The mission statement of West Chicago Elementary School District 33 is that all students become life-long learners and achieve their maximum potential so that they may participate in and contribute to a democratic society.

The goal of the District 33 Early Childhood Education preschool program is to offer learning opportunities that are best for all children, ages birth to five. Those learning opportunities will include:

The development of partnership with families.

An environment that recognizes young children’s natural curiosity and facilitates learning through active play.

Activities that promote confidence, problem-solving, risk-taking, and cooperation.

Therefore, in our program, one will see early childhood educators facilitating children of all abilities who are actively engaged in meaningful, hands-on play experiences that reflect each child’s needs, interests, culture, and life experiences.

District 33's Early Childhood Education preschool program uses the Creative Curriculum as the framework for the preschool program. This is a developmentally appropriate curriculum recommended by The National Association for the Education of Young Children. Each child's developmental growth is assessed through individual-focused portfolios. Weekly newsletters are sent home by the classroom teacher to provide communication between home and school.

Family Involvement
District 33's preschool program philosophy embraces family involvement through the school PTO, family enrichment activities, and classroom volunteer opportunities. In addition, parent/teacher conferences are scheduled during the year. The most significant benefits for children are derived when parents and teachers work together to guide them in their growth, development, and education.

Arrival/Table Top Activities: Staff assists children in making the transition from home to school. Each child independently selects from several activities set out for that day by the teacher which help develop fine motor skills.

Circle Time: Language skills and readiness skills are emphasized as children and teachers plan together for the day's activities.

Center Time: Children choose from activities provided and planned for in each of the classroom centers: dramatic play, blocks, table toys, art, science, writing, sensory table, library and computer. Learning is child-centered and facilitated by the Early Childhood Staff through children's play and their natural interests.

Snack: Nutritional snacks are provided. Snack time encourages self-help skills, good manners, social interaction with peers, and language and communication.

Music/Movement: Large motor skills are enhanced through music as well as physical activities enjoyed both in the classroom and outdoors.

Story Times: Pre-reading skills are developed as the teacher reads books to children in large and small groups, emphasizing language and listening skills and encouraging active participation through the use of creative dramatics.

Dismissal: Children are encouraged to develop independence in the area of self-help skills.