• Established in 1972 at Community Presbyterian Church in Lombard, Illinois
• Licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
• Follows all standards and developmental programs as set by the state
• Based in Christian values, providing loving and well-equipped setting
   where your children are free, safe to play and learn

To offer a loving, competent preschool care and guidance to children in the community.
To introduce your child to school life and make this adjustment a happy one.
To expand each child's concepts and ideas about the community, the world, and nature through music, art, dramatic play, literature and games.
To increase your child's period of concentration and skill in following directions.
To encourage the growth of the preschool child; physically, mentally, morally and socially.
To help each child learn to deal with his emotions and channel them in ways that are acceptable.
To provide experiences to help each child to develop:
a) Visual and auditory perception
b) Large muscles and large muscle coordination
c) Fine muscles and fine muscle coordination
d) Sense of rhythm
e) Hand-eye coordination
f) Creativity in movement
g) Awareness of the five senses

The Growing Place is open 5 days per week. Morning classes are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Afternoon classes are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM.

Morning Classes
Arrival time is 9:00 AM. A daily sign-in sheet must be filled out by a parent or responsible person which includes the child’s name, age and a contact phone number. Parents must complete a release form if someone other than the parent is to pick up the child.

Afternoon Classes
Arrival time is 12:30 PM. A daily sign-in sheet must be filled out by a parent or responsible person which includes the child’s name, age and a contact phone number. Parents must complete a release form if someone other than the parent is to pick up the child.

The Growing Place is licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and follows all standards and developmental programs as set by the state.

The Two Year Old Classroom - Exposure to a group play in a friendly, cheerful environment which encourages respect for others, sharing and creative play. Our classroom is busy with children playing, talking, singing, moving, and most of all exploring new horizons. Our focus is to provide all children with opportunities to reach their potential and to learn through play, both parallel and interactive. Some examples of our curriculum for the two year old class are basic counting, shapes, and colors. The children are exposed to stories, singing and dancing, crafts and quiet time daily. Children in diapers are welcome in our two year old program.

The Three Year Old Classroom - A total growth development unit program which provides a wide range of mental and physical emotional challenges which will help your child discover his/her own identity in this world, and prepares him/her for future school experience.

Milestones that are focused on in the 3 year old
classroom are learning patterns, ability to sort by shape, size and color, understanding of cause and effect and begin problem solve, basic counting, recognize own name, learning to cut with scissors, show a genuine interest in reading books with adults, speak in front of small groups with show and tell, flannel board stories, and recall events from an activity.

The Four Year Old Classroom (Pre-Kdg) – We strive to help each child reach their potential in all areas of development such as social-emotional, physical, and cognitive. We prepare children for Kindergarten by exposing them to academics according to the Illinois State guidelines while continuing to focus on self – esteem and independence skills through our enrichment activities. In addition to schedules and routines our learning promotes growth in a variety of ways such as, patterns and sequencing, simple math, opposites, counting, printing and recognizing numerals, verbally spell and print names, printing and recognizing alphabet, words recognitions with letters, learning address, phone numbers, and birthdays. We have calendar time and pledge of allegiance daily, learn to speak in front of a group of peers (show and tell), attempts to spell and read simple words, using problem solving skills in a group, large and small motor skills, independent problem solving, building of confidence and reinforcing self help skills in a school environment.

Any child age 2 years to 5 years old may enroll at the Growing Place Preschool. All are welcome regardless of race, ethnicity or religious background.
An application, a current physical examination and TB test are required for all students. The medical must be within 3 months prior to a child's
admittance. After 2 years, a new medical form is required.

An ill child should be kept home for his own safety and especially for the protection of his classmates if he has any of the following symptoms: common cold, fever, running nose, coughing or sneezing, rash or sores on the skin. We require that all communicable diseases, such as measles, chicken pox, etc., be reported to the Director at once.

The completed application must list names, addresses, phone number of two family friends or relatives, the family doctor and hospital. Business phone numbers for mother and father should also be listed.

9:00 - 9:45 Get Acquainted - Free Play
9:45 - 10:00 Clean up
10:00 - 10:15 Washroom
10:15 - 10:30 Refreshments
10:30 - 10:45 Story time/Theme for the Day
10:45 - 11:00 Music and Exercises
11:00 - 11:30 Outside Play/
Puppet and Finger Plays
11:30 - 11:45 Arts and Crafts Project
11:45 - 12:00 Puzzle and Games Time

Parents are asked to sign up to bring daily snacks. A sign-up sheet is listed outside the classroom doors in the hall. Birthday treats/parties are welcome. Nutritional items are encouraged. Nutritional ideas include: cheese, crackers, nuts, raisins, celery, carrots, dip, apples, oranges, muffins, cookies, popcorn, milk, apple juice, etc.

Hearing and vision tests will be held during the school year for all children ages 3, 4 and 5.

School Photographer will be here in November for class and individual pictures. Delivery will be before Christmas.

Seasonal parties will be held on announced dates. An Open House will be scheduled during the second semester for the children ages 2, 3, 4,
and 5. All students ages 2 to 5 are invited. Parents will be notified in advance.

You can do a great deal to help your child have a happy experience at Preschool.
Treat Preschool as an interesting experience for your child. Prepare the way by suggesting some of the new experiences there.
Never threaten your child with what the teacher might do to him/her. Rather prepare your child to meet friendly teachers.
Do not linger with many fond farewells on the first day.
Show a sincere interest in the things the child brings home from Preschool or tells you about Preschool.
Each experience is important to your child and should have your interest.
Give your child time to grow. Over anxiety when your child progresses slowly only makes additional problems for them.

Parents are urged to talk to their child's teacher or the Director regarding any questions you have relating to your child. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Do not wait for our Open House. We are always happy to make a special appointment with you if you have any concerns Please talk to the Director.

Parent’s Skills
Parents are always welcome at the Growing Place. If you have a special talent or interest to share, please contact the Director.

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with fear, he learns to be apprehensive.
If a child lives with pity, he learns to feel sorry for himself.
If a child lives with jealousy, he learns to hate.
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to be confident.
If a child lives with praise, he learns to be appreciative.
If a child lives with acceptance, he learns to love.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with recognition, he learns justice.
If a child lives with honesty, he learns what truth is.
If a child lives with friendliness,he learns that the world is a nice place in which to live.