Preschool Programs

Fun and formative learning through creation, exploration and play

Fox Valley Park District believes in helping children develop socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually through play- and nature-based learning. We offer engaging and inspiring preschool labs, classes and outdoor experiences for an average of 10–20% less than the cost of a private school.

Many studies have emphasized the pivotal benefits of early education and childhood development available through preschool programs such as ours:

  • positive impact on brain structure and formation
  • instilling a lasting desire to learn
  • regular physical activity
  • a head start on healthy emotions and self-worth
  • early socialization and trust-building with children and adults
  • understanding structure and discipline balanced with fun
  • improved foundational math and reading skills

If you’d like to discuss our preschool programs, please contact Deedee Buscher, Preschool Supervisor at (630) 966-4546.

Curriculum and Standards

Fox Valley Park District’s preschool programs apply the integrated teaching of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). Through STEAM, children develop skills and procedures for inquiry, prediction, collaboration, communication, and creative and critical thinking.

Our curriculum further is aligned with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. We incorporate elements of the Growing Up WILD early education program as well to encourage children’s interest in and exploration of nature and wildlife. 

We also apply the principles and activities of Michael Heggerty’s Ed.D. Phonemic Awareness Curriculum to enhance language awareness through skills such as letter naming, rhyming, and adding and deleting phonemes (indivisible units of sound).

Creative Play Preschool

Implementing our STEAM curriculum, this play-based program helps ensure kindergarten readiness while also capitalizing on community-center resources such as a full-size gym, a playground, a gymnastics area, and outdoor fields and courts. Indoor and outdoor time promotes expression, creative problem-solving, group work, and motor-skill development.

Creative Play Preschool is available at Eola and Prisco Community Centers and Vaughan Athletic Center.

Nature Play Preschool

Based on a kindergarten-readiness and STEAM curriculum, Nature Play Preschool at Blackberry Farm and Red Oak Nature Center focus on nature, the environment, recycling, and conservation. Daily outdoor time (weather permitting) is a core program feature.

Preschool Registration

Parent Information

Registration is now open for the 2023-2024 school year.

2023-2024 School Year Forms:
Registration Forms
EFT Payment Form

2024-2025 School Year Forms:
Registration Forms
EFT Payment Form

Registration can be completed online or at a Fox Valley Park District community center, Monday through Friday. Click to register online!

When registering, please bring:

  • The registration form and EFT form
  • Proof of residency (e.g. gas, phone, electric bill)
  • $100 registration fee (non-refundable)
Age Requirements
  • Children must be potty-trained for the 3s, 4s and Pre-Kindergarten programs. Pull-Ups or diapers are not allowed.
  • Program child-age requirements (no exceptions): 
  • 2-Year-Old: must be 30 months by Sept 1
  • 3-Year-Old: must be 3 years by Sept 1
  • 4-Year-Old and Pre-Kindergarten: must be 4 years by Sept 1

2024-2025 Registration Dates

  • Jan. 9: Registration packets available
  • Jan. 17: Registration open for returning students/siblings
  • Jan. 29: Resident registration open to new students
  • Classes begin in September – parents will receive specific start dates and class information in August.

 

 


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