Programs & Curriculums

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Curriculum

Reading/Writing

Building Blocks of Literacy

Mary Queen of Heaven Preschool’s reading and writing program lays the foundation for literacy. We weave stories and language into the fabric of daily activities, nurturing a love for words and communication.

  • Early Literacy: Through storytelling, phonics, and playful language games, we develop early reading skills.
  • Expression Through Writing: Children begin their writing journey by drawing, scribbling, and forming letters.
  • Language Development: We engage in activities that expand vocabulary and understanding.

Our approach to Reading/Writing prepares children for a successful transition to more advanced learning, with the joy of literature at their fingertips.

Math/Science

Cultivating Curiosity and Logic

Science and math at Mary Queen of Heaven Preschool are all about sparking curiosity and developing logical thinking. Our hands-on approach makes learning about numbers and the natural world an adventure.

  • Foundational Skills: We introduce basic math concepts and scientific thinking through playful, age-appropriate activities.
  • Exploration and Discovery: Children engage with the world around them, learning through experiments and observation.
  • Problem-Solving: Fun puzzles and challenges encourage critical thinking and a love for figuring things out.

Our Math/Science curriculum sets the stage for a lifetime of inquiry and exploration.

Art

Inspiring Creative Spirits

At Mary Queen of Heaven Preschool, art is a doorway to imagination. Our art curriculum encourages creative exploration and self-expression, allowing each child to communicate their vision through vibrant colors and shapes.

  • Creativity and Expression: Children discover their artistic voice through painting, drawing, and crafting.
  • Sensory Exploration: We integrate sensory-rich activities to enhance fine motor skills and artistic intuition.
  • Artistic Appreciation: Through exposure to various art forms, children learn to appreciate beauty in diversity and detail.

Art is not just a subject—it’s a celebration of each child’s unique creativity.

Religion

Cultivating Spirit and Character

At Mary Queen of Heaven, spiritual development is as vital as academic learning.Our curriculum weaves faith seamlessly into everyday learning, fostering values, empathy, and a purposeful sense of self in our youngest learners.

  • Faith Foundations: We introduce the pillars of our faith through engaging stories and activities, nurturing a strong spiritual base.

  • Character Building: Emphasizing kindness and empathy, we guide children to understand and practice compassion in their interactions.

  • Community Connection: Our teachings foster a sense of belonging, as children learn about their integral role in the community and the wider world.

  • Moral Guidance: We equip children with a moral framework that informs their choices and nurtures their growth into conscientious individuals.

Children not only learn about the world but also about the values that will guide them through it.

2’s Program

2's Program

The 2-year-old program runs for 2 hours, twice a week, providing the perfect balance of routine and excitement for our youngest learners. And for those still transitioning out of diapers, pull-ups are perfectly fine, ensuring that each child’s individual needs are met with understanding and support.

Welcome to the beginning of a lifelong love for learning with our tailored 2-year-old program. We provide a nurturing first step into the world of education, focusing on socialization and discovery in a warm and inviting setting. Our program is designed to spark curiosity and encourage young learners to engage with the world around them.

 

  • Structured Learning: Engaging activities introduce the fundamentals of early education, fostering a sense of joy and wonder in every lesson.
  • Social Skills: Through playful interactions, children learn to communicate, share, and play with their peers, laying the groundwork for strong social skills.
  • Guided Exploration: Our safe and stimulating environment allows for guided exploration, giving little ones the freedom to learn about their surroundings.
  • Positive Behavior: We emphasize positive behavior through gentle guidance, helping children understand the dynamics of interacting respectfully with both peers and teachers.

3’s Program

3's Program

The 3-year-old program offers a nurturing schedule that understands the importance of consistency and routine, while still infusing each day with new challenges and opportunities for discovery. We’re excited to guide our little learners as they take this next step in their educational adventure. All day option is available. 

Our 3-year-old program at Mary Queen of Heaven Preschool takes the natural curiosity of toddlers and channels it into a journey of expanded learning and growth. At this exciting stage, children are ready to dive deeper into the world of social interactions and more complex concepts, all while having plenty of fun along the way.

