About Preschool

For over 30 years, Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool has provided children with a developmentally appropriate, fun, and safe environment to learn and socialize. At Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool, we view a child’s play as their work. Playing provides opportunities to explore and make sense of the world around them. We believe each child is an individual whose ideas deserve respect and support from his/her peers and teachers. We encourage children to express their own opinion, follow their curiosity (within safe limits) and develop at their own pace. Children and staff work cooperatively to set safe guidelines for the classroom. These guidelines will provide a safe learning environment. It is our belief that when children participate in the rule making process they develop a sense of ownership and community in their classroom.

Our overriding goal at Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool is to provide your child with a positive environment that is filled with great friends and fun activities. We believe that with these things come independence and positive self-esteem.

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The Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool Philosophy

The Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool is a developmentally appropriate program for children 3-5 years old. We believe children benefit most by being exposed to a variety of information that will build upon their interests and natural curiosity. We also believe children will gain an understanding of the world around them by exposing them to nature through outdoor play and learning opportunities. Our program uses a curriculum that includes academic topics such as shapes, colors, numbers, letter recognition, and more! Our program is designed to integrate social, emotional, physical, and academic development to meet the needs of the whole child, and better prepare them for kindergarten. The curriculum is taught through a balance of teacher-directed lessons and child-directed activities, both indoors and outdoors. We believe children learn best through sensory, hands-on activities that encourage real life situations and problem solving. Some areas we explore include nature, math, science, creative art, music, walking excursions, outdoor play, and a variety of interest-based themes.

Our Standards

Our teachers work directly with the schools in our district to ensure our curriculum aligns with their kindergarten readiness requirements, ensuring that your child is set up for success. We set the following standards to prepare your child for a smooth transition into kindergarten:

  • Talk in complete sentences.
  • Sit and listen.
  • Follow one to two step directions.
  • Fine motor skills.
  • Gross motor skills.
  • Alphabet and numbers are taught throughout the year with the goal of recognizing letters and their sounds to the best of their ability.
  • Sign language basics.

Why Choose Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool?

Choosing the right preschool for your child is a big decision, which is why we have highlighted a few of the areas we are most proud of to help you in the decision making process:

  • Caring, dedicated, and experienced teachers.
  • Safe and age appropriate classroom.
  • Outdoor learning and play emphasis.
  • Affordable tuition, beginning at $130 a month
  • Small community environment.
  • Low teacher-student ratios.
  • Nature concept.
  • Developmentally appropriate practices.

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What Sets Us Apart?

 


 

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that questions may arise while choosing the best preschool for your child or during the enrollment process. To make the process easier, we put together an FAQ below with answers to common questions.

Q. My child doesn’t turn 3 until mid-April; can he/she join the 3’s class in April?

As long as space is available, your child may join the 3’s class once they turn 3. If they do not turn 3 until the middle/end of a month, they may not join at the beginning of the month. However, you will be issued a pro-rated rate as the child cannot join until they are of age.

Q. My child turns 3 in October, but I would like him/her to start at the beginning of the school year in September with the rest of the class, can I enroll him/her?

Unfortunately, your child must turn 3 by the time they are enrolled. As long as space is available, you may enroll them in October once they are 3 years old.

Q. My child is currently in the 3’s class, but he/she turns 4 in December. May I transfer my child to the 4’s/5’s class when they turn 4?

As long as space is available, your child may be transferred into the 4’s and 5’s class, acknowledging the price increase, difference in learning materials, and repeated learning materials the following year. While we encourage keeping your child in the 3’s class, it is the choice of the parent/guardian.

Q. Our family is going on vacation and my child will be missing a few classes this month. Can we get a pro-rated fee for this month since my child will be gone?

Unfortunately, we do not offer pro-rated tuition if a child misses class due to illnesses or vacations.

Q. Do you offer full-day preschool or childcare?

We do not offer full-day preschool or childcare. We may, however, offer lunch programs or enrichment classes where children can stay longer throughout the day in another program.

Q. Can I tour the preschool?

Tours are available by appointment only during preschool class hours. Please contact the Park District Manager at 847.223.7275 to schedule aa tour.

Q. Are you play-focused or academic-focused?

We are both! The 3’s class is play focused with some academics, and the 4's and 5's Pre-K class is both academic and play focused.

Q. What does your daily schedule look like?

Each class has their own daily tentative schedule that they follow each day. Both the 3’s and 4’s class includes in their daily schedule: circle time, story time, arts and crafts, free play, music and movement, snack time, center and small group activities, and outdoor play (weather permitting). Please download our Parent Handbook for more detailed information.

Q. How long has Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool been open?

Wildwood Park District has offered our preschool program for over 30 years.

Q. Do I need to send my child with outdoor clothes everyday?

Yes, we are always ready to go outside, rain, snow or shine! Please dress your child appropriately for the weather. You may bring snow boots/gear in a separate bag during the winter. Close-toed shoes are a must.

Q. Do I need to send my child with any supplies?

We ask that each child bring a full-size backpack each day so they can put all their artwork/learning materials inside to take home, as well as any information from the teacher/program. All other snacks and supplies are provided. Please do not bring in any outside supplies from home in an effort to keep our staff and kids safe and healthy.

Q. Does the preschool go on any field trips during the school year?

There are currently no planned trips. Based on evolving circumstances, the class may be able to walk to Willow Point Park or do a bike ride when conditions change. Preschool children in our program typically do not do outside field trips even during normal school years.

Q. What is your teacher to student ratio for each class?

Our teacher to student ratio is typically 1:7, but may be even less depending on enrollment.

Q. Does my child need to bring a snack or drink to school each day?

A snack will be provided for your child each day.  We ask that you send your child(ren) with a refillable water bottle each day. We will also have water bottles available if the need arises.

Q. What holidays are the preschool closed during the year?

We follow most holidays that the Woodland School District 50 follows, such as Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, and Spring Break/Winter Break. Your child will receive a Days Off Calendar at the beginning of the year for your reference in the Parent Packet.

Q. Does my child have to be fully toilet-trained to begin preschool?

Children must be toilet-trained by the first day of class, however, pull-ups will be allowed in the 3’s Class as a safety net for new trainees.

Q. Do you have any classes for ages younger than 3 years old?

Please check out the current Wildwood Park District Brochure for up-to-date information on classes at https://www.wildwoodparkdistrict.com/programs/program-brochure/.

Q. When are monthly payments due?

Monthly tuition payments are due the 1st of the month.

Q. What if I am late on my preschool tuition?

Monthly tuition payments are due the 1st of the month. In accordance with our grace period, any tuition payments received on or after the 5th of the month will incur a $15 late fee to be made payable along with the current monthly tuition. Nonpayment of your full monthly tuition and/or the late fee by the 5th day of the following month, without prior arrangements with the Park District Manager, will result in withdrawal of your child from the Schoolhouse Adventures Preschool program immediately.

If you have further questions, please call the Wildwood Park District office at 847.223.7275 or email info@wildwoodparkdistrict.com

The Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool is located inside the Wildwood Park District Rule House.

Address:
Wildwood Park District
33325 N. Sears Blvd.
Wildwood, IL 60030

Office Phone: 847.223.7275
Office Fax: 847.223.2820