Gurnee Park District Preschool program encompasses all of the State of Illinois Early Learning areas social/emotional development, language arts, math, science, social science, fine arts, foreign language, physical development and health, in a kindergarten-readiness curriculum. Our goal is to create a warm and nurturing environment that helps children progress to their fullest potential and encourages a love for learning.

See how your child can grow with the Gurnee Park District Preschool by attending a Tour/Observation and/or our Open House!

Preschool Tour/Observation
Join us for a 20 minute tour of a preschool class in session. Contact Ginni Gianneschi at (847) 599-5499 to schedule your tour.

See how we learn and grow in preschool. Whether your child currently attends or you are considering enrolling in the upcoming school year, the doors will be open to visit our teachers and for children see and play in our classrooms.

Admission Requirements
●Toilet trained (Not required for Little Sprouts)
●Little Sprouts: 2 1/2 years old by September 1, 2010
●3 year old classes: 3 years old by September 1, 2010
●4 year old classes: 4 years old September 1, 2010

Admission Documentation (due no later than 8/24/10)
●Preschool Information Form-mailed and available online July 2010
●Physical form (Illinois DHS Certificate of Child Health)
●Copy of Birth Certificate

New!
How to Register:
February 8, 2010: Residents
February 11, 2010: Nonresidents
●$50 non-refundable registration fee holds a place in class
●Tuition payments are non-refundable, non-transferableand may not be pro-rated
●First tuition payment due July 1
●Subsequent payments are due on the 15th of each month beginning September 15
●Tuition is based on the total number of days dividedinto equal monthly installments.

Little Sprouts Preschool (formerly Blossoms & Buds)
for 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 year olds: (Max/Min 15/12) Little Sprouts preschool provides young children an opportunity to learn the routine of preschool, socialize and interact with peers, gain confidence and be ready for the Growing Tree Preschool curriculum next year.

3 Year Old Preschool:
(Max/Min 19/12) Fun and learning promote a positive adjustment to school, encourage social development, and provide an initial experience with our kindergarten readiness curriculum.

3 & 4 Year Old Preschool:
(Max/Min: 20/12) Children who may benefit from a mixed age group or 3 yr olds who may miss the age cut off as listed above will enjoy fun-filled days of social development and kindergarten readiness skills.

4 Year Old Preschool: (Max/Min: 20/12) Getting ready for kindergarten is a fun and busy time. Children are mastering their social and readiness skills as they progress through our curriculum.

New!
4 Year Old Extended Day Preschool: (Max/Min: 20/12)
Children who are ready for longer preschool day will bring their lunch and stay to eat and play.

4 & 5 Year Old Pre-Kindergarten: (Max/Min: 20/12)
Children who have had a previous preschool experience, or who demonstrate appropriate development, or may benefit from an extra year of preschool will prepare with expanded kindergarten-readiness components.

New!
4 Year Old Enrichment Options: (Max/Min: 20/12)
Enrichment options are for children who are enrolled in our preschool program only and can be added on to select classes. Expand learning and development by one or two days with cooking, art, science, math, language arts, physical fitness, music and movement, computers, embryology, mini field trips and more. Add one or both options to classes. Registration fee does not apply as theses are add-on classes.

See our Brochure for current Preschool Details and Tuition Information.

Find out more about our Payment and Refund Policies.

Growing Tree Preschool Parent Orientation
Tuesday, August 24, 2010 6:30 p.m.
Viking Park Dance Hall
A mandatory parent orientation meeting has been scheduled for all preschool parents to learn important information about the 2010-2011 school year. A packet of information and forms will be mailed during the summer. Forms can be returned at any time, but no later than August 24, 2010, for your child to begin preschool. In consideration of others, children may not attend the parent orientation meeting.

Meet the Teachers - parents and students
Hunt Club Community Center

Certificate of Health Exam

Dispense Medication Form

Allergy Form

EFT Authorization Form

Little Sprouts is a "stepping stone" designed to help children 2 1/2 -3 1/2 years old to adjust and prepare for enrollment in preschool. Our staff is trained to care gently for the needs of your little ones so they can move into our preschool setting with ease. Children will develop a positive attitude about being in a classroom and learn to socialize and interact with other classmates. Children will be involved in active and quiet play including crafts, games, stories and songs. This class emphasizes positive social skills such as sharing, taking turns, following directions and classroom routines. Pull-ups are permissable but staff does not change children during class time.

Children enrolling in the Fall 2010 program must be 2 1/2 years old by September 1, 2010.

2010/2011 Parent/Child Orientation
Children, parents and teachers have an opportunity to get to know one another at this important orientation. Children will have time to play and acclimate to the classroom while parents and teachers review the handbook and learn about the classroom routine.

Children in the All By Myself program will have fun while gaining the experience of being away from parents for a short time. Activities include socializing with other children through free play, games, stories, songs and crafts. This class offers an opportunity for a child to be more independent before attending preschool. All By Myself is also a great way for parents to adapt as well!