Early Childhood Programs

Program Description

This program is for children who turn 5 years old by December 1st.  It is designed for those children who do not meet the public school cut off for Kindergarten enrollment but still have birthdays in the fall. Since all of the children in the program are older four year olds or five year olds, we are able to specifically reach your child’s developmental needs.  This program will offer an academic focus in a play based environment.  The curriculum for the Pre-Kindergarten program was created by focusing on the philosophies of Piaget and Vygotsky and by communicating with District 181 kindergarten teachers.  We have also attended national seminars on prekindergarten and seminars at Erikson Institute of Chicago, a graduate school of child development and early childhood education.  We are focusing on a project based learning that concentrates on experimentation and views children as researchers.  Our goal is to meet children at their individual stages of development and challenge them to rise to the next level. 

We believe being ready for Kindergarten is being ready to be a life long learner.  “How young children feel is as important as how they think,” stated Jon Korfmacher, clinical child psychologist and associate professor at Erikson Institute in Chicago, IL.  Being ready for Kindergarten consists of developing both academic and social/emotional skills. 

Academic Skills

• Letter recognition
• Number recognition
• Self-help skills
• Being an emergent reader
• Fine/gross motor skills
• Basic color and shape recognition

Social / Emotional Skills

• Ignore distractions
• Get along with others
• Wait for a turn
• Manage time
• Be curious
• Cope with being wrong
• Following directions

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 student to teacher ratios that are recommended and/or mandated by these organizations.

The Pre-kindergarten classroom has one teacher for every 10 children. 

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 Pre-Kindergarten program is:

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:

The week before the program begins your family will have a scheduled time when they will be asked to come in and visit the program.  This is a time when you will be able to meet the other families who are enrolled on the same day as your child and when you will find out more about the program year.  During this tour we ask that you bring your child with you so that they will be able to meet their classmates. 

Information on the Teachers in the Program

• Sue Nunamaker – Ms. Nunamaker has been in the field of early childhood education since 1992.  She has a Bachelor’s Degree in ECE from Elmhurst College and is certified to teach Kindergarten – 3rd grade.  Sue was the only early childhood education major in 2004 that received the Thaskala Award from Elmhurst College.  “I look forward to challenging this very special age group.”

• Laura McBrien – Ms. McBrien has been in the field of early childhood education since 1999.  She has a degree from North Eastern Illinois University.  “I enjoy watching the smiles on the children’s faces as they gain a sense of accomplishment.”  

Lunch Bunch Option

The Union Church Early Childhood Program offers an extension to the preschool day.  This program is designed so that the Pre-Kindergarten students can come to school and eat a lunch provided by the ECP and our catering company.  Monday through Friday from 11-12:30 children will goto a separate classroom, before their preschool time has begun, where they will eat lunch and participate in free play.  This program gives your child the opportunity to interact with children who are enrolled in a Kindergarten classroom within District 181. 

The fee for this program is:
$100 for one day a month