Dear SciTech Discovery Preschool Families,
Welcome to the SciTech Discovery Preschool! Congratulations on your interest in providing your child the best head start you could offer. Our curriculum and STEM program will provide your child with exceptional tools for their future. We are delighted to announce that our school construction and state licensure process is complete. We are now accepting application paperwork and fees to secure your place at the SciTech Discovery Preschool.
See the FAQ sheet below. If you need additional information, please contact me, cheryln@scitechmuseum.org or 630-859-3434 x 220.
As you may be aware, we have only 36 spaces available and a great deal of demand for those spaces. So, to avoid disappointment, please return your completed paperwork and application fee to secure your child’s enrollment in the SciTech Discovery Preschool.
With warm regards,
Cheryl Newman
Director of SciTech Discovery Preschool
Susan Kendall
Director of Education, SciTech Hands On Museum
Jacqui Grisenthwaite, Co-Director of the SciTech Discovery Preschool
Carol Rehtmeyer
Executive Director, SciTech Hands On Museum
FAQS
What are the hours of operation?
SciTech Discovery Preschool is open from 7am until 6pm. The academic day is from 8am until 3pm.
Can I pick my child up early or arrive late?
You are welcome to pick your child up early, but to benefit from our program, regular attendance is required. Late arrivals are disruptive and should be avoided.
What is your educational philosophy?
We aspire to be a remarkable and unique preschool of academic excellence. It is our priority to make SciTech Discovery Preschool a unique learning experience through our innovative programming. This includes a challenging curriculum, creative and engaging teaching strategies, incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programming with emphasis on the development and growth of the whole child. SciTech Discovery Preschool students will be supported by dedicated, professionally trained teachers who encourage creativity, promote discovery, and support individual learning styles. We are passionate about providing a dynamic and effective institution in a safe, nurturing environment.
What age groups can attend the preschool?
Our preschool is for three, four and five year olds who have completed toilet learning.
Are meals provided?
A hot lunch and two snacks are provided by our caterer Gourmet Gorilla. The food is healthy, organic, locally grown, pea-nut and tree nut free, freshly prepared and delicious. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are both available. Please see http://www.gourmetgorilla.com/ for more information including sample menus. A representative from Gourmet Gorilla will be at our Open House on Sept. 8.
Is there a uniform requirement?
Yes. SciTech Discovery Preschool uniforms will be available at Land's End online.
What is the tuition?
Please email us at preschool@scitechmuseum.org for information regarding tuition and your personal tour of the SciTech Discovery Preschool.
Is there a part-time enrollment option?
Yes, we have options available for 5 day part time, am or pm, email us at preschool@scitechmuseum.org for information regarding tuition and your personal tour of the SciTech Discovery Preschool.
What are the teachers’ qualifications?
The requirements to work at SciTech Discovery Preschool far exceed DCFS regulations. A DCFS certified teacher is only required to have two college classes in early childhood education. Our teachers all hold Illinois state teaching certificates, which requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Our Director and Co-director both have graduate education and certifications.
What is the teacher-student ratio?
DCFS requires a teacher-student ratio of one to ten for a classroom of three, four and five year olds. Our teacher-student ratio is one to six for the academic day.
How will you ensure the safety and security of the children in the museum environment?
The preschool has its own entrance with a pass code and touch screen entry. The rooms are separate from the rest of the museum and contain a private bathroom.
Do you offer any special programs?
The students will have weekly music classes and weekly Spanish lessons both classes taught by professional instructors. These classes are included in the regular tuition, with no additional charge.
Is there a discount for a second child in my family to attend?
There is a 5% discount for a second child enrolled in the preschool.
Will other members of my family be able to visit the museum?
An annual family membership to SciTech Museum is included in your child’s tuition.
