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Introduction

Hinsdale Community Preschool (HCP) is a non-profit, cooperative school providing classes for preschool children ages 2-4. The school was founded in 1942, incorporated in 1948, and is licensed by the State of Illinois and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) (See Press Release or to learn more about NAEYC accredited schools, please go to www.naeyc.org). The HCP staff is comprised of a team of qualified teachers assisted by parent helpers. Administration is wholly volunteer, and is drawn from among parents of currently enrolled children.

Philosophy and Goals

For over 60 years, HCP’s academic program has been based on the research showing that children learn through play. Our curriculum implements comprehensive, engaging and developmentally appropriate practices consistent with the position of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to foster the development of the “whole child”. At HCP, we believe that a play-based curriculum enables children to develop cognitively, physically, emotionally and socially.

Our goals for the children include, but are not limited to, the following:

	To foster self-esteem, independence, problem solving and the first steps in life long learning;
	To provide opportunities for peer interaction through social experiences and dramatic play;
	To provide a literacy rich environment which will include the early stages of reading, writing, math and science;
	To provide hands on activities and experiences which foster development across all domains.

Our goals for the parents are:

	To create a partnership with teachers and parents guiding your children through these first steps of learning away from home;
	To promote parental understanding of children’s needs and style of learning through participation in the school experience;
	To enhance their understanding of early childhood development and education and a variety of other topics by making relevant reading materials available.

HCP was founded and is operated as a parent cooperative. Being part of a parent preschool can be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life as a parent. As a parent, you will:

	Gain first hand knowledge of your child’s style in both learning activities and social experiences;
	Initiate a strong, positive connection between home and school, which is vital to your child in years to come;
	Enter into a social network that is enjoyable and beneficial for both parent and child.

We believe that children learn best when they are actively participating in hands-on, interactive experiences. In the classrooms, you see children that are busy moving about, exploring, talking, creating, and actively involved in meaningful experiences. From these experiences, and the variety of age and developmentally appropriate materials, the following are just a few of the many skills across each domain of development that the children encounter during their time in class.

Math/Science

	Provide materials allowing children to explore, experiment, and make discoveries at their own pace regarding concepts such as cause/effect, sequence, measuring, and spatial awareness.
	Provide developmentally appropriate cooking activities to demonstrate sequential ordering, states of matter, and measuring.
	Provide interactive materials for the children to develop their own understanding of various science concepts including life cycle, weather related concepts, and animal life.
	Provide interactive materials for children to sort, count, and make combinations (including leaves, shells, and various counters).
	Provide various activities that allow children to participate in the scientific process, including making predictions, observing what happens, and drawing conclusions.

Literacy

	Provide access to a variety of materials promoting literacy in every day life (pencils, envelopes, cookbooks, recipes).
	Provide a print rich environment including photographs, labels on classroom materials, children’s names, documenting art work.
	Provide quality literature that is read during group times and is available for individual reading.
	Help inspire imagination and help develop a lifelong interest in reading and books.

Language

	Provide a variety of language rich experiences, including flannel board, stories, finger plays, quality literature, music and acting.
	Use “real” scientific terminology to build and expand upon children’s vocabulary.
	Ask open ended questions to encourage critical thinking, build upon vocabulary, and build foundation for grammar and sentence structure.
	Provide opportunities to comprehend and understand the social dynamics of language, including listening to other’s ideas, turn taking, and making eye contact.
	Provide fingerplays, stories, and songs that help develop phonemic awareness, including knowledge of sounds and groups of sounds that have common beginning or ending sounds (ex: cat, hat, sat).

Gross Motor

	Provide music and movement encouraging a balance between creative expression and following directions.
	Provide materials and equipment to promote balance, movement, co-ordination, and muscle development.
	Spend time at local developmental parks (weather permitting) with age appropriate equipment for climbing, running, and swinging.
	Small group activities to develop specific skills including galloping, skipping and balance.

Social/Emotional

	Opportunity to freely interact with peers, adults, and teachers, selecting activities based on their areas of interest.
	Develop skills to work independently, in a small group, or in whole class activities.
	Recognize and appreciate individuality and diversity.
	Promote independence and self help skills, including safety, nutrition, and life skills to maintain good health.
	Learn problem solving techniques and appropriate ways to resolve conflict.
	Help children learn appropriate vocabulary to verbally express feelings and needs to their teachers and peers.
	Provide children a safe and comfortable environment, allowing them to build confidence and self-esteem.

We recognize that the early years are learning years, and strive to provide children with a strong foundation that will support them in the future.

Teaching Staff

The professional teaching staff at HCP is one of our greatest strengths. We have a dedicated, experienced director and teachers who each hold an advanced degree or have completed coursework in early childhood or elementary education. Our teachers are committed to helping each child optimize his or her own learning potential. They also work with the parents to continue to provide an improved program for the children year after year. Additionally, our teaching staff of 9:

	Has more than 100 years of combined teaching experience;
	Enjoys a ratio of 6 children per adult exceeding the state mandated ratio of 10 children per adult;
	Has been with HCP for an average of 7 years per teacher.

Advisory Board

Our advisory board is an invaluable resource and includes several early childhood education experts including:

	A kindergarten teacher from District 181;
	The co-founder of the DuPage Children’s Museum;
	Several representatives from the community at large.

Registration

Priority registration for the 2008-09 school year is January 18th - 25th, 2008. Open registration begins January 22nd after priority registration is complete. However, you may put your child on a waiting list for Hinsdale Community Preschool at any time. Please see our Registration Page for details.

To register for Hinsdale Community Preschool, or to be put on a waiting list, please call the School at (630) 325-7484.

Tuition

Additional information for 2008-09 can be found on the Registration Page.

Annual tuition for the 2008-09 school year:

Parent and Me Classes*	$777/ year
Just for Me Class*	$900/year
Junior Classes	$2,280/year
Senior Classes	$2,844/year
Enrichment Programs	$400/semester

*If you select both Parent and Me and Just for Me, combined price is $1600/year

Contact Information

Telephone: 630 325-7484
FAX: 630 323-7510
Postal address: 415 West Eighth Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521
For registration or waiting list information, please contact our Registrar: You may leave a message at the school and your call will be returned.
Electronic mail: Director@hinsdalecommunitypreschool.org
Map (Click on address for interactive map): 415 W 8th St, Hinsdale, IL, 60521