Early Childhood Programs

Program Description

This program is designed to prepare your child for kindergarten through cooperative and imaginative play and enhances their awareness of the outside world.  Children prepare to tackle new challenges, through problem solving, listening and accepting responsibility.  Opportunities are provided to increase verbal and comparative skills, enhance socialization, develop motor skills and build self-esteem.

Group Size and Teacher to Child Ratio

The Union Church Early Childhood Programs are licensed by the State of Illinois and we are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  This means that we follow the group size and teacher to adult ratios that are recommended/mandated by these organizations.

Registration and Tuition

Registration is $85 for the first child and $55 for the second child that you are enrolling.  This registration fee covers all processing expenses including postage.  This fee also includes a supply charge for consumable items that are used within the classrooms.  This registration fee is non-refundable and due at the time you register your child in the program. 

Tuition for the 4/5-Year-Old Preschool is:

• $295 a month for a four day program.
• Tuition is collected a month in advance.
• Members of the Union Church of Hinsdale receive a 10% discount off of tuition.

Calendar for the Beginning of the Year

After you register your child in the program you will receive information in the mail from the Union Church ECP.  This information will keep you updated on the beginning of the school year and any other information you may need.  This information will start coming to your home some time in July. 

Tours for Parents and Children:

Information on the Teachers in the Program

• Cindy Johnston – Ms. Johnston has been in the field of early childhood education since 1995.  She has a Bachelors Degree from Michigan State University.  “I enjoy helping children master tasks that they find challenging.”

• Mary Beth Wegner – Ms. Wegner has been with the ECP for a year.  She brings a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood from Illinois State University.  “I enjoy working on free art type projects with children.  Offering them a variety of materials that they may or may not have used allows them to be creative.”

• Paula LaPointe – Ms. La Pointe has been in the field of early childhood education since 1994.  She has a degree from the College of DuPage.  “My favorite aspect of teaching is seeing children grow and develop through hands-on learning.”

• Nancy Parenti – Ms. Parenti has been with the ECP for a year.  She brings with her years of experience and an education from the College of Dupage. “I feel like each day is a rewarding adventure with preschool children.” 

Lunch Bunch Option

The Union Church Early Childhood Program offers an extension to the preschool day.  This program is designed so that parents can pick up other children or attend other programs within the ECP.  On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays from 11-2 children will go to a separate classroom, after their preschool time has ended, where they will eat lunch and participate in free play.  This program also gives your child the opportunity to meet children who are enrolled in the other preschool classrooms.

The fee for this program is $95 a month for each day that you use.