Preschool Academy

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

Children must be independently toilet trained:

• Child can communicate their need to go to the bathroom in advance of having an accident. 

• Children can pull down and pull up their own underwear and pants. 

• They can seat themselves on the toilet and sit there comfortably. 

• They can wipe their own bottoms. 

• They can wash their own hands. 

• They are able to briefly postpone going to the bathroom if they must wait for another child to finish or if we are outside and need to walk in from the playground. 

• Children who are independent in toileting do not wear diapers or pull-ups to school.  

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. 

District 7 Preschool Academy is a tuition-based program 

Tuition is $175 per week, which includes lunch and snacks 

No discounts are accepted for this program 

Weekly fees are generated on Friday for the following week and payment is due on Monday. 

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.  

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