Our children learn and make sense of the world around them through their active involvement in a rich classroom environment that encourages children to observe, make choices and experiment.
The Preschool Program is designed to prepare young children to become independent, confident and curious learners. Our curriculum provides a variety of learning experiences that help children grow socially, physically and cognitively. Some of the highlights of our curriculum include:
Early literacy support through the learning of vocabulary, letters and sounds;
Introduction to early mathematics, including numbers, operations, geometry, measurement, time and patterns; and
Technology and computer access in each classroom that extends learning and enriches the curriculum.
The Institute offers a full day kindergarten program that features a Beginning Reading Program, Advanced Mathematics Program and a special ceremony to commemorate graduation from the kindergarten class. Our Kindergarten curriculum builds on the foundational concepts acquired in the Preschool Program, including:
Reading readiness and phonological awareness skills developed through the exploration of classic literature, poetry and language intensive experiences;
Creative writing skills enhanced by journaling, illustrating, story telling and teacher guided reading and writing exercises; and
Mathematic operation skills which are further strengthened by classroom exercises that require students to organize information, as well as understand quantity, addition and subtraction, money value and time.
The before and after school program provides for the maximum safety and interest of each child. Tutoring and homework assistance, literacy reinforcement, supervised internet access, recreational games, as well as arts and crafts are provided. Each student will also receive a mid-afternoon snack.
A variety of field excursions are planned throughout the year to expand the children’s knowledge of their world, foster their appreciation of nature and enhance the concepts taught in the classroom setting.
All the meals provided by the Institute are reviewed by a licensed nutritionist and approved by the State of Illinois Child and Adult Care Food Program (C.A.C.F.P.). Meal service includes a light breakfast, lunch, and a mid-afternoon snack. Following is a sample of typical lunches served:
Three Sample Lunches
Spaghetti/Meat Sauce
Buttered Green Beans
Steamed Carrots
Bread/Butter
Applesauce
Milk
