McHenry Area Preschools
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Centegra Childtime
Creative Playtime Preschool
Joyful Noise Christian Preschool
Kindercare
Little Angels Preschool- Montini Catholic School
McHenry Community College Children's Learning Center
McHenry Head Start
Noah’s Ark Preschool
St. John the Baptist School
St. Paul's Christian PreShool and Kindergarten
Water’s Edge
Parents' Guides to Choosing the Right PreSchool/ Daycare
Centegra Childtime
Address: 4201 Medical Center Dr. McHenry, Il 60051
Phone: 815-363-2356 FAX: 815-363-4790
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Director: Lisa Neuman
Assistant Director: Maureen
Ages: Infant thru Kindergarten
Days and Hours of Operation: 6:30am til 6:30pm
Registration Begins: Before time of enrollment
Registration Fee: $90
Tuition: Tuition is done by how many days you would attend and also age
Philosophy/General Purpose/ Curriculum: At Childtime, we believe that children are talented, capable people who construct their knowledge through investigation and exploration, story and play. They are born with a sense of wonder and natural curiosity about the world around them. They also need to express their feelings ideas and experiences in many different ways. Childtime’s curriculum was designed by early education specialists and is based on the work of respected child development/early education theorists Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson and Lev Vygotsky. Curricular principles follow the guidelines of developmentally appropriate practice set forth by the National Association for the Education of young Children (NAEYC).
Toilet Trained (Y or N): N
Facilities (classrooms, gymnasiums, etc.): Yes
Teacher / Student Ratio: 6weeks -14 months 1 to 4, 15months-23months 1 to 5, 36months and up 1 to 10.
Approximate Class Size: Infants 8 15 months 10 36 months (two year old)8 three and up 10
Accreditation: Yes thru NAEYC
Additional Information/Notes: Each of our classrooms environments is carefully organized with a selection of toys, books, and materials, accessible to children. Each week caregivers plan a daily schedule around a theme or project with a focus on specific skills to meet the developmental needs of the children in the classroom. Our hours of operation are Monday Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm. All meals will be provided by the center with the exception of baby food. Parents are responsible for providing baby food until their children are able to eat table food. There is a minimum enrollment of two half days for children over two years of age and a minimum of two full days for children under two years of age.
Creative Playtime Preschool
Address: 3720 Greenleaf Avenue, Island Lake, Illinois 60042
Phone: 847.526.8795 FAX: 847.526.1534
Webpage: www.villageofislandlake.com
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Director: Sharon Hyde
Ages: 2-5 years old
Days and Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Registration Begins: Registration is ongoing and still being accepted for 2011-2012. Open Registration for 2012-2013 begins February 8, 2012.
Registration Fee: $40.00 annually
Tuition: PreK 3 days/week $165/4 week session (2.5 hour class)
PreK 2 days/week $110/4 week session (2.5 hour class)
Threes 2 days/week $110/4 week session (2.5 hour class)
Twos 1 day/week $47/4 week session (1.5 hour class)
Philosophy/General Purpose/ Curriculum: Our primary goal is to make your child’s first experience away from parents and home a positive one. We want to provide the kind of environment and experiences which enable your child to grow emotionally, physically, intellectually and socially. The activities presented are designed to expand your child’s understanding, increase manipulative skills and promote creative potential.
Curriculum is specific to each age level. The PreK Program highly promotes academic readiness and goals. The Threes Program presents learning readiness with age appropriate curriculum. The Twos Program includes similar structure to our older children but in a shorter setting.
Toilet Trained (Y or N): Twos do not have to be toilet trained. Threes and PreK must be
toilet trained.
Facilities (classrooms, gymnasiums, etc.): Two air conditioned classrooms-light and bright. Playground and gymnasium on premises.
Teacher / Student Ratio: PreK and Threes classes 1:10 ratio
Twos classes 1:6 ratio
Approximate Class Size: PreK and Threes Classes-maximum of 20 per class
Twos Classes-maximum of 12 per class
Accreditation: DCFS Letter of Exemption
Additional Information/Notes: A typical day includes structured playtime, art, music, story time, group games and more. There is also an introduction to basic math and reading skills. Children will engage in hands-on, open-ended, multi-sensory activities. Our curriculum follows a thematic approach.
Joyful Noise Christian Preschool
Address: 2107 Lincoln Rd. McHenry, Il 60051
Phone: 815-344-5888 FAX: N/A
Webpage: www.joyfulnoisepreschoolmchenry.com
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Director: Dori Hauser
Assistant Director: Sandy Emmerson
Ages: 2-5
Days and Hours of Operation: M-F 9am-11:30am / 12:30pm-3:00pm
Registration Begins: February
Registration Fee: $60
Tuition: 2-days / $150 3-days /$180 4-days/ $215
Philosophy/General Purpose/ Curriculum: Ultimately, we seek to help children grow in many ways: in compassion with understanding of others, in the development of an active and inquisitive mind, and in the successful achievement of appropriate developmental tasks all combined with a large dose of happiness in the company of children their own age. We believe that the expression of the Christian faith best takes place in an environment of love and support.
