information, call the Kids' World staff at (847) 506-2620.

Jan. 21

After school crafts: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Ages 6 and up make cool crafts after school. Drop-in. (847) 259-6055.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church preschool: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg. Open house for prospective students and parents. Preschool teachers will offer tours of classrooms from 6:30-7:30 p.m., while the school's kindergarten teacher will be available from 7-8 p.m. to answer questions. Registration is now open for the 2010-2011 school year. The Preschool offers many options for preschool and kindergarten classes, as well as a Parents' Day Out program each weekday from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Call (847) 885-7036.

Jan. 22

Open house and fun fair: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, Hellenic American Academy, 1085 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield. Affiliated with Holy Trinity Hellenic Orthodix Church. Meet teachers, parents and students, games, snacks, entertainment. (847) 317-1063.

Vocal workshop: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, Bethel Lutheran Church, 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine. ArtReach Educational Theatre host workshop to introduce children to formal voice training. For informaiton, (630) 808-5852 or artreachspotlite.com.

Jan. 23

Dave DiNaso's Traveling Reptile Program: 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. DiNaso will bring in several different reptiles for up-close viewing and share many interesting facts about each one. No registration required. Tickets will be given out 30 minutes before the program. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

ArtReach one day workshop: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, Bethel Lutheran Church, 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine. ArtReach Educational Theatre host all-inclusive one day workshop to provide children an introduction to its programs and the performing arts in general. Workshops in dance, music, acting and technical theater are included. For information, (630) 808-5852 or artreachspotlite.com.

Flint Knapping Workshop: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, Museum Schoolhouse building, 399 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village. Flint knapping workshop by Larry Kinsella teaches participants ages 15 and older the process of flint knapping, a technique used two million years ago to create stone tools. $25-$30 includes materials, tools and safety equipment. To register, call (847) 364-7224, seating limited.

Jan. 25

Amazon River House Challenge: 10:30-11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Grades K-five will simulate a rainstorm, take a make-believe trip down the Amazon River and use clues from rain forest animals to build the perfect flood-proof shelter. Program hosted by the Shedd Aquarium. Register for one season only at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.

Amazon-Raised on the River: 1-2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Grades K-five answer a riddle that connects the Riberenos people, who live on the banks of the Amazon, to a pair of famous rain forest reptiles. Imagination, teamwork and math skills come into play. Program hosted by the Shedd Aquarium. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.

Preschool/Day Care Fair: 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court. Representative from local preschool and day care organizations will be available to talk with parents about their programs and facilities. For information, (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.

Jan. 26

Creative Valentine cards: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. The Stamp Lady, Tina Gary, helps you create a Valentine card, gift tag, and decorative bag using stamps, ribbons, punches, and rub-ons. $10, bring a pair of scissors and a glue stick. Space limited. Please stop by the Library to register (no online registration).

Wolves Player Visit: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. A Chicago Wolves Hockey player will visit the library as part of the "Read to Succeed" program for readers ages 6-14. One participant will get to put on a Wolves uniform. To register, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

New parents night: St. Hubert Catholic School, 255 Flagstaff Lane, Hoffman Estates, will host a Catholic Schools Week Prospective New Parents Night at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, in the school library. Registration has begun for the 2010-2011 school year. Those interested are invited to attend the Catholic Schools Week Mass at 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, followed by the Catholic Schools Week Open House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in St. Hubert Catholic School. Tour the school, visit with the administration and faculty and staff, and enjoy refreshments.

Magic Class: 5-5:55 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, Ahlstrand Fieldhouse, 6900 Catalpa, Hanover Park. Children ages 5-12 learn tricks with cards, ropes, coins, mind reading and more. All materials provided. $18-$27. To register, (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.

Jan. 27

American Girl Tea Party: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Bring your favorite American Girl, or other doll, for an afternoon of games, trivia and raffle. For children in grades two-six. To register, (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.

Jan. 28

"Taste of East": 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, East Leyden High School, 3400 Rose St., Franklin Park. Eight graders slated for admission to East Leyden High School will be given a taste of high school during this open house. For all incoming freshman and their parents. (847) 451-3023.

Preschool screening: Thursday, Jan. 28, Roselle District 12. Screening in the areas of vision, hearing, motor development and language skills for District 12 children between the ages of 2 years 9 months and 5 years old. Free, call for an appointment. (630) 529-1883.

