Pre-K
Program Description
This program is for children who turn 5 years-old by December 1st. It is designed for those children who do not meet the public school cut off for Kindergarten enrollment but still have birthdays in the fall. Since all of the children in the program are older four or five year-olds, we are able to specifically reach your child’s developmental needs. This program will offer an academic focus in a play-based environment.
The curriculum for the Pre-Kindergarten program was created by focusing on the philosophies of Piaget and Vygotsky and by communicating with District 181 kindergarten teachers. We have also attended national seminars on pre-kindergarten and seminars at Erikson Institute of Chicago, a graduate school of child development and early childhood education. We are focusing on project-based learning that concentrates on experimentation, and views children as researchers. Our goal is to meet children at their individual stages of development and challenge them to rise to the next level.
We believe that being ready for Kindergarten is being ready to be a life-long learner. “How young children feel is as important as how they think,” stated Jon Korfmacher, clinical child psychologist and associate professor at Erikson Institute in Chicago, IL. Being ready for Kindergarten consists of developing both academic and social/emotional skills.
| Academic Skills | Social/Emotional Skills |
| Letter recognition | Ignore distractions |
| Number recognition | Get along with others |
| Self-help skills | Wait for a turn |
| Being an emergent reader | Manage time |
| Fine/gross motor skills | Being curious |
| Basic color and shape | Coping with being wrong |
| Recognition | Following directions |
Group Size and Teacher-to-Child Ratio
The Union Church Early Childhood Programs are licensed by the State of Illinois and are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. This means that we follow the group size and student-to-teacher ratios that are recommended mandated by these organizations.
The Pre-kindergarten classroom has one teacher for every 10 children.
Registration and Tuition
Registration is $90for the first child and $55 for the second child that you are enrolling. This registration fee covers all processing expenses including postage. This fee also includes a supply charge for consumable items that are used within the classrooms. This registration fee is non-refundable and due at the time you register your child in the program.
Tuition:
Tuition for the Pre-Kindergarten Program is:
$430 a month for a five day program, three hours per day.
Tuition is paid one month in advance.
Members of the Union Church of Hinsdale receive a 10% discount off of tuition.
Calendar for the Beginning of the Year
After you register your child in the program, you will receive information in the mail from the Union Church ECP. This information will keep you updated on the beginning of the school year and any other information you may need. This information will start coming to your home sometime in July.
Tours for Parents and Children:
The week before the program begins your family will have a scheduled time when they will be asked to come in and visit the program. This is a time when you will be able to meet the other families and when you will find out more about the program year. During this tour we ask that you bring your child with you so that they will be able to meet their classmates.
Teacher Credentials and Background
Sue Nunamaker – Ms. Nunamaker has been in the field of early childhood education since 1992. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in ECE from Elmhurst College and is certified to teach Kindergarten – 3rd grade. Sue was the only early childhood education major in 2004 that received the Thaskala Award from Elmhurst College. “I look forward to challenging this very special age group.”
Laura McBrien – Ms. McBrien has been in the field of early childhood education since 1999. She has a degree from North Eastern Illinois University. “I enjoy watching the smiles on the children’s faces as they gain a sense of accomplishment.”
Lunch Bunch Option
The Union Church Early Childhood Program offers an extension to the preschool day. This program is designed so that the Pre-Kindergarten students can come to school and eat a lunch provided by the ECP and our catering company. Monday through Friday from 12:00-2:00 children will go to a separate classroom, after their preschool time has ended, where they will eat lunch and participate in free play.
The fee for this program is:
$100 for one day a month