Our preschool philosophy is child centered with emphasis upon the balanced development of each child. We believe in letting the child be a child. We believe that play is the child's developmental medium and that through exposure to creative play situations, we can provide challenging learning experiences that will help the child to develop spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. To play is to orient oneself to test, to discover. Play instills social values such as learning to share and to cooperate. Play leads children to self discover basic truths and concepts. Play enhances the thinking process which enables children to problem solve more effectively.
Our Children do not experience the tedium and frustration of typical readiness programs. We encourage the children to discover the joy and fulfillment that comes through the creative process. Less emphasis is placed upon the finished product.
Our program recognizes that each child is a unique individual with special talents, thoughts, feelings and interests. We encourage each child to be himself/herself. We strive to develop one of the most important ingredients in the learning process, the child's positive self-image. We encourage a strong home-school partnership to help us realize this goal.
The goal of our preschool program is to provide a facility, which insures the basic health, safety, and well being of all the children. We want every child to find an enjoyable and pleasant home away from home while participating in a developmentally appropriate curriculum within a Christian environment. Our program is designed to integrate the spiritual, academic, social, emotional, and motor development of every child. At the end of the child's preschool experience each child should.
have an awareness of being a child of God
have developed a sense of self worth
have developed basic social interactive skills
have an increased sense of independence
have developed a sense of respect toward adults
have enjoyed participating / sharing in group experiences
have developed a sense of respect for others' rights.
have accepted responsibility for their own behavior
have developed a curiosity for and a love of learning
Preschool is open to all children between the ages of 3 & 5, regardless of race, color, religion or creed. It is understood that all children must be toilet trained to be accepted into the program.
Age requirements follow the State of Illinois entrance age requirements. Children must be 3 or 4 years old before September 1st.
Class placement will be determined by the principal of St. James School and the head teacher based upon the child's chronological age, maturation level, recommendation from any previous teacher, and parental preference. The needs of the child will be of primary importance in every decision made.
Children with special needs will be accepted into the preschool program upon medical recommendation only if we can provide the necessary services. In such cases, in addition to the completion of the basic required forms, parents or the legal guardian will be required to provide medical documentation of any special conditions, including a description of any special care requirements.
Tuesday & Thursday 8:30a.m. thru 11:00a.m.
Children who are 3 years of age by September 1st
Children who will turn 4 after February 1st
Children who will be 4 before February 1st with two years of preschool remaining may be considered dependent on enrollment.
Class placement will be finalized and parents notified first week of August.
Class will not exceed 15 students.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:30a.m. thru 11:00a.m. and 12:30p.m. through 3:00p.m.
Depending on enrollment we will offer one of the following classes
Children who are 4 years of age by September 1st
or
A class consisting of children who are eligible for kindergarten next year.
Class placement will be finalized and parents notified first week of August
Teacher / Pupil ratio 1:10
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 12:30p.m. thru 3:00p.m.
Monday thru Friday 12:30p.m. thru 3:00p.m.
Children who are 4 years old by Sept. 1st will be eligible to attend kindergarten next year.
Teacher / Pupil ratio 1:10
Class size not to exceed 18 students. Full time teacher aide.
Our class placement is based upon enrollment as of August 1st. The teachers reserve the right to schedule children into sessions based upon age and the number of children registered for a group. You will be notified during the first week of August as to the placement of your child.
Shall have a college degree in education with Early Childhood courses or experience and letters of recommendation which indicate the skill and competence necessary to contribute to each child’s physical, intellectual, spiritual, personal, emotional, and social development. Performance shall indicate:
emotional maturity when working with children
willingness to cooperate with the school's aims
respect for children and parents
flexibility, cooperation, and patience
appropriate physical and mental health
competent oral and written communication skills
strong organization/planing skills
Teacher Aide:
Shall have a minimum of a high school diploma. Some college credits from an accredited college or university, or experience in a nursery or day care center is highly desirable. The aide will work under direct supervision of the teacher.
The teachers and aids are highly qualified and do provide an outstanding early childhood experience for our children.