Toilet Trained (Y or N): Yes
Facilities (classrooms, gymnasiums, etc.):
Teacher / Student Ratio: 1-6/7
Approximate Class Size: 17-20
Accreditation: Licensed by DCFS
KinderCare
Address: 4717 W. Crystal Lake Road McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: 815-385-2499 FAX:815-385-2561
Webpage: www.KinderCare.com
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Director: Karen Grabow
Assistant Director: Tangela Newsome
Ages: 2-12
Days and Hours of Operation: 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Registration Begins: Any time
Registration Fee: $85
Tuition: Attached
Philosophy/General Purpose/ Curriculum: A passion for teaching and caring for children that leads us to develop the whole child-socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually- equally. In doing so, we make learning fun. We are both a partner and a guide to prepare children for the future. To help them become confident and self-aware.
Toilet Trained (Y or N): not necessary
Facilities (classrooms, gymnasiums, etc.): 5 Classrooms, Lunch room, Playground, 4.5 acres to roam
Teacher / Student Ratio: 2’s 1:8, 3’s 1:6, 4’s 1:10
Approximate Class Size: 2’s 16, 3’s 12, 4’s 1 class of 15 and on of 18
Accreditation: NAC Accredited and have the Gold Circle of Quality
Little Angels Preschool Montini Catholic School
Address: 3504 Washington St. McHenry, Il. 60050
Phone: 815.385.5380
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Director: Maureen Montressor
Teachers: Krisitnie Noor, Debbie Schultz
Ages: 3yrs. old by Sept. 1st and 4 yr. olds by Sept. 1st
Days and Hours of Operation: MWF session 8:45-11:15 am Pre-K
T-Th Session 8:45-11:15 am 3 yr.old
Afternoon sessions available upon interest and enrollment
Registration Begins: February 2011
Registration Fee: $50.00
Tuition: $1,050.00 per year for two days a week
$1,575.00 per year for three days per week
Philosophy/General Purpose/ Curriculum: Little Angels began in 1985 as an entity of Montini Catholic School offering a faith-based environment where children and families feel welcomed. Our curriculum is filled with areas that engage the young learning in all modalities if instruction.
Toilet Trained (Y or N): Yes
Facilities (classrooms, gymnasiums, etc.): Classroom, librar, outdoor fenced playground
Teacher / Student Ratio: 1 Teacher per 12 students
Approximate Class Size: 20-22 students
Accreditation: Illinois State Recognition and Rockford Diocese
Additional Information/Notes: Please plan to visit our school for more information and view a class in progress.
McHenry County College Children's Learning Center
Address: 8900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Phone: 815-455-8555
Fax: 815-479-7715
Website: www.mchenry.edu/clc
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Director: Lisha Linder
Ages: 5 months to 6 years
Days and hours: Monday through Thursday 7:50 am to 4:50 pm, Friday 7:50 am to 12:50 pm
Registration Begins: February 1, 2014
Registration Fee: $55 for preschool/year $25 for child care/semester
Tuition: Preschool 3's $130/month
Philosophy: We use Creative Curriculum in our center. Our teachers plan and prepare a program that is developmentally appropriate and follows the criteria set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Our childcare philosophy is based on flexibility and choice for children. The center respects and accommodates the individual development levels of the child; we do not expect children to mold themselves to fit a prescribed plan of development. Discipline is approached in a positive manner with the goal of helping children learn self-control and problem solving strategies.
Toilet Trained: No
Facilities: We have 3 classrooms and an outdoor area. We are located on a college campus, so we also have access to the gym, and other areas.
Approximate Class Size: 10-12 for toddlers; 14-16 for preschool ages
Additional Info: We are located on a college campus, and we are open to the community, as well as MCC students and employees.
McHenry Head Start
Address: 404 N. Green Street
Phone: 815-388-8790 FAX: 815-388-5790
Director: Michelle Baker
Assistant Director: n/a
Ages: 3- to 5-year-olds
Days and Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 8:00am-11:30am, Monday-Thursday 11:30am-3:00pm
Registration Begins: Before time of enrollment-We are always accepting child applications!
Registration Fee: None
Tuition: None
Philosophy/General Purpose/ Curriculum:Head Start is a free preschool program that promotes the school readiness of children ages 3 to 5 from low-income families. We provide learning opportunities that support children's development in all areas, including social-emotional, physical, language, cognitive, literacy, math, science, social studies, and the arts as well as English language acquisition. Our program staff create warm, inviting, interesting learning environments that keep children excited to come to school and learn!
