Preschool is in session from September through early June, and follows the school calendar established by Lake Villa School District #41. Preschoolers who enroll in the morning classes, attend from 9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.. The afternoon classes meet from 12:30 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. There are twenty children enrolled in each class staffed with two teachers. The children's environment is well equipped, has computers and is air conditioned. Parent volunteers are welcome in the classroom.

Children are assessed at the beginning of the term and periodically within the span of the school year. The results identify a child's individual and special needs, plan for individual and group needs, serve as meaningful information to communicate with parents, and evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum. Preschool uses the well-known "Math Their Way" program to provide the children with solid math concepts. The curriculum is also literature based and has a strong language arts program. Nature and Science are also emphasized. Art and music are part of the daily activity. The children grow in social skills, cooperative play, fine and gross motor proficiency, and academics. All classes use either the Dorothy Taft Wilson [a well known reading expert] Pre-reading or Phonics program. The school day is balanced with structured and unstructured activities, with allowances for flexibility. Lesson plans are provided to parents prior to the beginning of each unit of study.

LECC prides itself for the well trained caring teachers, excellent academic and social programs. Social graces and skills, coupled with community awareness, philanthropic experiences, which are essential for children's socialization, provide many opportunities, to relate to and understand, the special needs of others.

A special interest of LECC is also to introduce children to community services through volunteer and professional individuals. Guest speakers like Dentists, Optometrists, Officier Friendly, Fireman, Librarians, etc. interact with the children and explain their role and services. Reptile world and personnel from Best Pets, bring animals into the classroom for additional concrete experiences. On a regular basis, the veterinarian from the Lindenhurst Animal Hospital visits our classrooms to tend to LECC's "menagerie." The children learn first hand the importance of proper pet care. Mr. Wizard brings science to life by combining education with entertainment.

Philanthropic participation provides opportunities for children to develop and strengthen generosity traits along with other pro-social values. There are two Muscular Dystrophy drives per year. These fund raisers are enhanced by visits from the MD Association, along with client families. We are proud that in 1998, as an individual school, LECC made the leading donation in Northern Illinois. LECC's administration financially sponsors a child for each classroom from the Save The Children's Foundation. Children have the opportunities to learn the differences in cultures along with the similarities all people share. The school also sponsors the Special Wish Foundation for terminally ill children and supports the League To Prevent Blindness Foundation. During the holiday season, a special emphasis is on bestowing and sharing, LECC has a Special Gift of Giving Program. Area businesses, LECC administration, and the children join together to donate food and toiletries. The children decorate cards and pack baskets, which are delivered to Lake Villa Township Food Pantry, Lake County Housing Authority, the Lake County Haven [women's and children's shelter] and Pads. Used clothing and toys are also collected and disbursed to families in need. A new toy drive is also conducted. On average, 250 new toys are delivered on Christmas Eve to the Cook County Pediatric Ward. The children's generosity is acknowledged through an array of thank you notes from those who benefit from their kindness.

Typical Class Schedule

A.M. Schedule	P.M. Schedule	Activity
9:00 A.M.	12:30 P.M..	Table Top / Computer Activities
9:15 A.M..	12:45 P.M.	Classroom Clean Up
9:20 / 9:35 A.M.	12:50 / 1:05 P.M.	Opening Circle Attendance: Full Sentence or Singing Response Recognizing Printed Name Counting Children Calendar Math Phonics Review or Alphabet Review Demonstration Today's Art Project
9:35 / 9:55 A.M	1:05 / 1:25 P.M.	Circle Activities Phonics or Alpha /Math Activities Literature Theme Related Manipulative Activity
9:55/ 10:10 A.M	1:25 / 1:40 P.M.	Washroom, Hand Washing, Snack
10:10 / 10:35 A.M	1:40 / 2:05 P.M.	Free Play / Computer Art in groups of 5 Classroom Clean Up
10:35 / 11:00 A.M	2:05 / 2:30 P.M.	11:00 / 11:30 A.M.	2:30 / 3:00 P.M.	Outside Time [weather permitting] Dismissal
Additional Information If through changing circumstances or other sibling needs, you desire other services, please ask about our: Before / After School Program, or any of our Full Day Child Care or Private Kindergarten programs.