All children must be registered by a parent or legal guardian prior to being admitted to our program.
Pre-registration for children currently enrolled in the program is during catholic Schools week in January. Applications for new students can be picked up at the main office at St. James School at any time. In the event maximum class size is reached, first preference will be given to parishioner families and those with children already in attendance at St. James School.
To Be Completed Or Presented At Time Of Registration
Application Form
Tuition Contract
Registration Fee; $25.00 per child , non-refundable. Reserves child a place in the program. Applicable to the first tuition payment
To Be Completed Or Presented At The Time Of Enrollment (August fees day)
Birth Certificate
Baptismal record (if applicable)
Current Immunization Record
Family Profile Form
Emergency Information
Supply Fee ($35.00 non refundable)
Archdiocesan Fee ($13.50)
Cultural Art Fee ($10.00)
Beverage Fee ( to be determined) paid in 2 installments, the first at registration & the second in January. Parents may choose to order milk for snack time.
The tuition schedule is reviewed annually by the School board to determine any changes in the tuition rate for the coming school year based upon escalating costs and program needs. This is necessary because the preschool program must be self supporting and not dependent upon subsidy from the parish. The preschool budget is incorporated into the regular school budget. A tuition schedule may be obtained from the school office. Families with more than one child in the preschool program will be granted a 15% discount from the total tuition.
Payment Stipulations
The first tuition payment is due on August 25, including fees. The second payment is due the first school day of October and the on the first school day of each succeeding month. Final payment is due the first week of May. Checks and money orders are to be made payable to: St James School.
Monthly tuition has been divided into 9 equal amounts. The tuition does not change for long or short months. December is considered a full month with full tuition due, as is the month during which spring vacation occurs. The monthly tuition does not change for school holidays, teacher in-service days or vacation periods.
Tuition will not be refunded for personal vacations or extended illnesses.
A minimum of 2 weeks notice, in writing, is required when a child is to be withdrawn from the preschool program.
Children will be released only to their parent or legal guardian or to a representative designated by the parent or guardian in writing.
Signed consent forms will be required from the parent or guardian for the following:
field trips or walking trips or any excursion off the school premises.
daily release of the child to a designated person
use of facility transportation, where applicable
health care and treatment, including emergency first aid
use of photographs of children for publicity purposes, if applicable
Children should not be sent to school if they have a fever, diarrhea, nausea, chills, vomiting, severe cough, sore throat, swollen glands, ringworm or other symptoms of contagious illness. Children will be screened daily for these symptoms. If symptoms appear to be present, the parents will be called and asked to pick up the child.
A child should not be sent to preschool if he or she must be kept indoors during the playground period. There will be no adult to stay indoors while the class is on the playground.
A child who becomes ill during the class period will be removed from class. The parent will be contacted and asked to pick up the child immediately.
Children sent home with a rash, eye discharge, skin manifestations, etc. must have a physician's statement before returning to school. A child should be free of fever for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to the classroom.
In the event a child has a contagious disease, all of the parents of children in the program will be notified so that they will be alert to the potential symptoms and will be able to consult their pediatrician.
Medication will not be given by the preschool faculty or staff under any circumstances except for life threatening situations such as bee stings or asthma.
In the event of an injury or accident to a child every effort will be made to contact one of the parents or the legal guardian. If neither parent or legal guardian can be contacted the person indicated on the emergency card as the authorized person will be contacted. It is important that the information on the emergency card be current and accurate. If there is any change in address, telephone numbers, names, etc. be sure to notify the office.
Immaculate Conception Classroom (847) 433 - 9950
Children should be dressed appropriately for all weather conditions. All classes play outdoors daily except on extremely cold or rainy days. Each child's coat, mittens, hat, etc. should be labeled. Send an old shirt or apron to be worn while painting. An extra set of medium weight clothing should be provided, to be kept in school in case of accidents or emergencies. Your child should wear comfortable shoes, no sandals.