Toilet Trained (Y or N): N
Facilities (classrooms, gymnasiums, etc.): We have two classrooms, an outdoor playground, an indoor large motor area, and a full kitchen. Transportation and meals are provided.
Teacher / Student Ratio:n/a
Approximate Class Size: 16 children
Accreditation: n/a
Additional Information/Notes:All of our teachers are highly trained with a minimum of an associate degree in Early Childhood Education.
We emphasize family partnerships and provide support to enrolled children and families in need of social services.
We are always accepting child applications!
Noah’s Ark Preschool
Address: 5211 W. Bull Valley Road, McHenry (At The Church of Holy Apostles)
Phone: 815-385-5673 FAX: 815-385-6045
Webpage: thechurchofholyapostles.org
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Director: Terri Vrasich
Assistant Director:
Ages: 3-5 years old
Days and Hours of Operation: Mon – Fri, 8:30-4:00
Four y/o Classes – MWFAM 9:00-11:30 Three y/o classes – T/Th AM 9:00 – 11:30
MWFPM 12:30 – 3:00 T/Th PM 12:30 – 3:00
Mom & My School – Thursdays 12:30 – 1:30
Noah’s Ark Plus (for enrolled four year olds) 12:30 – 3:00
Registration Begins: February 7, 2011 for Parish Members, Feb. 16, 2011 Registration opens to the Public
Registration Fee: $50.00
Tuition: Call for current tuition rates
Philosophy/General Purpose/ Curriculum: We believe children learn through play. We set up our rooms to invite discovery, curiosity and to engage your child’s natural love of learning. Our literacy rich curriculum helps your child become aware of letters all around them. Our three year old program centers on socialization, fine motor activities, and learning to be part of a group of friends. Our four year old program introduces the alphabet and beginning phonics. We offer a Mom and My School program as an introduction to preschool as well as a wonderful way to encourage play between mother and child. Our “Noah’s Ark Plus” program is an extra day of Alphabet, Science, Art and Phonics for our four year old students. Our program is faith based and includes daily prayer, age appropriate monthly devotions, and bible stories.
Toilet Trained (Y or N): Yes
Facilities (classrooms, gymnasiums, etc.): Two Classrooms, Playground, Indoor Play Opportunities, Tricycle area outdoors
Teacher / Student Ratio: 15 Children/2 teachers
Approximate Class Size: 15 Children / Class
Accreditation: Our teacher’s qualifications meet DCFS standards
Additional Information/Notes: We are celebrating our tenth year of operation and have an excellent reputation as a quality preschool for your child.
Shepherd of the Hills
Address: 404 N. Greet St., McHenry IL
Phone: 815-385-4030 FAX: None
Webpage: http://www.shepherdofhills.org/
Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Director: Cheryl Clarke
Assistant Director:
Ages: 3-5
Days and Hours of Operation:
M-F: PreK
M-W-F: 4's
T & Th:3's
All Classes 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Registration Begins:
Registration Fee: $60.00
Tuition: Varies
Philosophy/General Purpose/ Curriculum:
Toilet Trained (Y or N): Yes
Facilities (classrooms, gymnasiums, etc.):
Teacher / Student Ratio:
Approximate Class Size: 16 students
Accreditation:Licensed by DCFS
Additional Information/Notes:
St. John The Baptist Preschool
Address: 2304 W. Church St. Johnsburg, Il 60051
Phone: 815-385-3959 FAX: 815-363-3337
Webpage: www.stjohnspreschool.webs.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Director: Mrs. Alice Hoffmann
Assistant Director: Mrs. Angela Landon
Ages: 3-5
Days and Hours of Operation: M/W/F 8:45am-11:15am T/Th 8:45am-3:00pm
Registration Begins: February
Registration Fee: $50 Annually
Tuition: 2010 Rates: 2day program $1085/yr. 3day program $1500/yr.
Philosophy/General Purpose/ Curriculum: Christian based preschool, providing hands on environment where children learn and grow with confidence.
Toilet Trained (Y or N): Yes
Facilities (classrooms, gymnasiums, etc.): Large classroom with attached bathroom, fenced play area, gymnasium with large motor equipment.
