What age does a child need to be to enroll in Pilgrim?

Children must meet the age requirement of their classroom program: 2 years old, 3 years old or 4 years old by September 1st to enroll. This alligns with Illions School Board of Education policies for public school enrollment.

Does my child need to be potty-trained?

Pilgrim Community Preschool believes that toileting, like each child's developement, is a highly individualized process and, therefore, is not required for admission to our school. Children attending the 4-hour program and summer camp must be toilet trained. Our teachers are skilled at handling a child's right to privacy about their body and anything related to the toileting process.

How do you handle separation?

As we recognize this may be your child's first independent experience away from home, our transition to school process is designed to gently ease children and famiilies into preschool. We begin the transition to school in mid August by scheduling individual Home Visits with your child's teachers. Home Visits fosters relationship building from a place of children's greatest comfort and security. Prior to the first day of school, we hold a Welcome Night, inviting children and families to visit their classrooms to familiarize with thier new environment. For our youngest students in the Star Classroom, the first day of school is an abbreviated 1.5 hour schedule which provides an introduction to independence with their new teachers and classmates before a full day begins on day two. When a child would benefit from additional support in the separation process, we work with families to develop a plan together.

Does my Child need to wear a mask at school?

Pilgrim Community Preschool followes the CDC and local health department guidelines. At this time, masking for studensts and staff is optional.

Is Pilgrim conducting in-person tours at this time?

Yes! We are offering in-person tours Monday-Friday 12:00pm-2:00pm. Tours can be booked through our website; a virtual tour is also availabe.

Does Pilgrim provide full day programming?

At this time, Pilgrim offers half-day preschool programming for children in early stages of growth. We structure our half-day programs with a daily curriculum that provides individual opportunities for exploration, free play, gross motor development, group opportunities for negotiation, relationship building, and decision making, and outdoor activity (weather permitting).

Where do children play outside the classroom?

Regular outside play and gym time allows children to develop their gross motor skills, as well as develop their social and negotiation skills. Children have the opportunity to play outside daily or in the gym on days when there is inclement weather. Some outdoor activities include playground, sandbox, outdoor games, and short walking/ field trips and our outdoor classroom located on the south west corner of Pilgrim grounds. Gym play includes wheeled vehicles, bikes, gymnastics mats, an indoor playground structure. This is a part of the daily curriculum for each class.

How does Pilgrim Community Preschool prepare my child for kindergarten and beyond?

We build on developmental research and clinical findings that reveal — children at early ages learn best through play. Our play-based environment fosters your child's growth and developmental needs. Children are able to play out the fundamentals of more intellectual learning that occur later on in elementary school. Through play activities children learn to navigate decision making skills, manage relationships, build trust and confidence, and create the ground work for reading, writing, and mathematics. Play allows children to absorb and retain information and develop a supportive emotional connection.

What is the difference between the blended 3 & 4 year old classroom and Pre-K classroom?

Our emmergent curriculum allows teachers to meet the individual interests and developmental needs of each child by planning developmentally apporpriate, deep play-based learning experiences for children that support all areas of their growth and development. The Pre-K classroom format provides additional time to allow for extended learning engagement.

What role is the Church involved in the preschool?

The preschool is a community mission of Pilgrim Congregational Church to provide quality play-based preschool education to children of all races, religions, ethnic backgrounds, and economic situations in the greater Oak Park area. The church supports us in various ways, however, there is no religious affiliation or religious education in our classrooms.