Calendars: In September a St. James school calendar is sent home which provides an overview of the year's activities, including preschool activities. This helps parents who have other children in St. James School to plan ahead and know when St. James School is closed, but the preschool is open. Every month a school monthly calendar is sent home which focuses on the month's activities school-wide. Every month a preschool calendar accompanies the school calendar. The activity calendar is specific to the preschool and parents are expected to share each day's activities with the child before he or she leaves home each day.
Rap Sessions: Throughout the year, parent s will be invited to attend rap sessions. At these times, parents and teachers sit together to discuss the program, activities, general progress of the children, fears, and interests. Any topic of concern to the parents or teachers should be addressed at this time in an informal setting. Parental input and involvement is an important dimension of our program.
Conferences: A scheduled conference will be held twice a year in November and March. Parents will be notified in writing of the date and time. Children should not be brought to this conference. At this time, the teacher will share detailed assessment in every area of child development with the parent. Progress and concerns are reviewed and recommendations are made at this time.
If for any reason a parent or guardian wishes to confer with the teacher during the year, this is encouraged. Please contact your child's teacher to arrange an appointment ahead of time.
Who is the most significant teacher in a young child's life? The parent, of course. Parents are the potters at the potter's wheel. Parents have the ultimate responsibility to guide, to nurture, and to love a child from birth. One day a parent will awaken to the wonder of a caring, responsible, intelligent adult standing before their eyes. We need parental support in our classroom to form a strong bonding between parent, child and school. We encourage our parent s to come to play and to learn with us at any time throughout the year. If a parent has a special talent or hobby he or she would like to share, we encourage you to do so.
Our curriculum is based upon our philosophy that children learn best through sensory experiences of touching, tasting, listening, smelling, and viewing. The activities in our program are designed to give each child plenty of opportunities to manipulate, experiment, create and explore. Daily activities are provided to promote self-esteem, to develop social skills, to develop language expression, to encourage thinking, to develop problem-solving skills and to improve small and large motor coordination.
Since our preschools are part of the Catholic school system, religion is an important part of the curriculum. Christian values are integrated into all learning experiences and all social interactions. This is done with sensitivity to other faith traditions. Children learn about God's creations and how we respect each other and all of life.
The 4-year-olds in our program use a religion activity book that focuses on belonging to God's family. Parents are welcome to review this material. Children do seasonal activities, and they also learn about talking to God.
Summary: The children are provided with a rich variety of learning activities in an effort to heighten their curiosity for learning and to prepare them, eventually, for kindergarten.
This listing is not complete, however it provides some idea of the scope of the program. We take advantage of current events and reserve the right to honor a local person, or parent, who is special to the children in a given year.
Through these units children improve their language ability and enrich their vocabulary. They are also given daily opportunities to develop their fine and gross motor skills. Sensory experiences enhance the child’s perceptions, creativity and growing sense of independence and accomplishment. Quantitative or math experiences are interwoven wherever appropriate.
Body Parts |
Self Esteem |
Self Discovery |
Self / Peers / Adults |
Sharing |
Manners |
Parents |
Relatives |
Love of God / Family |
Health / Safety Practices |
School Family |
Martin Luther King Day |
Thanksgiving |
Valentine’s Day |
Native Americans / Pilgrims |
St. Patrick’s Day |
Baby Jesus’ Birthday |
St. Joseph’s Day |
Christmas |
Easter |
Patriotic Activities |
Mother’s Day |
Law Day |
Father’s Day |
Disney Character’s Day |
Columbus Day |
Fire Safety Week |
Pets |
Fall Projects: Leaves-Apples-Pumpkins |
Five Senses |
Birds, Migration |
Hibernation |
Transportation Means |
Nutrition |
Earth-Sky-Water-Mr. Wind |
Insects |
National Dental Week |
Farm Animals |
Telephone Unit |
Zoo Animals |
Snow Projects |
Dinosaurs |
Ground Hog Day |
Spring Plantings Flowers-Trees |
Birthdays may be celebrated in the classroom. Parents are welcome at snack time to celebrate a child’s birthday with us. The parents may bring a birthday cake, however hats, favors or other party items are not permitted.
