Our Programs
Our Programs
Preparing children for elementary school is an important building block in early childhood education.School readiness is more than ABCs and 123s. Starting preschool is possibly the first time your child is independently venturing into a new environment. We offer a flexible schedule to transition into this new season of life for both parent and child through a
play-based, faith-based program.
Each day all of our programs include creative, hands-on, developmentally appropriate activities. CrossWays Preschool follows the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. We utilize research based curriculums such as The Creative Curriculum™ and Learning Without Tears™. Our early childhood curriculums address four areas of development: social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and language. These are designed to foster development of the whole child through teacher-led, small and large group activities. We accomplish this through the traditional model of a part day preschool curriculum.
Children learn through a variety of ways: creative play, art, music, drama, language, early literacy, math, science, building, technology, and exploring our outdoor classroom. Although routines are well-established, our schedule allows for spontaneous learning opportunities. Our educators enjoy teaching new skills that stimulate each child’s natural abilities and creativity, making the most of each child’s developing talents. God honoring values are at the center of all of our
teachings and are supported through children’s chapel, bible stories, and other curriculums such as Godly Play™.
CrossWays Preschool follows a traditional school calendar. Enrollment opens in March for the following school year and openings are based on availability. We value the uniqueness of each child and will work with you to build a flexible
program that is right for your child. We are able to combine different options to give your child a 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-day CrossWays Preschool experience!
• Two Year Old Preschool Program (Half Day)
• Three Year Old Preschool Program (Half Day)
• Four Year Old Preschool Program (Half Day)
Two Year Old Preschool Program
Teacher/Student Ratio - 1:8
Our program offers daily adventures for lively 2 year olds through a flexible routine in the classroom.
Social/Emotional - Learning to separate from caregivers in a nurturing way, playing near and with other children,
participating in group activities, waiting their turn, working out problems with less action and more reasoning, early
self-advocating skills Academic Readiness (cognitive) - working with shapes, engaging in make-believe play, using 2 to 3
word phrases, learning primary colors, beginning name recognition Language - asking and understanding question forms (what, where...), following two-step commands, naming body parts, working on early communication skills
Physical - LARGE MOTOR: running, jumping in place, riding a tricycle, kicking a ball, climbing. SMALL MOTOR:
snipping with scissors, turning pages individually, holding crayons with age appropriate grasp, completing puzzles.
Academic Readiness (cognitive) - working with shapes, engaging in make-believe play, using 2 to 3 word phrases, learning primary colors, beginning name recognition
Language - asking and understanding question forms (what, where...), following two-step commands,
naming body parts, working on early communication skills
Three Year Old Preschool Program
Teacher/Student Ratio - 1:10
We provide a challenging, fun-filled learning environment for our 3 year olds where they can grow while feeling comfortable and secure.
Social/Emotional - showing empathy, beginning to understand give/take and cooperative play through interactive learning centers, foster strong self-advocacy skills
Physical - jumping with forward progression, catching a ball, buttoning and unbuttoning, zipping
Academic Readiness (cognitive) - matching colors, learning numbers 1 through 10, drawing shapes/combinations of shapes, writing their name and the alphabet through the introduction of prewriting skills with Learning Without Tears™ curriculum, understanding basic concepts (first, next to, behind), cooperative dramatic play, three-part sequential step directions
Language - using simple sentences, asking “who, what, where, and why” questions, telling and
retelling simple stories, learning words to repetitive songs
Four Year Old Preschool Program
Teacher/Student Ratio - 1:10
The focus of this pre-kindergarten program for four and five year olds is on school readiness through purposeful play. We work closely with area schools to ensure that our children have the skills needed to be successful in kindergarten.
Social/Emotional - showing greater ability to control intense feelings, wanting to please friends, self-advocacy
Physical - strengthening fine motor skills, throwing a ball overhand, lacing, improving bi-lateral coordination skills
Academic Readiness (cognitive) - counting/sorting objects, memorizing letter sounds, early writing skills, recognizing and developing patterns, engaging complex cooperative dramatic play, identify 3D shapes
Language - self advocating, placing items in common categories, communicating in 5 to 6 word sentences, singing songs, increasing vocabulary words
Enrichment
Enrichment classes are offered for ages 3-5 years old. Over the course of several weeks, students study a wide range of topics, such as cooking, science, music and problem solving. Enrichment classes can be taken as a supplement to other traditional preschool classes or as a stand alone program.
Lunch Bunch
CrossWays Preschool offers a 90 minute extension to the school day, held during lunch. This mixed-age program allows children the opportunity for socialization with friends over a meal, playtime both in and outside the classroom, crafts, stories, and science experiences. A hot lunch is included.
Summer Camp
Summer adventure awaits campers at Little Sprouts!
Our children’s garden will be ready for exploration and growing curiosity. Weekly themes offer hands-on experiences that encourage creativity. Wednesdays are water play days with sprinklers and water toys. We offer special in-house activities such as pony rides, a trackless train, and an inflatable play structure, all in a fun and safe environment.
Come make new friends and priceless memories!
See our camp flyer and registration form on the forms page.