  • Enhanced Learning: Interactive and engaging activities designed to promote early literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills.
  • Social Development: We foster cooperative play and shared learning experiences, vital for developing empathy and teamwork abilities.
  • Creative Expression: A focus on creative arts allows children to express themselves through music, drawing, and imaginative play.
  • Independence Building: Encouraging self-help skills and independence, our program supports children in mastering tasks like dressing themselves and managing personal hygiene with confidence.

4’s Program

4's Program

Our 4-year-old program offers a balanced approach that combines learning with play, structure with freedom, and individual attention with group collaboration. We are committed to ensuring that each child is seen, heard, and supported as they grow and prepare for the big step into kindergarten. All day option is available. 

As the pivotal pre-kindergarten year, our 4-year-old program at Mary Queen of Heaven Preschool is designed to equip children with the essential skills and confidence needed for the exciting transition to kindergarten. We focus on a more structured environment that still values the joy and wonder of early childhood learning.

  • Kindergarten Readiness: Our curriculum aligns with kindergarten expectations, focusing on early reading, writing, math, and science concepts.
  • Social & Emotional Growth: We emphasize social skills and emotional self-regulation, preparing children for the social dynamics of a classroom setting.
  • Cognitive Development: Problem-solving activities and critical thinking tasks are integrated into the daily routine to sharpen young minds.
  • Physical Motor Skills: Fine and gross motor skills are honed through activities like arts and crafts, outdoor play, and hands-on exploration.

F.A.Q.

What makes Mary Queen of Heaven Preschool an excellent choice for my family?
  • Catholic Identity
  • Mission Driven
  • Master degreed Director Certified and degreed teachers
  • Closely follows the Diocese of Joliet and the District 205 Calendars
  • Supports District 205, Diocese of Joliet as well as Illinois state standards for early childhood curriculum
  • Balanced play-based program of academics, religion, arts, sports, music, and foreign language
  • Meets Religious Education requirements
  • Doors open at 8:15 a.m.
  • Adult/child ratio: 2/20
How many days a week should I send my child to school?

 How many days you choose to enroll your child depends on many personal factors.

 First, we look at the age and maturity to determine what they can handle.  Then we assess how the class schedule fits into your family’s needs.

 We will do our best to accommodate all requests and work with you to do what is best for your child.

What are the hours and days of the school programs?

Preschool hours are 8:15-11:45 with the option of a 2, 3, or 5 day program.

What will my child learn? How will I know?

 We use both Creative Curriculum and Multiple Intelligence Curriculum, each week engaging the seven natural intelligences, strengthening them in each of our children.

 The weekly objectives will be detailed in lesson plans that will be posted on the hall bulletin board.  You will receive an Early Childhood Assessment two times a year. 

 We will hold Parent-Teacher Conferences twice a year, when you can view your child’s portfolio and formally visit with the teacher.

Will my child have fun?

 We believe that children learn through play.

 Our curriculum will be built on activities that foster children’s curiosity about the world around them.

 What better way to learn than to have fun?  We love to laugh – and so do our children!

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What Our Families Are Saying

As a resident of Elmhurst for five years, it truly didn’t feel like home until we joined Mary Queen of Heaven preschool. The curriculum is a wonderful balance of learning academics and faith through play, along with building a foundation of classroom confidence.

My once shy three-year-old now begs to go to school every day, even when class is not in session. As a family, we’re able to join in to help with school activities, game nights, and service projects.

The teachers are engaged and enthused in creating a warm, nurturing, and educational environment – it’s surely a place for children to thrive. Mary Queen of Heaven Preschool isn’t just a preschool, it’s a joyful community, and we feel lucky to be a part of it.

-Springate Family

Mary Queen of Heaven preschool has been a staple in our family for the last four years. I cannot speak highly enough of the experiences that they’ve each had. The teachers are incredible!

They show so much respect, interest, and attention to each student. Each child is treated as a celebrated individual. My kids know that they are loved and cared for while at school.

They are also learning how to follow directions, participate in a classroom appropriately, how to separate from me, foundational academic skills, and necessary social skills.

Throughout the whole day, overlying messages of respect, being a good friend, and being a helpful citizen, shape their experience. The sense of community and positive culture at the school among families and staff is exactly what we’ve hoped for.

We can’t wait for our last child to start in the fall! We love being part of this school. 

-The Cogan Family