On your child’s birthday he or she may bring a wrapped book to give as a birthday present to the class. We encourage children to select one of their favorite used books from home or a new book to present as a special gift to the class. Please print your child’s name and the donation date inside the book. If your child’s birthday is during the summer vacation, you may wish to arrange to have a special celebration on another day during the school year.
If you are planning a class birthday party, inform the teacher in advance. Birthday invitations to parties celebrated at other locations may not be passed out at school unless all the children in the class are invited.
We view field trips as enriching experiences. They are extensions of the classroom curriculum. Field trips provide an excellent opportunity for the child to learn first hand and to experience what has been talked about in school. Parent volunteers are important to this experience, not only for their involvement, but also as chaperones. Each child is required to bring a signed permission slip. A telephone message of approval is not sufficient permission for a field trip.
Children are introduced to the Spanish language through songs, words, phrases, and picture books.
The 2-Day Class has Show & Tell every Thursday morning. The 3 and 5 day Classes are assigned special days for Show & Tell. A Show & Tell roster is sent home at the beginning of each month. Children should be allowed to bring their favorite toys, books, collection items, etc. to school.
Snack time is a special moment of sharing in the day. The children join together using their best table manners, "break the bread" and engage in conversation. Parents are to provide a nutritious snack.
Every month a snack roster will be sent home stating the day your child will be the host or hostess for the day. As a reminder, a snack bag will be sent home with the child on his or her assigned day. If your child is sick on the day he or she is assigned to bring the snack, please notify the school office by 9:00a.m.
Please keep nutrition in mind. Cut fruit, vegetables, peanut butter, crackers, cheese, oatmeal and raisin cookies, popcorn, non-sugary cereals are all good choices.
Our responsibility begins when the parent places the child in the care of one of our staff members. Under no circumstance should any child be allowed to find his or her way into the school building. A parent should accompany the child into the classroom. Children should not be delivered to the classroom prior to 8:25a.m. or 12:25p.m..
At departure time, 11:00a.m. or 3:00p.m. parents should wait in the hall next to the preschool room. The aide will bring the child to his or her parent. Younger siblings are discouraged from entering into the classroom on their own at these busy departure times. Common sense dictates that children should not be left unattended in automobiles. St. James School accepts no responsibility for any accidents, which may occur if parents choose to do so.
Children will be released only to a parent or guardian or a designated adult whose name appears on the Emergency Notification Form on file in the office. If you are going to be late picking up your child, please call the office. A late pick-up fee will be assessed to any parent failing to pick up a child by 11:15a.m. or 3:15p.m. The fine is $1.00 for every 15 minutes late. Please be prompt, teachers need to prepare for the following class.
Evidence or suspicion of child abuse will be reported immediately to proper authorities in accordance with the Office of Catholic Education guidelines.
We believe children need and expect consistent guidelines in order to feel secure and safe. We also believe in reinforcing positive behavior. "Catching" the child doing something good is our standard practice. We praise children for good behavior. It may take a few weeks to implement this method but with patience it is always successful.
We realize that adjustment to the routines of the classroom takes time. We have a "talking chair" and a "listening chair". If 2 children are having difficulty sharing and communicating, they are asked to sit in one of these two chairs where they can learn to solve their problems through talking and listening. We treat each child with respect.
In the event that an emergency occurs necessitating the closure of a site, parents will be contacted to pick up their child. If parents cannot be reached, the authorized person on the Emergency Notification Card will be contacted.
When the facilities are closed because of severe weather, a room mother will contact you. We also suggest listening to the local radio stations for school closing information. All parents will have been provided with the radio stations, which carry the closing information. Do not call either facility for confirmation. If you hear that District 112 schools are closed, you will know that both St. James and Immaculate Conception will be closed also.
The preschool is located in the Immaculate Conception Parish Center; 770 W. Deerfield Rd. Cars should enter the lot through the driveway between the church and parish center. The entrance door is on the south side of the building. To exit use the driveway west of the building.
Preschool is, for some children, the initial entry to the school experience. Therefore, the need to be punctual cannot be overemphasized. This also keeps class disruption to a minimum.
Transportation is the responsibility of each parent. Car pools may be considered.