Educational Programs in Oak Brook IL: Building Your Child’s Foundation for Kindergarten Success

In Oak Brook, families trust Christ Church preschool educational programs to prepare children ages 2–5 for kindergarten. We offer structured learning that includes social skills development, early literacy instruction, and hands-on activities designed for young learners. Our programs run Monday through Friday with flexible scheduling options that fit your family’s needs. Our experienced teachers create safe, engaging environments where every child thrives and builds confidence for their next educational step.

Our Oak Brook Curriculum Balances Play and Learning for Kindergarten Readiness

Children experience a curriculum that blends structured lessons with exploratory play. The program focuses on letter recognition, number sense, and early writing skills through activities that feel like fun rather than formal instruction. Children practice counting during snack time, identify letters during story sessions and solve problems through building blocks and puzzles. Play-based learning significantly enhances early childhood cognitive development, which is why hands-on exploration forms the core of the curriculum.

The approach aligns with kindergarten expectations in District 58 and District 181, which serve most Oak Brook families. Teachers have worked closely with kindergarten teachers at schools like Brook Forest Elementary and Pleasant Dale Elementary to understand exactly what they’re looking for in incoming students. Teachers introduce shapes, colors and patterns through art projects and sensory activities. Children learn to recognize their name, write letters, and understand concepts like more and less before entering kindergarten in Pre-K programs.

Social-emotional learning forms the foundation of the curriculum, and this is where the biggest transformation happens in children. Shy three-year-olds who could barely make eye contact become confident four-year-olds who advocate for themselves and their friends. Children practice taking turns, expressing feelings with words and working through disagreements with peer support. The program teaches self-regulation skills that help students sit for group time, follow multi-step directions, and ask for help when needed. These abilities matter just as much as academic skills when children start elementary school in the fall.

Daily schedules include small group instruction, whole group activities, and free choice time. This structure helps children learn to transition between tasks and manage their time independently—skills that make a huge difference in kindergarten success. The program also incorporates music, movement, and outdoor exploration to support different learning styles. Some children are natural listeners who absorb everything during circle time, while others need to move and touch to really understand a concept.

Enrollment in Our Educational Programs Takes Three Simple Steps

First, complete our online application form at ccpreschool.us with your child’s basic information and your preferred schedule. You can choose half-day programs that run from 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.. or full-day options from 8:45 a.m to 3:00 p.m., with an extended hour of care from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. We offer both options Monday through Friday to match your family’s work schedule, whether you commute to downtown Chicago or work locally in Oak Brook. We’ve noticed that many Oak Brook families start with half-day and switch to full-day once they see how much their child enjoys being here.

Second, submit required health records, including immunization documentation and a physical exam from your pediatrician. Illinois requires these records for all preschool students before they can start, and there are no exceptions. We also ask for emergency contact information and any special care instructions for your child, such as allergies or dietary restrictions. A quick tip: schedule your child’s physical exam at least a month before you want them to start because pediatrician appointments in the Oak Brook area book up quickly.

Third, schedule an enrollment meeting at our Oak Brook Road location near Oak Brook Center. During this visit, you will tour our classrooms, meet teachers and finalize tuition arrangements. We discuss your child’s interests, any concerns you have, and answer questions about daily routines. Most families complete enrollment within two weeks of their initial application. Parents often tell us they feel relieved after the tour because they can actually picture their child thriving here.

What you need to complete enrollment:

Online application with your child’s information and preferred schedule
Recent physical exam dated within the past year, including immunization history
Emergency contact information and care instructions
Tour appointment at 501 Oak Brook Road

Programs fill by May for September start dates in DuPage County preschools, and our school is no exception. Mid-year openings occur occasionally when families relocate out of the Oak Brook area, though these spots go quickly. We maintain a waitlist and contact families as soon as spots become available. Contact us at 630.321.3931 to begin your enrollment process or schedule a tour of our facility on Oak Brook Road. One piece of advice: don’t wait to tour until you’re ready to enroll—come see us early so you know what you’re working toward.

Daily Activities Build Social Skills and Early Literacy in Every Child

Each morning begins with circle time, where children greet classmates, review the calendar and discuss the day’s activities. This routine builds community and helps your child feel secure and comfortable in their classroom environment. We’ve learned that consistency matters tremendously—children thrive when they know what to expect each day. Teachers introduce new vocabulary words and concepts through songs, stories and interactive discussions that keep children engaged.

Learning centers allow children to explore at their own pace throughout the morning, which respects that not every child learns the same way or at the same speed. The literacy center includes alphabet games, picture books and writing materials. The math center features counting toys, shape sorters, and pattern blocks. The dramatic play area lets children practice social skills through pretend scenarios like cooking, shopping, or caring for baby dolls. This is where we see the most creativity and problem-solving happening naturally.

Outdoor play happens daily when weather permits, with indoor gym time during the harsh Illinois winter months. Children develop gross motor skills through running, climbing and playing group games on our playground. They learn to take turns on playground equipment and cooperate during activities like parachute play or obstacle courses. Fresh air and physical activity help children stay focused during learning time—we’re firm believers that kids need to move their bodies to engage their minds.

Afternoon activities include art projects, science experiments, and sensory play with materials like sand, water, and clay. Your child might mix colors with paint, plant seeds in soil or explore textures with play-dough. These hands-on experiences teach cause and effect while developing fine motor skills needed for writing and scissor use. We’re not focused on creating perfect art—we care about the process and what children discover along the way. Snack time and rest period provide breaks that help young children recharge for afternoon learning and honestly, even our most energetic students appreciate the downtime.

