& Preschool Programs

Registration
Proof of residency, a birth certificate and a non-refundable $50 registration fee is required at the time of registration. Completed healty form and immunizations required for DPT, Polio, TB, MMR (must be completed by a physician) due by the 1st day of class. All participants must be 3 or 4 years old on or by September 1, 2008. There will be no exceptions to age requirement. All children entering the 3 and 4 year old program must be toilet trained.

Philosophy
Play, once considered to be the opposite of education, is now regarded by early childhood specialists as the extraordinary educational process by which preschool children become introduced to a world filled with new and exciting discoveries. Play is the primary concern of the preschool staff because it is the primary concern of the preschool child. Encouraging children to express themselves freely, to communicate with others, and to follow their natural instincts of discovery are all goals of the BTPD preschool programs. The Bourbonnais Township Park District staff, committed to a philosophy of "learning through play," are qualified to lead children through this exciting life period.

Early Learning Station Preschool Programs
The Early Learning Station programs promotes an enviornment that fosters critical thinking, problem solving skills, and social development taught through alphabet and seasonal themes.
This allows the child to grow in self-confidence, independance, and security along with instilling a love of learning.
The Bourbonnais Township Park District is proud of the qualified and experienced teaching staff who instruct the preschool programs and Early Learning Station.
Sign up early, classes are limited to allow for a low student-teacher ratio.
Children must be toilet trained prior to the first day of class. Sessions are divided according to age.
Child should be 3 or 4 by assigned cut-off dates.

The Early Learning Station program follows the Illinois Learning Standards and provides a curriculum filled with developmentally appropriate activities. This allows children opportunities for a successful preschool experience.

A specially designed hands-on curriculum includes:
Phonics & Reading
Art & Craft Projects
Math & Science Projects
Educational Field Trips
Music & Movement
Unique features include use of Exploration Station... a Children's Museum, Willowhaven Interpretive Center and Perry Farm Park.

Our Program Goals
3 Year Old Preschool
The 3-year old curriculum fosters socialization and independance. Through teacher-guided activities, children learn to follow directions and share with others. Activities introduce shape, number and color recognition and large motor skills are enhanced through outdoor and gym play.

4 and 5 Year Old Proschool
In the 4 and 5 year old program, children prepare for Kindergarten through continued exposure to letters, numbers, colors and shapes in a low-key setting.

For more information on program dates and times please check out our Preschool Program Page.
If you would like to learn more about our preschool programs, or schedule an observation, please contact Lisa Milton at (815) 933-9905.