Pilgrim Community Nursery School
460 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL
(708) 848-5869

Program & Curriculum

Daily Schedule

Each classroom follows its same schedule each day. The day is divided into free play time, large motor, group time and snack. The largest amount of time is spent in free play where children may choose to build with blocks, play in housekeeping, use the water table, paint at the easel or participate in the day's special activity. Depending on the weather, the children spend their large motor time either in the gym or on the playground. Group time and snack time are in the classroom.

Extended Hour Program

The Extended Hour Program is designed to support and meet the needs of children and families who may desire a longer daily preschool experience. Children who are registered in an afternoon class are eligible to register for the Extended Hour Program provided that there is space available. Children must also be able to successfully handle a 3 ½ hour afternoon program.

Program hours are 2:45 - 3:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday on regularly scheduled school days.

This is a structured program in which children will have the opportunity to play and learn in a multi-age environment. Teachers will plan a developmentally appropriate curriculum that takes into account the ages, interests and needs of the particular group of children. The Curriculum may include creative movement, art activities, music, science, building and blocks, stories and other literacy activities and walking field trips. Snack will be provided daily.

Snack

Snack is served each day and consists of 100% fruit juice and crackers. Snack may also be what is sent by families or made as a class cooking project. We ask that parents pay a fee covering juice and snack at the beginning of the year. Parents are always welcome to donate a container of 100% fruit juice to the class.

Children can bring a special snack to share with their classmates. Due to Illinois Department of Children and Family Services licensing constraints, Pilgrim Community Nursery School cannot serve homemade snacks. Snacks must be nut-free, store bought and in the original sealed store packaging. Fruit can be washed and cut in the school. Please avoid sending snacks that have added sugar. Prior notice to the classroom teacher when a child is bringing in a snack is appreciated.

If your child has any food allergies please let us know immediately. We will provide you with a Food Allergy Action Plan Form to be filled out by you and your doctor. We welcome an opportunity to meet with you to discuss how we can implement a formal personalized health management plan including curricula modifications as needed. These food allergies are posted in the classroom.

Peanut Free Environment

Bathroom Routine

Children may use the bathroom at any time during the school day. A teacher will accompany the children to the toilet. We encourage children to be self-sufficient in all aspects of toileting and ask that parents reinforce their child's abilities in undressing, wiping, flushing, redressing and washing hands.

Should a child have a toileting accident, the teachers will help in changing clothes and will offer to take the child to the bathroom to cleanup. At no time will the child be reprimanded or embarrassed by the staff for having an accident. Accidents often happen at the beginning of the school year. Your reaction to accidents as unfortunate, but not bad, is an important support to your child's growing self-confidence and independence.

Hand Washing

Hand washing is important for preventing the spread of illness. Children will wash hands at the beginning of a session, after being outdoors, after using the toilet, after coughing into hands and before and after eating snacks.

Field Trips

All field trips are within walking distance of the school. Trips may include visits to the Oak Park Library Main Branch, Oak Park River Forest High School, Stevenson Park, the Euclid Avenue Fire Station, Madly Pop'n Popcorn Store, Dominick's or Great Harvest Bread Store.

Birthdays and Special Days

Parents are always welcome to provide birthday snacks for their child's classmates. Please try to purchase a healthful snack. If you purchase muffins, cakes or cupcakes, try to buy those without excess icing. See the Homemade Snack Policy. Candles may not be lit.

Parents are always welcome to come into the classroom and cook with their child and his/her peers. Please make arrangements in advance with the teachers and keep the food simple and healthful. In lieu of party favors, families are encouraged to donate either a favorite book, tape or record to the class in honor of the birthday child.

Children with summer birthdays may celebrate at school with a half-birthday celebration.

Holidays

The Pilgrim Community Nursery School teachers will incorporate holidays in a manner which is developmentally appropriate for their given class. The teacher may share a story, song, craft or food related to a holiday or ask families to come in and share their family customs and traditions. The main mission will be to provide an environment which follows the normal classroom routine as much as possible.