Preschool

Preschool

ActivitiesGeneral InterestPreschool

A Perfect Place for Learning

When you step into one of our engaging preschool classrooms, you will find children building a block tower with friends, cooking in a play kitchen, sitting on the floor for a story, or making a craft. These are some activities that occur every day in our preschool program.

Under the guidance of our exceptional teachers, hands-on daily activities are designed to promote each child’s physical, creative, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Best of all, with such a wonderful start in a nurturing, stable and loving environment, our young students gain a solid foundation for future school success through play.

We offer structured programming for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds that emphasizes socialization and self-expression through manipulatives, art, music, fine and gross motor skills, and hands-on activities. Social-emotional development is our main focus for the 2 and 3-year-old programs. The 4-year-old program introduces kindergarten readiness concepts through play-based activities.

Our Preschool Program is certified by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and all of our staff meet the qualifications set forth by this agency. 

We look forward to fostering a love of learning in your child!

Preschool Classroom

Preschool Open House

Thursday, February 26, 2026
Maine Park Leisure Center, 2701 W. Sibley Street

Prospective families interested in learning more about the Park Ridge Park District's Traditional and Nature Preschool Programs are invited to attend our Open House, from 10:00am-11:00am (parents only) or 5:30pm-7:00pm (families welcome).

Preschool Registration

  • Residents currently enrolled and continuing in our Preschool Program are given priority registration.
  • Children must be age appropriate by September 1, 2026 to enroll in the Preschool Program.
  • All students attending preschool need to provide a birth certificate, a completed medical form, a copy of current up to date immunizations, as well as all DCFS required paperwork. All documents are required in order to start school on time.

For information about registration, please contact Brooke Plofsky, Preschool Supervisor, at 847-685-4400 or bplofsky@prparks.org.

2026-27 School Year Registration Information

Registration for the 2026-2027 school year begins on Monday, March 9, 2026 at Noon.

  • Online registration is encouraged. 
  • IMPORTANT: To register online, families must have an established account at the Park Ridge Park District. To create an account, please visit the Maine Park Leisure Center at least one week prior to the preschool registration date. Click here for more information. 
  • Some classes may be full due to priority registration for children currently enrolled in our Preschool Program.
  • All children must be completely toilet trained to participate.
  • A $100 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. Payment plans are available. If you need assistance, please call the front desk at 847-692-5127.
  • Start date for the 2026-27 School Year is Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Nature Preschool

We also offer Nature Preschool, a separate, but complementary program to the Park Ridge Park District Licensed Preschool.

Learn more

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about our traditional play-based preschool program, please contact:

Brooke Plofsky
Preschool/Early Childhood Supervisor:

847-685-4400 or bplofsky@prparks.org

Michelle Fata
Preschool/Early Childhood Assistant Supervisor:

847-292-0324 or mfata@prparks.org

We Offer Full-Day Options!

Looking to have your child attend school from 9:00am-3:00pm? We have wonderful options to help build your child's day, including traditional play-based Preschool, Nature Preschool, and enrichment programs. All preschool programs are housed within the Maine Park campus. Our staff will take your child from class to class ensuring smooth transitions throughout the day.

2026-27 School Year Options

Preschool Students

Programs

1140343 / Lunch and Play - Winter/Spring 2026

1140408 / Preschool Enrichment Winter/Spring

No class Jan 19, Feb 16, Mar 23-26, Apr 3

5140201 / 2 Year Old Preschool

Our play-based Preschool Program emphasizes socialization and self-expression through an array of creative and fun preschool appropriate activities. Students have fun learning vital social and emotional skills through art, music, manipulatives, and many other hands on activities. All children must be completely toilet trained and 2 years old by September 1, 2025. A $100 Non-Refundable deposit is due at time of registration.

5140202 / 3 Year Old Morning Preschool

Our play-based Preschool Program emphasizes socialization and self-expression through an array of creative and fun preschool appropriate activities. Students have fun learning vital social and emotional skills through art, music, manipulatives, and many other hands on activities. All children must be completely toilet trained and 3 years old by September 1, 2025. A $100 Non-Refundable deposit is due at time of registration.

5140203 / 4 Year Old Morning Preschool

Our play-based Preschool Program emphasizes socialization and self-expression through an array of creative and fun preschool appropriate activities. Students have fun learning vital social and emotional skills through art, music, manipulatives, and many other hands on activities. This class concentrates on kindergarten readiness skills. All children must be completely toilet trained and 4 years old by September 1, 2025. A $100 Non-Refundable deposit is due at time of registration.

5140204 / 3 Year Old Afternoon Preschool

Our play-based Preschool Program emphasizes socialization and self-expression through an array of creative and fun preschool appropriate activities. Students have fun learning vital social and emotional skills through art, music, manipulatives, and many other hands on activities. Children must be 3 by September 1, 2025 and fully potty trained. A $100 Non-Refundable deposit is due at time of registration.

5140205 / 4 Year Old Afternoon Preschool

Our play-based Preschool Program emphasizes socialization and self-expression through an array of creative and fun preschool appropriate activities. Students have fun learning vital social and emotional skills through art, music, manipulatives, and many other hands on activities. This class concentrates on kindergarten readiness skills. All children must be completely toilet trained and 4 years old by September 1, 2025. A $100 Non-Refundable deposit is due at time of registration.

5140206 / 4 Year Old STEAM School

Get ready to explore the unknown in this new specialty preschool class incorporating science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Learn to predict observe, mix, measure, analyze, collect data, estimate, investigate and most importantly, use your creativity and critical thinking skills. Use science tools like beakers, magnifying glasses, pipettes, microscopes, and more. The power of science is endless! All children must be completely toilet trained and 4 years old by September 1, 2025. A $100 Non-Refundable deposit is due at time of registration.