Preschool Programs in Oak Brook: Hands-On Learning for Ages 3–5
Oak Brook families need preschool programs that prepare kids for kindergarten and work with busy schedules. Our day care program at Christ Church combines play-based learning, social skills, and early academics for children ages 3–5. Programs run Monday through Friday with flexible enrollment throughout the year.
Age 3 and 4 Are Prime Years to Start Preschool
Most Oakbrook children start preschool between the ages of 3 and 4. Starting at 3 gives kids more time to develop social and pre-reading skills before kindergarten begins.
Age milestones we support:
- Age 3 | Sharing, following routines, and basic motor skills
- Age 4 | Letter recognition, counting and classroom independence
- Enrollment timing | Register in January–February for fall start dates
Here’s what we’ve learned after 40 years of teaching Oak Brook preschoolers: children ages 3 and 4 learn differently than older kids. They need to move, touch and explore. A 3-year-old who struggles to sit still during a long story might spend 20 minutes building with blocks. That’s not a problem—that’s how young children learn.
We’ve watched hundreds of Oak Brook families wrestle with the timing question. Some parents worry their August birthday child isn’t ready. Others push their barely-3-year-old into programs too early. Our advice? Watch your child at the playground. If they’re starting to play alongside other kids, showing interest in what peers are doing, and can follow two-step directions at home, they’re probably ready.
Many families in Butler School District 53 and neighboring districts enroll at age 3 because kindergarten comes quickly. We’ve seen children who start at 3 enter kindergarten confident and curious. They’ve had two full years to practice classroom routines, make friends, and build independence. The children who start at 4 do fine too, but they have less margin for adjustment.
One thing surprises new parents every year: how much their child changes between September and May. The nervous 3-year-old clinging to your leg in September will likely march into the classroom independently by spring. We see this transformation repeatedly, and it never gets old.
Preschool Enrollment in Oak Brook Begins in Late Winter
Register in January or February for fall enrollment at Christ Church Preschool. Spots fill quickly in March as families along the I-88 corridor finalize childcare plans.
We know this timeline feels early. You’re registering in February for a program that starts in September. But here’s what happens when families wait: they call us in June or July, and we’re full. Then they scramble to find spots at other preschools or delay starting another year.
Early registration gives you choices. You pick morning or afternoon sessions. You decide between 3-day and 5-day programs. You have time to prepare your child over the summer instead of rushing a transition. Parents who tour in January often mention they feel more relaxed making decisions without pressure.
Our enrollment includes a tour of our Oak Brook Road facility inside Christ Church. We renovated these classrooms recently, and honestly, they turned out better than we imagined. Bright, spacious rooms with new furniture and updated play areas. Parents always ask about the outdoor space—we have a fenced playground with age-appropriate equipment where kids spend time every day weather permitting.
Families in Hinsdale, Westmont and Downers Grove enroll with us because we’re centrally located and easy to reach from Route 83 or I-88. Our school readiness programs fill quickly each year. If you’re planning for fall, contact us before spring. We accept mid-year enrollments when openings are available, though spots rarely open after October.
Our Pre-K Schedule Balances Learning and Play
Our pre-K schedule includes circle time, outdoor play, art projects and early literacy activities. Each day follows a consistent routine that helps children know what comes next.
A typical morning includes:
- Arrival and free play | Children choose activities and greet classmates
- Circle time | Songs, stories, and calendar discussions
- Learning centers | Hands-on math, science, and literacy activities
- Outdoor play | Gross motor skills on our playground
We offer half-day programs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and full-day programs through 3:00 p.m. Drop-off and pick-up times work for parents commuting downtown or to nearby Oakbrook Terrace business parks.
After decades of teaching preschool, we’ve learned that young children crave predictability. They want to know what happens after snack time. They feel secure when the schedule stays consistent. This doesn’t mean rigidity—some days we spend extra time on a science experiment that captivates the class. But the overall rhythm stays the same.
Research from the University of Washington shows structured routines help preschoolers develop self-regulation skills. We’ve watched this play out in our classrooms. Children who know the schedule start cleaning up blocks without reminders because they’ve internalized that outdoor time comes next. They transition smoothly between activities because they understand the flow of their day.
Here’s something parents don’t always realize: preschool schedules teach time management. Your 4-year-old isn’t learning to read an analog clock, but they’re learning that activities have beginnings and endings. They’re practicing finishing tasks. They’re discovering they can’t always do their favorite activity—sometimes they have to participate in circle time even when they’d rather paint.
Our teachers balance structure with choice. Mornings are more teacher-directed with circle time and learning centers. Afternoons in our full-day program give children longer stretches of child-directed play. This mirrors how kindergarten operates, and it prepares children for that transition.
