Learning Friends Preschool

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Blended Program?

An Early Childhood Blended program serves children ages three (3) through five (5) years old. Our Learning Friends Preschool follows the Creative Curriculum, which focuses on project-based investigations as a means for children to apply skills while addressing four areas of development: social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and language. It is designed to foster development of the whole child through teacher-led, small and large group activities.

Opportunities exist for self-selected activities which center around ten main interest areas (blocks, dramatic play, toys and games, art, library, discovery, sand and water, music and movement, computers, and outdoors). In addition, students participate in daily gross motor time, and weekly library and music classes. The related services of speech/language, occupational therapy, and social work are embedded directly into the classroom so that all children benefit from this integrated approach. The Illinois Early Learning and Developmental Standards provide the framework for instruction within the Learning Friends Program.

The Learning Friends program has up to 20 students, including typically developing and students with special education needs, ideally in a ratio of 70/30. Our Blended program meets daily for 2.5 hours and is taught by a licensed early childhood teacher who is approved to teach general and special education. A program assistant also supports the students in the preschool classroom.

What are the benefits to the District and its students by housing our own Blended program?

Servicing students in their neighborhood school is always preferred. Such placement allows our Blended students to become part of their school community before kindergarten. This is an opportunity for students to build routines and make connections within and between their home and school environments.

If my student enters the Blended program at age three, will my student be guaranteed a spot the following year?

Yes, if your student attends the Blended program as a three year old he/she will be guaranteed a spot for the following school year provided re-registration deadlines and requirements are met.

How do I apply to the program, and how will I know if my student has been accepted?

The first step for entry into the program is to bring your child to preschool screening. Registration may be scheduled by contacting the Early Childhood Program Assistant at 630-257-2286 ext. 1104. Learning Friends is a tuition-based program. However, your child may qualify as an at-risk student tuition-free due to your income or other factors. Entry into the program continues throughout the school year. Your child must be three (3) years of age.  

Once your child has been screened, you will need to complete the pre-registration packet. This form should be returned to Oakwood School 1130 Kim Place, Lemont, 60439. You will be contacted regarding your child’s status. A visit to the program will be scheduled, and you will enroll your child. The enrollment process involves registration with the District, at which time you will be required to prove residency and secure your spot with a $100 deposit.

If my child is on the waiting list, does he/she get placement priority for the following school year?

Inclusion in the program always is based on how we are able to balance the students. For this reason, a waiting list may be used at certain times of the school year. If your child is placed on a waiting list, we will continue to consider him or her for entry into the program on an ongoing basis, including for the following year. We would appreciate the courtesy of a phone call or email if you decide to withdraw your child from the pool of applicants.    

What is the tuition for the Blended Program?

Tuition is $2,700 annually for students who are residents of the District 113A, payable in $300 increments on a monthly basis.

What curriculum and assessments will the Blended Program use?

The Illinois Early Learning and Developmental Standards provide the framework for instruction within the Learning Friends program. The district utilizes Creative Curriculum/Teaching Strategies Gold and the assessment materials that accompany these educational resources. Click here for more information on the Illinois Early Learning Standards.

Illinois Early Learning Standards

If you have questions regarding the curriculum or transportation, please contact Dimitra Georganas, Principal of Oakwood School, or Ryan Talaga, Assistant Principal of Oakwood School at 630-257-2286 extension 1110.

If you have questions regarding the screening process or tuition, please contact the Early Childhood Program Assistant, at 630-257-2286 ext. 1104.