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Early Childhood preschool

Children's Circle is a licensed full-day school for children from 6 weeks to kindergarten, designed for busy families. The program emphasizes play-based learning, fostering meaningful interactions and active experiences through both teacher-guided activities and free play. Its mission is to offer a secure environment where children engage in hands-on and relevant learning experiences.

  • Year-Round Preschool: Children’s Circle is open 50 weeks per year, with new lesson plans each week.
  • Schedule Options: Our program meets Monday through Friday. Arctic classrooms offer multi-age preschool from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM for ages 18 months until kindergarten, while our Ocean classrooms offer preschool from 7 AM to 6 PM for ages 6 weeks until kindergarten. More
  • Dedicated Space: All of our classrooms are in a secure wing, licensed by DCFS. Children also have access to the Early Childhood playground, as well as the Tot and Takiff Center gyms.
  • Enrichments: Enrichments are offered throughout the day, so you can to add special interest activities to your child's routine. Our teachers escort students to the enrichment classrooms and back. More
  • Meals: A morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack are included in the monthly tuition. Special dietary accommodations are available.
  • Toilet Training: We respect the individual development of each child. Toilet training is not required to participate.

How to Register

Registration priority is given to Glencoe residents and those who work at least 30 hours in Glencoe, but we welcome enrollments from neighboring communities. Children must be the appropriate age prior to entry. Online registration is not available for Children's Circle. Please contact Jessica Stockl to discuss availability. 


Flexible Classroom Options

Our Ocean classrooms are designed to cater to the specific needs of each age group, ensuring an optimal environment for both play and learning. The extended day program will continue to run from 7 AM to 6 PM, seamlessly blending educational activities with engaging play throughout the day. Every June, children advance to the next age-appropriate classroom alongside their peers, celebrating their growth and development together.

  • Jellyfish Infants 6 Weeks-15 Months
    Our Jellyfish teachers understand that this first school experience for your child lays the groundwork for healthy social and educational growth in the years to come. With an emphasis on building trustworthy, loving relationships, our program focuses on individual needs and enjoying new experiences in a warm environment.
  • Frogs Toddlers
    Our Frog teachers serve as guides as children learn about themselves, their friends, and the world around them. The drive for independence that characterizes this age group spurs impressive language, social, cognitive and physical gains. We focus heavily on new and sometimes messy experiences whether it be painting with pudding or playing with soil in the sensory table.
  • Turtles Young 2s
    Our Turtles learn best in safe, loving places where they can explore in their own way. The activities for this age group are built around their natural curiosity and their desire to discover their own boundaries. Our Turtles are constantly on the move, as they gain independence through learned self-help skills. As the Turtles discover how to interact with the world around them, they gain social skills in order to share and help one another in the classroom. The emphasis on social skills opens doors to developing strong relationships with adults and peers.
  • Starfish Age 2
    The Starfish work on gaining new preschool skills through the use of investigation and discovery. The teachers guide an active day, in which these young preschoolers can expand their skills and knowledge. The weekly lesson plans follow the children in their natural exploration as they experience hands-on learning and social interaction in an educational setting.
  • Dolphins Age 3
    Our Dolphin teachers keep kids active with weekly learning themes that spark imagination and promote investigation. Language, math and science are embedded in routines and play, with large and small group experiences providing support for developing concepts and understandings.
  • Belugas Age 4
    In the Beluga classroom, learning is rapid and engaging as we prepare for the kindergarten year to come. Curriculum is strong and embedded; numbers become real through counting games and routines; letters draw life from songs, storytelling, rhyming, and situational experiences. Cooking is science and socialization, as the fruits of children's efforts are enjoyed together. Use of social stories promotes deep imaginative play, cooperation, and cognition. Learning is interactive, with plenty of opportunities for your child to explore and follow his/her interests.

Our new Arctic multi-age classrooms offer younger children the opportunity to observe and learn from their older peers, accelerating their social and cognitive development. Meanwhile, older children reinforce their knowledge and build leadership skills by guiding and supporting their younger classmates. This dynamic environment fosters a community of learners where everyone benefits from each other’s strengths and experiences.

  • Penguins 18 months-Age 2
    The Penguins room is a nurturing and stimulating environment designed to support early development. Filled with age-appropriate toys, interactive learning materials, and cozy spaces for rest, the classroom encourages exploration and sensory experiences. 
  • Polar Bears Ages 3-4
    The Polar Bear room is where curiosity and creativity flourish. Equipped with interactive learning centers, children explore a variety of subjects through hands-on activities and imaginative play. Each day is structured to balance guided learning with free play.