Nearly Threes Class: Child must turn three years old between September 1 and January 15
Threes Class: Child must be three years old by September 1
Nearly Fours Class: Child must turn four between September 1 and January 15
Fours Class: Child must be four years old by September 1
Pre K Class: Child must turn five years old between September 1 and December 31
The Ark begins classes in mid-September and ends the third week in May.
Nearly Threes class meets 2 hours per day, 2 days per week
Threes classes meet 2 hours and 25 minutes per day, 2 days per week
Nearly Fours class meet 2.5 hours per day, 3 days a week
Fours morning classes meet 2.5 hours per day, 3 days per week
Fours afternoon class meets 2.5 hours per day, 4 days per week
Pre K class meets 2.5 hours per day, 4 days per week
Yes, if there is room in a class that matches your child’s age level, we would welcome you to register mid-year. This is often a good way for families new to the community to get to know other preschool parents and children in the area. Our teachers are ready to welcome your child with open arms and it has been our experience that children tend to adapt quite well to the new classroom setting.
Records for each child are kept with clear instructions from the parents as to any food allergies or special dietary concerns. Teachers are trained to attend to each child’s needs and they will work with you to make necessary food substitutions.
In the beginning of the school year, we ask that each parent/caretaker accompany their child into the building to his/her classroom. This serves multiple purposes; children learn to let go and join their classmates, parents make regular contact with the teachers thus allowing teachers to get to know them better, plus parents/caretakers have more opportunities to interact and form friendships with one another. In January, we begin our optional drop off procedure where you can pull right up to our entrance door and we will escort your child to class.
Yes. Your child’s safety is of utmost importance to us. As a licensed preschool we take strive to meet all the safety standards and rules set by the IL DCFS, including door-locking procedures, security cameras at the entry doors, and tornado/fire drill procedures. Our facilities are inspected every year and pass the various state specifications. The Director and teachers keep current in the area of CPR and First Aid training, as required by the IL DCFS.
Yes. Kindergarten Enrichment is held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons from 12:45-3:00 p.m. October through April. This program is designed to complement District 41 and 200’s half day Kindergarten program. It will provide an afternoon of engaging Kindergarten learning experiences, maintaining a good balance between teacher–directed and free–choice activities. Children must be in Kindergarten to be eligible for this program.
Parent seminars and family events are scheduled periodically which include fundraiser events, Fall Open House, and parent presentations. These will be announced to all registered Ark parents at the Parent Orientation Meeting (the first week of school).
