Preschool Academy

• Children must be 3 years of age on or before September 1 

• Children must be independently toilet trained by the first day of attendance. This includes the ability to:

  • Communicate the need to go to the bathroom. 

  • Wait a short time to use the bathroom. 

  • Pull up/down pants.  

  • Get and stay seated the toilet.

  • Wipe independently.  

  • Wash hands thoroughly. 

  • Stay dry during rest time

If your child is not fully toilet trained by the start of the program, enrollment may be deferred until these milestones are met. 

• The program is limited to residents of District 7. 

• The Creative Curriculum is a research-based early childhood education program that focuses on fostering children’s development through a play-based and child-centered approach. It is designed to support children’s growth across several key domains – social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development. The Creative Curriculum provides teachers with a framework for creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences through in-depth study topics, fostering children’s curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills.  

• Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG)is the evidence-based assessment tool used by the Preschool Academy program. TSG supports program staff in understanding, tracking, and promoting children's development. This tool helps classroom staff make data-driven decisions and create individualized learning experiences. TSG supports developmentally appropriate practices, aligns with Illinois state standards and Creative Curriculum and provides continuous, meaningful feedback to ensure that each child receives the support they need to succeed in the early stages of their educational journey. 

• Assessment information is formally shared with families three times per year (November, February and May) through a narrative summary report. 

• Classes composed of one Early Childhood teacher, one paraprofessional and 20 students.  

• 5 days/full day program 9:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.  (Wednesday early dismissal at 2:45 p.m.)

• Calendar aligned with District 7 calendar

• Parent Conferences once a year

• Parents are responsible for their child’s transportation to and from school 

• Drop-off is from 9:10 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. 

• After 9:15, parents should park and walk their child into the Goshen Office. 

• Parents park and walk to the dismissal doors at 3:30 p.m. to pick up their children.

• School nurse on site 

• School Security Officer on site 

• Little Kid Zone before and after school childcare program available for an additional fee to children enrolled in District 7 Preschool Academy. 

• A non-refundable yearly enrollment fee of $100 is required at the time of enrollment. This fee secures your child’s spot in the classroom and is not transferable or refundable under any circumstances.
• The first week’s tuition payment of $200 is due at the time of enrollment. This payment is non-refundable after July 1 of the upcoming school year.
• The weekly tuition rate is $200, due on the Monday each week of attendance. Payments must be made on time to maintain your child’s enrollment in the program.
• The $200 weekly tuition rate includes the cost of daily lunch and snack.
• There are no discounts accepted for this program.
• Account holders will be entered into EZ Child Track online payment system upon enrollment into Preschool Academy. This system allows families to make online payments via the Parent Portal. 
• In the event of e-learning days (remote learning days), the weekly tuition payment of $200 remains applicable. Tuition is charged regardless of whether the classroom operates in person or virtually, as the e-learning days are considered part of the regular curriculum.

• Preschool Academy families who need before and after school childcare will have the option to enroll in District 7 Little Kid Zone for the school calendar year at an additional cost. 

• Please follow the link ecusd7.org/kid-zone for program and registration information 

• Kid Zone Office can be reached by email at kidzone@ecusd7.org or by phone 618-655-6011