One more thing about schedules: we don’t rush young children. If a child needs five minutes to put on their coat, we give them five minutes. Learning to manage clothing fasteners matters more than staying on a rigid timeline. This patience early in the year pays off—by spring, those same children zip their coats independently in under a minute.
Three-Day and Five-Day Preschool Options for Growing Learners
We offer 3-day and 5-day preschool options. 3-day programs ease transitions for younger children. 5-day programs maximize kindergarten preparation.
3-day enrollment meets on Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Many families choose this for 3-year-olds and move to five days at age 4. Five-day programs run Monday through Friday and build stronger peer relationships.
Here’s the honest truth about three-day versus five-day programs: both work, but they serve different needs. We’ve taught children in both formats for 40 years, and we’ve learned to help families think through this decision.
3-day programs work beautifully for younger 3-year-olds or children new to group settings. The Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule gives kids consistent exposure without overwhelming them. They attend, rest at home, then have the weekend. By next Monday, they’re ready to return. Parents in Oak Brook with flexible work schedules or part-time arrangements often prefer this option.
Five-day programs create stronger continuity. Children remember classroom routines better. They form closer friendships because they see the same peers every day. Teachers can build on yesterday’s learning instead of recapping what happened last week. By November, five-day students move through the day with confidence that takes three-day students longer to develop.
Families in Oak Brook Terrace and surrounding areas often need full-week programs because both parents work downtown or in nearby office parks. We get it—childcare has to match your work schedule. Our full-day, five-day option gives you reliable care from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. while your child receives quality early education.
You can adjust your child’s schedule as needs change. Some families start with three days, see their child thrive, and add more days after winter break. Others keep 3 days all year and feel great about that choice. We’ve learned not to push families toward 5 days if 3 truly works better. What matters is consistency—whatever schedule you choose, stick with it so your child can settle into a rhythm.
One observation after 40 years: children whose parents seem confident about their schedule choice adjust faster. If you’re second-guessing whether three days is enough or worrying five days is too much, your child picks up on that anxiety. Choose the schedule that fits your family, trust that decision, and watch your child adapt.
Preschool Builds Social Skills Before Kindergarten
Children at our Oakbrook preschool learn to share, take turns, and solve problems with peers. Teachers guide conflict resolution and classroom routines that kindergarten teachers expect.
Social skills develop through daily interactions. Children practice waiting for turns, asking friends to play, and using words to express feelings. Our teachers model positive communication and help children navigate disagreements.
Here’s what kindergarten teachers in Butler School District 53 tell us: they can teach a child letters and numbers quickly. What takes longer is teaching a child to raise their hand, wait patiently, share materials, and work in a group. Children who attend preschool arrive with practice in these areas. Children who don’t often struggle in those first months of kindergarten.
We watch social skill development happen in small moments throughout the day. Two children both want the red paint. One grabs it. The other protests. Our teacher kneels down, acknowledges both children’s feelings, and guides them toward a solution. Maybe they share the red paint. Maybe one child discovers purple works great for their painting. Maybe they decide to paint together.
These micro-interactions happen dozens of times daily in our classrooms. Over months, children internalize these skills. By spring, those same two children figure out paint-sharing without teacher help. They’ve learned to negotiate, compromise, and problem-solve. These are the skills that matter in kindergarten and beyond.
Some parents worry their child is too shy for preschool. We’ve taught plenty of quiet, cautious children over 40 years. They do fine. They watch for a few weeks, gradually join activities, and eventually find their voice. Pushing a shy child rarely helps. Creating a safe space where they can observe and participate at their own pace works much better.
Other parents worry their child is too rough or energetic. We meet each child where they are at. Clear, consistent boundaries help. So does giving active children plenty of outdoor time to move their bodies. A 4-year-old boy who struggles to sit still during circle time might be our best climber on the playground. We celebrate both.
Butler School District 53 and other area schools expect incoming kindergarteners to participate in group activities, follow multi-step directions, and respect classroom rules. Children who attend preschool arrive with months or years of practice. The adjustment to kindergarten feels less jarring because they’ve done this before in a smaller, more supportive setting.
One more thing about social skills: learning them takes time and patience. Your child will have hard days. They’ll come home reporting someone took their toy or wouldn’t play with them. These experiences, while tough, teach resilience. Our job is to guide children through conflicts, not eliminate them. Kindergarten won’t be conflict-free. Preschool prepares children to handle disagreements appropriately.
Potty Training Requirements Help Children Succeed in Group Settings
Children do not have to be fully potty trained before enrolling at Christ Church Preschool. We work with families to support potty training and help each child build independence at their own pace.