Teacher / Student Ratio: Maximum 20 children /2 adults
Approximate Class Size: Maximum 20 children
Accreditation: Diocese of Rockford / State of Illinois
Additional Information/Notes: Special parent/child events include Birthday party for Jesus, Winter Sledding, Daddy Dino Night, and Mother’s Day Tea
St. Paul's Christian PreSchool & Kindergarten
Name of Preschool/ Daycare: St. Paul’s Christian Preschool
Address: 485 W. Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake, Il. 60014
Phone: 815-479-9770 Fax: 815-459-5735
Webpage: www.stpaulsucccl.org
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Director: Sheila Halasz
Ages: 2-7
Days and Hours of Operation: 9:00-2:45
Registration Begins: January
Registration Fee: $55
Tuition:
2 year olds: $139 per month
3 year olds: 2 days a week $160 per month, 3 days per week $195 per month,
4 year olds: 3 mornings a week, $205 per month,
4 year olds: afternoons $199 per month
4/5 year old: five day, $260 per month
Philosophy/General Purpose/ Curriculum: Our mission is to develop, in partnership with family, the preschool child’s social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual growth from a biblical point of view through a hand – on developmentally appropriate curriculum.Our curriculum is based on Howard Gardener’s Multiple Intelligence theory. The kindergarten curriculum meets and exceeds all Illinois standards. We also offer service-oriented learning so that the children can get used to giving back to their community.
Toilet Trained (Y or N): No
Facilities (classrooms, gymnasiums, etc.): We have 4 classrooms and one large motor room along with a church sanctuary we can use for stories and family performances. We also have 7 acres of open space and a fenced playground with a large paved bike path.
Teacher / Student Ratio: Not available
Approximate Class Size: Classes range from 6 in class to no more than 14 with two teachers in every classroom.
Accreditation: We are accredited with a Christian School Association.
Additional Information/Notes: We have scholarships that are available for those that have the need for a preschool, but cannot fit it into their current budget.
Water’s Edge Waldorf School
Address: 150 W. Bonner Road, Wauconda, IL 60084
Phone: 847-526-1372 FAX: 815-717-7314
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Director: Susan Love
Assistant Director:
Ages: Preschool classroom 3-4 yrs; Preschool-Kindergarten classroom 3 ½ - 6 yrs.
Days and Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri, 8:30 – 12:30
Registration Begins: March, but we have rolling registration during the year if space permits
Registration Fee: $50 application fee
Tuition: 2 days: $2600/yr 3 days: $3775/yr 5 days: $5600/yr
Philosophy/General Purpose: In Waldorf education, early childhood programs prepare children for elementary school by developing their capacity for creative thinking and problem-solving through a strong emphasis on imaginative play. Play is the real work of early childhood, and our program provides a healthy rhythm and encourages imagination, socialization, a healthy connection with nature, and exposure to music, art, rich language and practical life skills.
Curriculum: The teacher engages in domestic, practical, and artistic activities the children can readily imitate (for example, baking, painting, gardening, and handicrafts), adapting the work to the changing seasons and festivals of the year.
The Waldorf preschool-kindergarten teacher nurtures the children’s power of imagination by telling carefully selected stories and by encouraging free play. This free or fantasy play, in which children act out scenarios of their own creation, helps them to experience many aspects of life more deeply. When toys are used, they are made of natural materials. Wood, cotton, wool, silk, shells, stones, pine cones and objects from nature that the children themselves have collected are used in play and to beautify the room.
Sensory integration, eye-hand coordination, appreciating the beauty of language, sequencing, and other basic skills necessary for the foundation of academic learning are fostered in the kindergarten. In this truly loving, natural and creative environment, children are provided with a range of activities to prepare them for later learning and for life itself.
Toilet Trained (Y or N): Y
Facilities (classrooms, gymnasiums, etc.): classroom and large outdoor green space, including organic garden and prairie, large sandplay area, etc.
Teacher / Student Ratio: 1:9 max
Approximate Class Size: 12 max in 3-4 yr.old class; 16-18 max in preschool-kindergarten class
Accreditation: Assoc. of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA)
Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN)
Additional Information/Notes:
Water’s Edge also offers parent-child classes for children 18 mos. to 3 years old and their parents, as well as Grades 1 through 8.
Parents' Guides to Choosing the Right PreSchool/ Daycare Program
An Introduction to Child Care Family: Provided by the Service & Community Mental Health Center of McHenry County
A Parent’s Guide to Quality Child Care: Provided by 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care
Finding High-Quality Pre-K: ScrollThe Pew Center on the States identifies and advances state policy solutions. Pre-K Now, a campaign of the Pew Center on the States, collaborates with advocates and policymakers to lead a movement toward high-quality, voluntary pre-kindergarten for all three and four year olds.
Prekinder or Cómo hallar el mejor pre-kindergarten:Pre-K Now se complace en brindar una nueva campaña - Prekinder: Aprendiendo a aprender - para que los hablantes de español tengan más información sobre los aspectos básicos de la educación prekinder de alta calidad. Esta campaña es un resultado de dos años de planeamiento y de investigación conducida por un comité nacional de expertos en la educación y la cultura de la población Latina.