Jan. 30

Mysteries of the Spellbinder: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 30, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Magician Walter King Jr. will perform state-of-the-art illusions for participants in the winter reading program. Call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Birthday Party Fair: 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, Community Recreation Center and The Water Works, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Enjoy a day with the family while learning about birthday party options at the Community Recreation Center and its indoor water park, Water Works. Tour party room, enjoy a birthday lunch, see the indoor playground and swim. $10 adults; $8 children before Monday, Jan. 25. To register (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.

Manners Please: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, Leisure Center, Northbrook. Topics include thank-you notes, telephone etiquette and dining skills. Girls should wear dresses or dressy pants and boys should wear a shirt and tie. Register online at nbpark.org. For information, (847) 291-2995.

Teen Film Fest Screening and Awards: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Watch short films produced by local up-and-coming talent and put on your critic's hat and vote for your favorite. Games, trivia, and prizes will round out the afternoon. Register at the library, visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

Jan. 31

Community open house: Noon-2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, St. Peter Lutheran School, 208 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Preschool-eight grade and after care and Summer Daze programs available. Visit with teachers, ask questions, receive registration information for the 2010-2011 school year. (847) 885-7636 or stpeterlcms.com.

Queen of the Rosary community open house: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, Queen of the Rosary School, 690 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. Learn about and tour the school, meet the principal, teachers and parents, find out about the new preschool program for 2010-2011 and learn about classes and programs. (847) 437-3322 or qrcougars.org.

St. Colette School open house: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, 43900 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows. Meet the principal, school board and teachers, ask questions, school tours, more. (847) 392-4098 or stcolette.com.

Feb. 1

Red Cross Babysitting Clinic: Registration begins Monday, Feb 1, for the Saturday, March 6 clinic, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Educational session covers basic child care, emergency action, first aid, more. Must be Mount Prospect residents and at least 11 years old by the program date. $15 nonrefundable registration fee. Register in person at the Library's Registration Desk.

Feb. 3

Legos at the Library: 4-4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Build something related to a book-based theme or make whatever you want. Snacks provided. Ages 6 and up. Drop-in. (847) 259-6055 or rmlib.org.

Feb. 6

Fun fest: 6:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Woodlawn School, 6362 Gilmer Road, Long Grove. Buffet dinner, silent and live auctions, Baggo, putting contest, horse, free throw contests and board games, card tournaments, bingo and more. Adults $25; children under 13 years of age $10. R.S.V.P. to (847) 634-0777 or e-mail LNeiman@BethJudea.org.

Winterfest Weekend Trip: 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6-6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, Lake Geneva, Wis. Join the Des Plaines Park District for a trip to Lake Geneva's 14th annual Winterfest Weekend. Activities include A synchronized ballet of water, light and music at the Dancing Horses Theatre, lunch, snow sculptures, exotic bird show, accommodations at The Lodge at Geneva Ridge and Spa. $199-$219. (847) 391-5711 or desplainesparks.org.

Guitar for busy adults and teens: 9-11:30 a.m. Satruday, Feb. 6, Community Center, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine. Crash course teaches basic chords and gets you playing along with your favorite songs right away. Designed for the aboslute beginner. Bring your acoustic guitar. For informaiton/registration, (847) 991-0333 or palatineparks.org.

Feb. 10

JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook. (847) 763-3551.

Feb. 12

Friday night movie for teens: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Snacks provided. Zac Efron movie about a middle-aged father, who finds that his life's is not exactly what he expected. (847) 259-6055. (PG-13, 102 minutes).

Feb. 13

Boy School Troop 209 Pancake Breakfast: 7 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 13, United Methodist Church, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. $5 at the door. John, (847) 934-0683.

Feb. 15

Family Indoor Camp In: 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19-7 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Games, activities, open play time, quiet hours. Must bring your own sleeping bags and tents to set up in the gym. Registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 15. $40 per family of four; $60 nonresident families. Additional family members $10. To register, (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.

Feb. 19

Drop in crafts: 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Drop into the library and discover a fun craft. While supplies last. (847) 259-6055 or rmlib.org.

Dad and Daughter Princess Date Night: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Entertainment, catered dinner, dancing and games for dads and their daughters ages 4-10. $28-$42 per couple. Additional daughter is $14/$16. Registration required before Friday, Feb. 19. Call (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.