Being potty trained means your child uses the toilet independently, communicates bathroom needs, and stays dry during preschool hours. Our requirement aligns with Illinois day care center health and safety guidelines.
Potty training is one of the most stressful topics for parents enrolling in preschool. We’ve had countless conversations with worried parents over 40 years. Some panic that their child isn’t fully trained by spring. Others feel pressure from our requirement and rush the process.
Here’s our perspective after teaching hundreds of Oak Brook children: most kids train between ages 2 and 3 when they’re developmentally ready. Pushing before readiness creates power struggles. Waiting too long can make the process harder. The sweet spot is watching for signs your child is ready—staying dry for longer periods, showing interest in the bathroom, communicating needs—then following their lead.
Being potty trained builds self-sufficiency that carries into other areas. Children who manage bathroom needs independently also learn to put on coats, clean up toys, and follow classroom routines. They develop confidence in their abilities. They feel capable. That mindset matters more than any academic skill we teach.
We keep extra clothes on hand for occasional accidents and support children who need reminders about bathroom breaks or help with clothing. We work closely with families during the potty-training process and do not turn children away if they are still learning.
If your child is in the middle of potty training, we partner with you to build consistency between home and school. Our goal is to support each child’s development, not create added stress around the process.
After 40 years, we’ve learned that families who embrace this requirement rather than resent it have better experiences. Children arrive confident in their abilities. Teachers can focus on teaching. The classroom runs smoothly. Everyone wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I register my child for preschool in Oak Brook?
Register in January or February for fall enrollment at our Oak Brook Road location. Spots fill fast in March, and by April, we’re usually full for the upcoming year. We’ve had parents call in July asking about fall enrollment, and we hate telling them we have no space. Tour our preschool in January, ask questions and submit your application by late February. That timing gives you the best selection of schedule options.
Do Oak Brook preschools offer subsidies or financial help?
Some Oakbrook preschools accept state childcare subsidies through Illinois Action for Children. Our office can discuss tuition rates and whether your family qualifies for assistance. We also offer sibling discounts—when you enroll multiple children, the second child receives reduced tuition. Ask about payment plans too. We’ve worked with families over 40 years to make preschool affordable. Private preschool costs money, but investing in early education pays off for years.
Is preschool different from daycare in Oak Brook?
Preschool focuses on kindergarten readiness through structured learning activities, social skill development, and early academics. Daycare offers all-day supervision with flexible schedules that match working parents’ needs. At Christ Church Preschool, we function as both—we’re licensed as a day care center, but we operate as an educational preschool program. You get reliable childcare plus intentional early learning. Your child isn’t just supervised; they’re taught by experienced teachers following a curriculum designed for their age.
How many days a week should my 3-year-old attend preschool?
Start with 2 or 3 days per week for most 3-year-olds who are new to group settings. Our three-day program meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This schedule gives children consistent exposure to routines without overwhelming them. Watch how your child adjusts in the fall. If they’re thriving and asking to go to school more often, consider increasing to five days after winter break. If they seem tired or resistant, stick with three days. Every child is different. We’ve taught children who attended two days weekly and entered kindergarten completely ready. We’ve also taught children who needed five days to really hit their stride. Trust your instincts about your child’s capacity.
Does my child need to be potty trained for preschool?
We work with children and families during the potty-training process, so it is not necessarily a requirement before enrollment. Our staff support each child’s development and partner with parents to build consistent routines at home and at school. Occasional accidents are expected, and we keep extra clothes on hand as children gain independence.
Are pre-K programs free in Oak Brook?
Public pre-K programs through local school districts like Butler School District 53 may offer free or reduced-cost options for eligible families based on income. Private preschools like Christ Church charge tuition. Our rates vary based on schedule—full-day, five-day programs cost more than half-day, three-day options. Contact our office at 630.321.3931 for current tuition information. We’re transparent about costs and happy to discuss payment options. Early childhood education requires investment, but we’ve watched that investment pay off for Oakbrook families over 40 years.
Visit Our Preschool at 501 Oak Brook Road
Christ Church Preschool serves families throughout Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Hinsdale, Westmont and Downers Grove. Our renovated classrooms are inside Christ Church at 501 Oak Brook Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523. We’re easy to reach from Route 83 or I-88.
Call us at 630.321.3931 to schedule a tour. We love showing families our space and answering questions about our programs. You can also visit https://ccpreschool.us/ to learn more about enrollment, tuition and our daily schedule.
We welcome families from throughout the Oak Brook community, regardless of church affiliation. After 40 years of serving local families, we’ve learned that quality early childhood education benefits every child. We’d love to meet you and your child.