Our Teachers Track Progress and Share Updates with Oak Brook Parents

We maintain a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio, which is common in quality DuPage County preschools and meets state requirements. This allows our staff to observe each child’s development closely and provide individualized support based on their unique needs. After years of teaching, our staff can spot when a child is struggling with something and adjust our approach before it becomes a bigger issue. Teachers document milestones in areas like language development, social interaction, and problem-solving abilities throughout the school year.

You will receive digital portfolios with photos and notes about your child’s activities and achievements each week. We share these updates regularly so you can see what your child is learning and how they interact with peers in the classroom. Parents tell us these updates are the highlight of their week, especially when they’re working long hours and can’t always be present for pick-up. Teachers note when your child masters new skills like writing their name, counting to 20, or resolving conflicts independently with classmates.

Parent-teacher conferences happen twice yearly in fall and spring, typically in November and March. During these meetings, we discuss your child’s progress, share assessment results, and set goals for continued growth. We approach these conversations as partnerships—you know your child better than anyone, and we see them in a different environment. You can request additional conferences anytime you have questions or concerns about your child’s experience at our Oak Brook preschool. We’d rather address something early than wait and wonder.

We communicate through a parent app that includes daily reports, upcoming events, and occasional photos from classroom activities. This keeps you connected even during busy work schedules or long commutes on I-88. Teachers are also available for brief conversations during drop-off and pick-up times at our Oak Brook Road location near Route 83. Some of our best parent conversations happen during these informal moments when you’re picking up your child and can see exactly what they’ve been working on that day.

Year-Round Programs Support Working Families Across DuPage County

Our location at 501 Oak Brook Road, just minutes from Oak Brook Center and easily accessible from I-88 and Route 83, makes drop-off convenient for families. Parents from Oak Brook, Westmont, Downers Grove, Hinsdale and Elmhurst trust us for reliable, consistent care that matches their work schedules. We understand that many of you work downtown or in the western suburbs, and the last thing you need is to worry about whether your child’s preschool will be open or if you’ll make it before closing time.

We offer extended hours from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for families who need full-day programs while working. Late pick-up eliminates the stress of rushing between work and school, especially during rush hour traffic on I-88. Our flexible scheduling lets you choose the days and hours that work best for your household and career demands. Over the years, we’ve adjusted our hours based on what Oak Brook families actually need rather than sticking to a traditional preschool schedule that doesn’t fit modern work life.

Benefits of our year-round educational programs:

Extended hours from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. accommodate commuting schedules
Summer camp sessions in June with weekly themes
Convenient location near I-88 and Route 83 for western suburb families

Summer camp sessions run during selected weeks in June, with weekly themes and special activities that keep learning fun and fresh. Children explore topics like nature, community helpers or creative arts through guest visitors and hands-on projects. Summer camp programs maintain the same educational focus as our school-year curriculum while adding extra enrichment opportunities and outdoor time. We’ve found that kids who attend our summer camp sessions return in the fall more confident and ready to learn.

FAQs

At what age does my child need to be to enroll in educational programs?

Children must be 24 months old to enroll in our 2-year old classroom. Enrollment for this age group is continuous and accepted throughout the year.

Children must be 3 years old by September 1 to enroll in our programs, which is standard for most Oakbrook area preschools. We also require that students are potty-trained before their first day of class—this is for health and safety reasons, and it helps children feel more independent in the classroom. Our youngest classes serve 2 and 3-year-olds, while our pre-kindergarten program prepares 4 and 5-year-olds for elementary school at District 58 or District 181 schools.

Can I tour your Oak Brook preschool before enrolling?

Tours are available Monday through Friday by appointment at our Christ Church location at 501 Oak Brook Road. During your visit, you will meet teachers, see our classrooms and observe children engaged in daily activities in our newly renovated facility. Call 630.321.3931 to schedule a time that works for your family’s schedule. We encourage parents to tour during morning hours when you can see the classroom in action—it gives you a much better sense of the environment than an empty classroom tour.

What hours do educational programs run in Oak Brook?

We offer half-day programs from 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., full-day programs from 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and an extended care hour from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can choose the schedule that fits your family’s needs and work commitments. Both options run during the school year. Many parents start with a half-day to ease the transition and then move to full-day once their child is comfortable—there’s no one right answer, and we’ll work with you to find what’s best for your situation.

How do I apply for a spot in your educational programs?

Complete our online application form at ccpreschool.us with your child’s information and preferred schedule. Submit required health records, including immunizations and a physical exam from your child’s pediatrician. Then schedule an enrollment meeting at our Oak Brook Road location near Oakbrook Center to finalize your registration and tour our facility. The whole process typically takes about two weeks from start to finish if you have all your documents ready. We’re here to help if you get stuck on any part of the application.

Do you offer programs during summer months in Oak Brook?

Yes, summer camp sessions run during selected weeks in June with weekly themes and special activities. Children continue learning through hands-on exploration while enjoying the flexibility of summer schedules and extra outdoor time. Summer camp programs are available for currently enrolled students and new families joining us for the first time. We’ve found that summer camp is actually a great time for new students to start because the smaller class sizes and relaxed atmosphere make transitions easier.