The Learning Tree Preschool

The Learning Tree teaches children to grow in independence, creativity, self-confidence, and social skills during teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Teachers work with small student/teacher ratios.

Children love the variety of enriching experiences that are incorporated throughout their day. These include quality literature and the Alpha Tales program, thematic unit lessons, listening center days, and various learning centers.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide your child with a well-rounded education, promoting social, emotional, and physical development. This will be done in a safe environment where your child is valued and affirmed as a unique gift from God. We will use a high-quality curriculum that combines teacher-led and self-initiated activities. We will also utilize Jolly Phonics, a multi-sensory reading program. Children learn best in a hands-on, play-based learning environment that promotes active and independent thinking skills. Our teachers are committed to the daily care and nurturing of your child.

Each classroom has thoughtfully designed Interest Centers. The centers encourage exploration and natural curiosities while keeping your child safe. Strict cleaning and sanitization measures and secure entrances ensure that your child’s health and well-being are our top priority.

During group time, our teachers will introduce quality works of literature, as well as teach other learning activities through the Abeka curriculum. These activities include recognizing and writing letters, forming numbers and counting objects, and learning colors and basic shapes. Our teaching methods are designed to be age-appropriate and meet the Illinois Early Learning & Development standards for Kindergarten readiness.

We are licensed by the State of Minnesota as a daycare and preschool and follow the strict student-to-teacher ratios required by the state. We offer NURSERY, FULL DAY UNIVERSAL PRE-K, 3K, AFTER SCHOOL, and SUMMER CAMP programs.

We believe that it is essential to give children experiences that will help them develop curiosity, independence, confidence, and creativity. This will be accomplished through a well-rounded curriculum and close parent/teacher communication. Each child will be able to grow socially, emotionally, and cognitively through both teacher-directed and self-initiated experiences in a stimulating and nurturing classroom with small teacher/child ratios.

Our Staff

Our staff is well-qualified and highly experienced in promoting children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. They are dedicated to creating an atmosphere in which children feel safe and nurtured. Each classroom is staffed with a primary teacher and assistant, with strict child-to-teacher ratios. Each staff member is CPR/First Aide certified, has passed a background check, and has completed training in Early Childhood Education as well as Mandatory Child Abuse Prevention Training.

All teachers provide age-appropriate curriculum, including the “Jolly Phonics” Literacy Curriculum, that fosters curiosity and self-confidence. Our staff celebrates each child as a unique individual and supports their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth through the use of hands-on activities and close parent/teacher communication.

Children learn best when they are provided with many opportunities to explore their natural curiosities in spacious classrooms with thoughtfully created Interest Centers. The Learning Tree provides a safe environment where rigorous daily cleaning and sanitization measures, security policies, and restricted entrances help keep your child’s health and safety at the top of our list. Our staff will guide your child in their explorations, building self-confidence and independence along the way.

Our Curriculum

In order to provide the best learning environment for your child, The Learning Tree Preschool uses a high-quality curriculum that promotes social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Our staff works in partnership with parents to provide children with a positive, nurturing, and fun-filled environment.

Children participate in a variety of teacher-led and self-directed learning experiences throughout the day. Our classrooms offer a balance of educational learning activities and playtime that is aligned with Illinois Early Learning & Development Standards. We utilize the Jolly Phonics literacy curriculum and Highscope math programs to teach fundamental concepts to children.

Each month, the teachers introduce a theme-related concept to the children during group time. They work with the children to develop their skills and understanding of the monthly idea through hands-on activities. This allows children to master letter, sound, number, color, and shape recognition well ahead of kindergarten entry. Children also participate in a variety of enriching activities, which may include transportation, simple physics, storytelling, cooperative games, movement and music, cooking, an author study, and a variety of forest explorations, including rock & mineral identification and pond life studies.

We have an on-site playground that is fully equipped with age-appropriate toys, games, and structures for the children to use at their discretion. During outside play, the children practice their gross and fine motor skills, explore the environment, and build self-esteem. Each morning and afternoon, the children have a choice of healthy snacks. The parents provide snacks, which should be a mix of fruits, veggies, and grains. The Learning Tree provides milk and utensils.

During our Enrichment period, which is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays for our 3-year-olds and above, the children will enjoy a variety of activities based on their monthly theme. These can include art, music, and PE classes taught by an experienced professional instructor. In addition, the children will spend thirty minutes with our Stretch and Grow coach, Nikki, each week to learn about body parts and functions as well as proper hygiene.

Our Environment

Children learn best in a safe and nurturing environment. Our classrooms and infant rooms are designed to maintain a clean, colorful, and comfortable atmosphere in which children feel happy, secure, and ready to learn. Children are provided with a variety of learning experiences that are developmentally appropriate and encourage the growth of social, emotional, cognitive, and physical capabilities.

Our teachers are experienced and certified in early childhood education and receive continuing education in child development. They provide a stimulating curriculum that allows children to interact and communicate with classmates in small groups. They are given time to explore a theme with their class and work on developmental skills in a hands-on way. They are allowed the freedom to express themselves creatively through art, which focuses on the process and not just the end product.

In addition to our curriculum, the school offers enrichment activities for three to six-year-olds. These activities include music, a nature walk, science, and cooking projects. These classes help prepare students for kindergarten and beyond while expanding their knowledge of the world around them.

At the Learning Tree preschool, we understand that each child is unique and special in his or her way. Our teachers and staff are committed to embracing each child’s strengths, needs, interests, abilities, and personality. Our teachers strive to establish positive relationships with our students and their families, providing them with a solid foundation for success at school and in life.

We participate in the Backpack Crew Program, which collects donations of nonperishable items that are then distributed to needy children at our local elementary schools by the school nurses. Currently, the Backpack Crew contains canned spaghetti sauce, tuna salad, mac and cheese, soup, oatmeal packets, granola bars, small cereal boxes, crackers, small jars of peanut butter, and fruit cups. Families of our students, the church, and community members donate these.