Welcome to

First Presbyterian Preschool

The following information applies to our preschool programs for children aged three to six years of age.  Click here for information about our Terrific Twos program for 2 year olds.

CURRICULUM
Our curriculum offers a wide variety of age-appropriate activities and learning opportunities.  It provides a balance of self-selected and teacher-directed activities, individual and large group activities, as well as indoor and outdoor experiences. Learning centers are provided that invite children to explore, experiment, create, and ask questions.  Our program is committed to providing an innovative curriculum to help prepare each child for his/her next school experience.

STAFF
The staff consists of college graduates who are trained and experienced teachers in Early Childhood Education.  Our teachers have specialized instruction in various areas including Child Development, Reading, Music, Art, Special Education, Elementary, and Secondary Education.  The staff participates yearly in continuing education by attending preschool educational workshops and seminars.  There are two teachers in each classroom with a maximum of 20 students.  For more information on our staff, please see our staff biographies.

TRANSPORTATION
Parents are responsible for transporting their child to and from school.  In a designated loading area, teachers guide children as they enter and exit cars.

POLICY
The preschool is licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services of Illinois (DCFS). It is in compliance with health and safety standards established by DCFS and the Board of Health. Further policies are set by the Preschool Staff with the approval of the Session of First Presbyterian Church.

TUITION SCHEDULE (9 months)
2-day program:   $116/month
3-day program:   $155/month
4-day program:   $187/month
1st monthly tuition payment is due in July.

DAILY SCHEDULE
Three-Year-Olds:  Tu/Th      9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Three-Year-Olds:  M/W/F     9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Four-Year-Olds:  M/W/Th     9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Four-Year-Olds:  M - Th      12:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Vacation days coincide with District 200.

ADMISSION
Children entering the 3-Year-Old Program must be 3 years old by September 1 of the current school year.  Children entering the 4-Year-Old Program must be 4 years old by September 1 of the current school year.  Children need to be toilet trained.  There is a $75 nonrefundable enrollment fee due upon acceptance.

The applications for our three and four year old programs are now available online.  Just click on the link below, print and complete the appropriate form, and return it to First Presbyterian Preschool, 715 North Carlton Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187, with your check for the $75 enrollment fee payable to First Presbyterian Preschool.

Application for the Three Year Old Program in Word or in Adobe Acrobat.

Application for the Four Year Old Program in Word or in Adobe Acrobat.

REGISTRATION
Registration for each school year is open to returning families and church members in November. Open registration begins in January.  Contact Chandra Gravit, First Pres Preschool Director, at 630-668-5147 x 27 for more information or to set up a classroom visit.

DAILY PROGRAM

• Group time involving music, calendar activities, stories, creative movement, language and math experiences, and teacher motivation of themed lessons and projects.
• Teacher-directed activity or project.
• Free play where children choose their own activities: dramatic play, puzzles & books, blocks & trucks, painting, play dough, water table activities, and small manipulative play.
• Outdoor play on approved playground equipment in a park-like enclosed setting or indoor play on approved equipment in our church gymnasium.
• Group snack time.

View some photos of our preschoolers' activities.  Our thanks to the parents of these children who have given their permission to display the photos on the website!

RELIGIOUS EMPHASIS
Our preschool observes Christian holidays, sings a brief prayer before snack time, and fosters the kindness and community of Christian living.

OBJECTIVES

• Promote social skills such as respect, kindness, and empathy.
• Enhance self esteem through individual accomplishment.
• Learn how to value another person's rights by teaching respect for others.
• Encourage cognitive development and reasoning skills.
• Develop an appropriate pattern of dependence and independence.
• Foster a sense of continuity between school and the outside world.
• Create a place of community, teamwork, and friendship.
• Explore creativity and self-expression.

GOALS - We strive to nurture growth in the following areas:

• Self awareness
• Large motor skills
• Eye-hand coordination
• Social cooperation
• Personal independence
• Verbalizing thoughts into sentences
• Curiosity and awareness of the world
• Listening to and following directions
• Completing tasks
• Maintaining a positive self-image
• Accepting and managing responsibility
• Taking part in vocalization and rhythmical activities
• Experiencing original and creative self-expression
• Achieving self-discipline

PHILOSOPHY
Preschool is often a child's first school experience and sets the stage for future years of formal education.  First Presbyterian Preschool provides a safe, caring, Christian environment that stimulates the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children.

First Presbyterian Preschool, the first preschool in Wheaton, has been serving the community since 1967.  We accept and welcome children of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.