IPRA Teen Ski Trip: Friday, Feb. 19-Saturday, Feb. Bus departs from the Clauss Recreation Center, Roselle, for the IPRA Teen Ski Trip to Chestnut Mountain. For children ages 6-12. $60-$75 or $75-$90. For information, call the Roselle Park District at (630) 894-4200 or visit roselleparkdistrict.com.

Feb. 21

Daddy Daughter Date Night: 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, Clauss Recreation Center, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Open to dads, (granddads, big brothers, uncles or cousins) and their daughters ages 10 and under. Dress up to dance, enjoy refreshments, photos and entertainment. $25-$37.50 per couple. Register at (630) 894-4200.

March 2

JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, Jacob Duman JCC at Woodland Commons, 370 Half Day Road, Buffalo Grove. (847) 763-3551.

undated

Salt Creek Park District preschool: The Salt Creek Park District offers preschool for children, who turned 3 after Sept. 1. If you child is potty-trained three and four day programs are available. Call (847) 259-6890 for information.

Schaumburg High preschool openings: Schaumburg High School has several openings available during the 12:15-1:45 p.m. session of preschool. The preschool meets Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from early February until late May. Children must te 31/2-5 years old, toilet-trained and current immunization records must be provided. $100, plus a $25 registration fee. Call Emily Wydra at (847) 755-4736.

Teen Center Des Plaines: The Des Plaines Teen Center and Game Room are open 2-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; and 1-5 p.m. Saturdays. For a schedule of special events or information, call (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.

Education registration: Congregation Kneseth Israel is now taking registration for the new school year. Torah school for pre-K-high school, adult education classes and an award-winning youth program 6-12 are offered. The synagogue is at 330 Division St., Elgin. For information, contact the synagogue office, (847) 741-5656 or visit the Web site, www.ckielgin.org.

Help for preschool: A free or reduced tuition program for families with unemployed parents is being offered by Christ the King Lutheran Preschool, 100 W, Michigan Ave. in Palatine. A family with one unemployed parent will be offered half price tuition; if both parents are unemployed, the child will receive free tuition. This will remain in effect for as long as is necessary. This will allow the child a chance for fun and to be in a nurturing environment. It will allow the parents a chance to go on interviews, actively job search and some time to relax. Unemployment brings an extremely stressful environment for families, this will allow for break. The tuition relief is available for all preschool programs, including the afternoon KinderClub. In addition, free or reduced tuition is available to military families. Those deployed in the states will be offered half tuition rates; those deployed overseas, free. For more information, contact Valerie Schultz, director, at (847) 358-0230 or visit www.ByFaithAlone.org.

Tutor. com: Youth Services Department at the Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm Street, Prospect Heights will have a new online service. Tutor.com connects to a real-time live tutor in an online classroom to work one-on-one on homework, studying, test prep, etc. Available daily from 2- 9 p. m. via the library's Web site phpl.info

Before and After School Care program: Weekdays, 6-8:30 a.m. and 3:30-6 p.m.; nonschool days (except major holidays), 6 a.m.-6 p.m.; Lutheran Church of the Cross, 2025 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Open to children ages 5 through 12. For details, call (847) 437-5176.

Jewish youth programs: Beth Judea offers programs for third-graders through high school students, regardless of their Jewish affiliation. Kadinkers is the youngest youth group and is for students in third - fifth grades. It meets once a month on a Sunday after Sunday school. Yearly dues are $18. Kadima is the youth group for students in sixth - eighth grades. Kadima meets once or twice a month. Yearly dues are $35. United Synagogue Youth is the youth group for all high school students. This teen group meets on a weekly basis for an assortment of activities. Yearly dues are $40. For more details on these groups, contact Aaron at (847) 634-0777, ext. 114. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove.

Creative Corners Preschool registration: Registration is in progress for the Des Plaines Park District Creative Corners Preschool 3-year and 4-5-year classes at the Administrative and Leisure Center, 2222 Birch Street. Call (847) 391-5700 or visit desplaineparks.org.

Preschool fall openings: The Elk Grove Park District has openings in its 2 1/2 and 3-year-old fall classes, 225 W. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. For registration or information, (847) 364-7224 or elkgroveparks.org.

Queen of the Rosary preschool: Queen of the Rosary School, Elk Grove Village, is currently accepting registration for its 3- and 4-year-old preschool program. For information, to schedule a visit, or to register, call Claudia, (847) 437-3322.