Philosophy
Welcome to our Preschool! We believe that children learn best through play. Our experienced staff guides children through weekly emergent topics, providing rich, process-based activities for them to explore. Our smaller classroom sizes and positive school culture inspires children to build a confident, compassionate and curious spirit. Children practice their early literacy skills using the Handwriting Without Tears and Jolly Phonics curriculums. Our program also fosters a joyful, healthy lifestyle with dedicated times in our Large Motor Room, outdoor playground spaces, and school-wide events.
Registration Information For The 2023-2024 School year
Registration is now open. After registering, you will need to present proof of birth for your child prior to August 16. A copy of your child’s birth certificate can be sent via email to keri@bgparks.org, or in-person, mailed, or left in the drop box at the Alcott Center.
Two Year Preschool
This transitional class will help children learn to play with others, develop appropriate cognitive skills and gradually separate from the parent.
- For children 2 years old by September 1, 2023.
- A $100 nonrefundable, nontransferable deposit is required with registration. The deposit is applied toward the total year fee.
- Proof of the child’s birth date and residency will be requested prior to enrollment.
- This program is intended to be a transition class to help children separate from their parents. Parent/Caregiver attendance in class may need to be altered as determined by current Covid-19 protocol.
- Cost is based on the actual number of days each class meets.
For more information or to observe a class, please contact Keri Isacovici at 847.850.2111 or keri@bgparks.org.
Pre-Threes
This is a unique preschool class for your child who misses the September 1st Three Year Preschool deadline and turns 3 between September 2 and February 1. A small class with 2 teachers will give your child more opportunities for hands on learning and individual attention. The Pre-Threes curriculum, perfect for this age child, will focus on learning through play, art, stories and songs. Your child will make friends and develop cognitive, fine and large motor skills. Our facility includes a bright and inviting classroom, as well as our large motor room and playground. Caring, professional teachers will provide your child with a safe and exciting educational environment.
- Children may be in Pullups®.
- A $100 nonrefundable, nontransferable deposit is required with registration. The deposit is applied toward the total year fee.
- Proof of the child’s birth date and residency will be requested prior to enrollment.
- To minimize exposure, there will not be parent helpers or visitors in the classroom at this time.
- Cost is based on the actual number of days each class meets.
For schedule information, click on the Current Preschool Program Offerings button at the top of this page.
For more information or to observe a class, contact Keri Isacovici at 847.850.2111 or keri@bgparks.org.
Three Year Old Preschool
The Three Year Old Preschool focuses on your child’s lifelong learning skills through hands on readiness activities in math, science, pre-reading and prewriting. We support the early childhood philosophy that children learn best through purposeful play where they can develop self-esteem, make friends, and gain cognitive and motor skills. Our program develops early literacy skills by introducing the beginning concepts of Jolly Phonics and Handwriting Without Tears®. Our facilities include bright and inviting classrooms, plus our large motor room and outdoor playgrounds. Our caring, professional teachers will provide your child with a safe and exciting educational environment.
- Child must be 3 years old by September 1, 2023.
- Children may be in Pullups® until January.
- A $100 nonrefundable, nontransferable deposit is required with registration. The deposit is applied toward the total year fee.
- Proof of the child’s birth date and residency will be requested prior to enrollment.
- To minimize exposure, there will not be parent helpers or visitors in the classroom at this time.
- Cost is based on the actual number of days each class meets.
For schedule information, click on the Current Preschool Program Offerings button at the top of this page.
For more information or to observe a class, contact Keri Isacovici at 847.850.2111 or keri@bgparks.org.
Four Year Old Preschool
Our Four Year Old Preschool program provides a quality preschool experience that will enrich the social, emotional and intellectual growth of your four year old. Our goal is to have your child learn at their own pace through a variety of exciting experiences, focusing on pre-reading, writing and math skills. Our program develops early literacy skills through the use of Jolly Phonics and Handwriting Without Tears®. Having 2 teachers per classroom and a smaller class size allows for a more individualized approach, as we concentrate on key kindergarten readiness skills. Children have the option of staying until 11:30 am or bringing a nut-free lunch and staying until 1 pm.
- Child must be 4 years old by September 1, 2023 and toilet trained to attend.
- A $100 nonrefundable, nontransferable fee is required at registration. The deposit is applied toward the total year fee.
- Proof of the child’s birth date and residency will be requested prior to enrollment.
- Children saying until 1 pm bring a nut-free lunch.
- To minimize exposure, there will not be parent helpers or visitors in the classroom at this time.
- Cost is based on the actual number of days each class meets.
For more information or to observe a class, contact Keri Isacovici at 847.850.2111 or keri@bgparks.org.
Friendship Café
Welcome to Friendship Café! Children get to bring in their very own lunch to our “café,” discover a room filled with a variety of toys, seize the opportunity to work on unique activities with a teacher, and best of all, make tons of new friends. You can also register for any classes listed in the Youth and Family Programs section that begin at 1 pm, so that your child can be with us longer. Lunch teachers can take your child to their 1 pm class. Because of allergies, lunches must be nut-free. For more information, contact Keri Isacovici at 847.850.2111 or keri@bgparks.org.
Friendship Café Schedule Coming July 1.
Enrichment Classes
Enrichment classes are available to children who are 3 – 5 years old. They are provided on a seasonal basis, and offer each child captivating lessons, immersive extension activities, opportunities to bond with peers, and most importantly, to have fun! For more information, contact Keri Isacovici at 847.850.2111 or keri@bgparks.org.
Fireflies
Fireflies is a fun summer camp in a preschool setting, perfect for 3-year-olds! One teacher and 1 assistant, with 14 campers will give kids a sense of security and comfort, while they are having fun and learning about the world around them. A typical day will include an art activity and playtime, mixed in with songs, stories and other activities. We will also have outside play, including playground time, games and water play. Campers must be toilet trained, or be in Pull-Ups®. An additional lunch class option from 12 – 1:15 pm will open with the summer programs. Please note: Participants may only sign up for one section of this camp. For more information, contact Elizabeth Quinzio at 847.850.2196 or Elizabeth@bgparks.org.
Cricket Camp
Cricket Camp is a great mix of indoor play, music, art, outdoor activities, and water play. Each classroom will be equipped with books, toys, games and activities, giving children a sense of security and comfort, while they are having fun and exploring new adventures. Children must be toilet trained by the first day of camp. Campers need to bring a nut-free lunch, water bottle, bathing suit, towel, water shoes, sunscreen, gym shoes and socks daily. Please note: Participants may only sign up for one section of this camp. For more information, contact Elizabeth Quinzio at 847.850.2196 or Elizabeth@bgparks.org.
Seesaw
Seesaw is a fantastic way for parents to see their child’s day here at Preschool. Teachers upload pictures, descriptions and videos of activities happening within the classroom on a daily basis. Alerts can also be shared with families in cases of days off, inclement weather protocols, or just reminders for special-themed days.
Forms
Preschool Registration Form Enrichment Classes Registration Form Illinois Health Examination Form Medication Dispensing Authorization Form
Calendars
Two Year Preschool Calendar Pre-Threes, Three and Four Year Old Preschool Calendar
To schedule a tour of our Preschool, contact Keri Isacovici at 847.850.2111 or keri@bgparks.org; or, fill out the form below.