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WESTMINSTER PRESCHOOL
In 1956 First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn founded Westminster Preschool as a ministry outreach of the church and a service to the community. Our purpose is to provide a loving, caring, Christian environment that aids all children in their social, physical, emotional, and intellectual development. We encourage healthy self concepts and positive peer relationships through age-appropriate learning that involves a balance of “free-play” and interactive structured learning time. Our meaningful curriculum is responsive to individual needs and facilitates children's knowledge of the world around them, while building a strong foundation for reading and math skills.
Westminster welcomes children of every faith to our program. For information, call the preschool office at 630-469-2090 and speak with the Director.
Program Highlights
A variety of learning activities – art, crafts, stories, water play, puzzles, blocks, dramatic play, science, music, movement, and cooking. A well-equipped and maintained playground includes climbing apparatus, slide, sandbox and scooter/tricycle run. Close proximity to downtown Glen Ellyn allows for field trips to various locations within the community. Westminster Preschool is licensed by the State of Illinois. (DCFS) Teachers are accredited and participate in yearly continuing education.
Licensing
Westminster Preschool is licensed by the State of Illinois, Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). To become licensed the program must meet a variety of criteria related to providing activities appropriate for preschool children, as well as have a well qualified and trained staff. The preschool is in compliance with health and safety standards established by DCFS and the Board of Health. The program is relicensed every three years.
Admission Procedures
- Children must be age 3 by September 1st of the school year to be enrolled in the 2-day program.
- Children must be age 4 by September 1st of the school year to be enrolled in the 3-day program.
- Children in the 4 day program are usually age 5 or reaching age 5 early in the academic year for eligibility in this program, teacher recommendation is also considered.
ALL CHILDREN MUST BE COMPLETELY TOILET TRAINED
The Daily Program
Each day children participate in:
- “Free-play” time where children choose their activity. Dramatic play, puzzles, blocks, painting, games or manipulatives.
- Outdoor play on approved equipment, or sandbox area, and tricycles
- A daily group time involving story, music or movement
- Clean-up and snack
Academic Calendar
Classes begin following home visits in September and end before Memorial day each year. We follow the academic calendar of Glen Ellyn School District #41 for most holidays and school closings.
Mornings: 9:15-11:30 a.m.
Afternoons: 12:45-3:00 p.m.
"On My Own" Program Monday & Wednesday (9:30-11:15 a.m.)
2-day program: Tuesday & Thursday
3-day program: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
4-day program: Monday through Thursday (afternoon session only)
2007-2008 Calendar
Thursday August 23 –Staff In-service Day – speakers, lunch, staff planning
Thursday August 30 – Staff In-service A.M.
Sat. August 25 – Back To School Worship Service – 5:00 p.m. Sanctuary
Aug. 29-Sept 7 – Home Visits as scheduled
Mon. September 3 – Labor Day Holiday
Monday Sept. 10- Classroom Visits/Student Parent Open House (3 & 4 day)
Tues. Sept. 11 – Classroom Visits/Student Parent Open House (2 day)
Wed. & Thur. Sept. 12 & 13 – Parent Orientation – Gathering Area
Mon. Sept. 17 – “On My Own” classroom visits – 2 year old room
Wed. Sept. 19 – “On My Own” class begins
Monday Oct. 8 – NO SCHOOL Columbus Day Holiday
Monday October 15 – Open House/Drop in Night – classrooms 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Tues. October 16 – Open House/Drop in Night – classrooms 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Tue. Oct. 30 – Halloween Parades – daytime, outside weather permitting/gym
Wed. Oct. 31 – Halloween Parades – daytime, outside weather permitting/gym
Sat. Nov. 3 – DuPage AEYC conference – A.M. only
Mon. & Tue. Nov. 19 & 20 – Thanksgiving Services – daytime/Sanctuary
Wed. Nov. 21-Friday Nov. 23 – NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Holiday
Tue. December 18 – Christmas Sings – Sanctuary/Gathering Area - daytime
Wed. December 19 – Christmas Sings – Sanctuary/Gathering Area – daytime
Dec. 24- Jan. 4 – NO SCHOOL - Christmas Break
Mon. & Tue. Jan. 7 & 8 – Classes Resume
January – dates pending Parent Speakers – evening – In-service opportunity
Monday Jan. 21 – NO SCHOOL – Martin Luther King Holiday
Th. January 30 – NO SCHOOL – Parent Teacher Conferences
Fri. Feb. 1 – NO SCHOOL – Parent Teacher Conferences
Monday Feb. 4 – Class & Individual Pictures - Parlor
Tuesday Feb. 5 – Class & Individual Pictures – Parlor
Wed. Feb. 6– Class & Individual Pictures – Parlor
Wed. & Th. Feb. 13 & 14 – Valentine’s – daytime/classrooms
Mon. Feb. 18 – NO SCHOOL – President’s Day Holiday
Tue. Feb. 19 – Dad/Child Night - classrooms/gym/Music Rm. (2 day)
Mon. Feb. 25 – Dad/Child Night – classrooms/gym/music room (3 & 4 day)
Thur. & Fri. March 20 & 21 – NO SCHOOL Easter Holiday
March 31 – April 4 – NO SCHOOL – Spring Break
Wed./Th/Fri. May 7, 8, 9 – Mother’s Day Tea – last ½ hr of school
Tuesday May 13 – Arboretum Field Trip (4 day – tentative)
Thursday May 15 – Cosley Zoo Field Trip (2 day – tentative)
Friday May 16 – Willowbrook Field Trip (3 day – tentative)
Tues. May 20 – Ice Cream Social – classrooms/courtyard – evening
Thurs. May 22– Commencement – Parlor/classroom – afternoon (4 day)
Friday May 23 – Commencement – Chapel/classrooms – daytime (3 day)
Tue or Wed. May 27 & 28 – Staff Only – clean-up day.
*Night Event
Fees:
An annual non-refundable application fee of $60 is due upon enrollment. ($50 for First Presbyterian Church members)
Tuition is due monthly between the 1st and 15th. September through May. (Exception: September tuition is due in August.) Tuition may be paid in full at the beginning of the school year. Returned checks (NSF) will be subject to a $20 service charge.
“On My Own” Program (M/W) $85/monthTwo Day Program: (Tu & Th) $105/monthThree Day Program (M/W/F) $150/monthFour Day Program (Mon-Th.) $200/monthScholarships are available on a confidential basis. Contact the director for information.
Registration
Registration for the school year is open to church members and returning families in January. Open registration begins in February and is done by lottery. Contact the Preschool office for a registration packet. Participants will be notified in writing of their placement.
A visit to the preschool is suggested before enrolling your child. Visitors are welcome at any time, although special holiday times are discouraged. A phone call prior to the visit will confirm any chages in schedule.
Class assignments are made in summer with requests being accepted, final class assignments are determined by the director or staff. September tuition is due in August and is required to confirm your child in the program.
