At the Centre Preschool, children learn in a rich environment designed to foster your child’s independence, curiosity, growth in self-confidence and provide for social and emotional growth. Each week our curriculum involves themed studies with focused learning objectives, along with time to explore, imagine and free-play. Our teachers offer a variety of structured and unstructured activities in both small and large groups to engage each child’s individual learning style. In addition, our program encourages creativity and exploration in the areas of dramatic play, science, math, literacy, music and art. Your child will learn to share, create, explore and interact with children of similar ages. Our secure, preschool wing is located on the lower level of the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin. The preschool wing includes 5 classrooms, an early childhood multi-use room and a gated, private playground.
Registration is ongoing until classes fill. View our current class schedule here!
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.
Pre Wee Folks (Ages 2.5-3 yrs)
This class is for young children who are ready to attend Preschool without a parent/caregiver, but misses the September 1st 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).
Wee Folks (Ages 3-4 yrs)
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 1st and fully toilet trained.
*Spanish enrichment for Wee Folks is also available. In addition to our curriculum, we will introduce basic Spanish vocabulary within our lessons through stories, activities and games.
Adventurers Multi-age Preschool (Ages 3.5-5 yrs)
This multi-age program allows children the opportunity to be grouped according to different age ranges. We will incorporate the foundations of our traditional Wee Folks and Pre K programs to encourage confidence, enhance language, build on social skills and develop cognitive skills. Children will have more opportunity for individual and small group instruction. Younger children will be prepared for full year of Pre Kindergarten and older children will be ready to head off to Kindergarten. The class will include themed learning centers, circle time, literacy activities, and large motor skill activities. Children must be age 3.5 by September 1st and fully toilet trained.
Pre-Kindergarten (Ages 4-5 yrs)
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 1st and fully toilet trained.
*Spanish enrichment for Pre K is also available. In addition to our curriculum, we will introduce basic Spanish vocabulary within our lessons through stories, activities and games.
Spanish Enrichment Information
Come Visit Us!
We would love to have you tour our preschool programs. Contact Kerry Reynolds at reynolds_k@cityofelgin.org, or 847-531-7010 to schedule your tour today!