At Centre Preschool, children thrive in an enriching environment designed to foster independence, curiosity, and self-confidence while supporting social and emotional development. Our curriculum features themed studies with focused learning objectives, balanced by time for exploration, imagination, and free play. Our dedicated teachers provide a variety of structured and unstructured activities in both small and large groups to engage each child’s unique learning style. Creativity and discovery are encouraged through dramatic play, science, math, literacy, music, and art. Children learn to share, collaborate, create, and explore alongside peers their age. Our secure preschool wing, located on the lower level of the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin, features five classrooms, an early childhood multi-use room, and a gated, private playground, ensuring a safe and nurturing space for young learners.

Click to register for Fall 2025

Preschool Explorers (Ages 2 – 2.5 yrs)

The class will be held in 12 week sessions rather than a full year program.  It will be semi-structured with crafts, story-time and free play. Focus will be on children gaining social skills, emotional growth, and self-help skills. Children must be 2 yrs. old by the first day of class. REGISTRATION FOR THIS PROGRAM BEGINS APRIL 1ST (FALL SESSION) AND NOVEMBER 1ST (WINTER/SPRING SESSION).

Min/Max: 8/12

Pre Wee Folks (Ages 2.5 – 3 yrs) September – May

This class is for young children who are ready to attend Preschool without a parent/caregiver, but misses the September 1^st birth date deadline. Social interaction, emotional growth, fine motor skill development and self-help skills are emphasized through play-based activities. Children must be working on toilet training (pull-ups are allowed), or a parent/caregiver must be available for bathroom assistance (within 15 minutes).

Min/Max: 10/16

Wee Folks (Ages 3 – 4 yrs) September – May

Children will gain social skills and learn colors, shape, number and letter recognition. They will develop and improve small & large motor skills. Students will build cognitive skills by learning through play with themed learning centers, circle time, literacy activities, and large motor skill activities.  Children must be age 3 by September 1^st and fully toilet trained.

*Wee Folks with Spanish Enrichment
In addition to the Wee Folks curriculum will be an introduction to the Spanish Language to native English and native Spanish students through the use of games, music and stories. It will build a foundation for Spanish vocabulary.

Min/Max: 10/18

Pre-Kindergarten (Ages 4 – 5 yrs) September – May

Kindergarten readiness skills will be the focus of the curriculum. Children will explore math concepts, beginning writing skills, number and letter recognition, and phonics.  The program will include weekly themed learning centers, arts & crafts, circle time, stories, singing, dramatic role playing and large/small motor activities. Students will also build independence and social skills. Children must be age 4 by September 1^st and fully toilet trained. 

*Pre-Kindergarten with Spanish Enrichment
In addition to the Pre-Kindergarten curriculum will be an introduction to the Spanish Language to native English and native Spanish students through the use of games, music and stories. It will build a foundation for Spanish vocabulary.

Min/Max: 10/20

Come Visit Us Today!

We would love to have you tour our preschool programs. Contact Kerry Reynolds at kerry.reynolds@elginil.gov, or 847-531-7010 to schedule your tour today!