Preschool Programs

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year begins on January 21 at 8:30 a.m. for current students and siblings and January 27 at 8:30 a.m. for new students.

Fun and formative learning through creation, exploration and play

Fox Valley Park District believes in helping children develop socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually through play- and nature-based learning. We offer engaging and inspiring classes, preschool labs, and outdoor experiences for an average of 10–20% less than the cost of a private school.

Many studies have emphasized the pivotal benefits of early education and childhood development available through preschool programs such as ours:

  • positive impact on brain structure and formation
  • instilling a lasting desire to learn
  • regular physical activity
  • a head start on healthy emotions and self-worth

  • early socialization and trust-building with children and adults
  • understanding structure and behavior management with fun
  • improved foundational math and reading skills

If you’d like to discuss our preschool programs, please contact Deedee Buscher, Preschool Supervisor at (630) 966-4546.

Curriculum and Standards

Fox Valley Park District’s preschool programs apply the integrated teaching of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). Through STEAM, children develop skills and procedures for inquiry, prediction, collaboration, communication, and creative and critical thinking.

Our curriculum further is aligned with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. We incorporate elements of the Growing Up WILD early education program as well to encourage children’s interest in and exploration of nature and wildlife. 

We also apply the principles and activities of Michael Heggerty’s Ed.D. Phonemic Awareness Curriculum to enhance language awareness through skills such as letter naming, rhyming, and adding and deleting phonemes (indivisible units of sound).

Creative Play Preschool

By implementing our STEAM curriculum, this play-based program helps ensure kindergarten readiness while also capitalizing on community-center resources such as a full-size gym, a playground, and outdoor fields. Indoor and outdoor time promotes expression, creative problem-solving, group work, and motor-skill development.

Creative Play Preschool is available at Eola Community Center, Prisco Community Center, and Vaughan Athletic Center.

Nature Play Preschool

Based on a kindergarten-readiness and STEAM curriculum, Nature Play Preschool at Blackberry Farm and Red Oak Nature Center focus on nature, the environment, recycling, and conservation. Daily outdoor time (weather permitting) is a core program feature.

Preschool Registration

Parent Information

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year begins on January 21 at 8:30 a.m. for current students and siblings and January 27 at 8:30 a.m. for new students.

Registration is now open for the 2024-2025 school year.

2024-2025 School Year Forms:
Registration Forms
EFT Payment Form

Registration can be completed online or at a Fox Valley Park District community center, Monday through Friday. Click to register online!

When registering, please bring:

  • The registration form and EFT form
  • Proof of residency (e.g. gas, phone, electric bill)
  • $100 registration fee (non-refundable)
Age Requirements
  • Children must be potty-trained for the 3s, 4s and Pre-Kindergarten programs. Pull-Ups or diapers are not allowed.
  • Program child-age requirements (no exceptions): 
  • 2-Year-Old: must be 30 months by Sept. 1
  • 3-Year-Old: must be 3 years by Sept. 1
  • 4-Year-Old and Pre-Kindergarten: must be 4 years by Sept. 1

2024-2025 Registration Dates

Registration is ongoing. Upon registering their child, parents will receive an email with specific start dates and class information no later than the following business day.

2024-2025 Special Event Family Nights

Preschool at the Fox Valley Park District isn’t just for children! We offer evening events that are open to the entire family. From Back to School Night at Blackberry Farm to Spring Fling at Eola Community Center, we provide fun and engaging activities that will help families bond and build our school community.

  • August 28: Back to School Night at Blackberry Farm
  • October 24: Trunk or Treat at Blackberry Farm
  • December 16: Jim Gill Winter Concert at Prisco Community Center
  • February 5: Literacy Night at Prisco Community Center
  • April 30: Spring Fling and Annual Preschool Art Fair at Eola Community Center

 

 

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