Contact Information

Address: 13911 W Laurel Drive, Lake Forest, IL 60045

Telephone: 847-247-0035 ext. 204

Admissions Director: Alane Malicay

Email: amalicay@eastlakeacademy.org

Website: eastlakeacademy.org

Curriculum

A strong academic curriculum in the fundamentals including:

Catholic Faith – Faith in God, love of Jesus, Old and New Testament Bible stories, Pre-K mass, Holy Hour, chapel visits, introduction to service and virtue formation.

Language arts – letter recognition/phonics, beginning reading skills, speaking/listening skills, handwriting, sentence structure.

Math – number recognition/concepts, shapes, counting concepts, beginning addition/subtraction, time, money, calendar concepts.

Science – space, earth science/plants, water, life science/animals, human body, concepts of the scientific process.

Social studies – historical figures, patriotic themes, geography

Spanish – colors, numbers, language basics through the communicative approach.

Specials – Gym, Music and Art weekly.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio: 8:1 student/teacher ratio

Student Age Range: 3-4 year olds for Preschool Program (whole school is PreK-8th grade)

Toilet Training Policy: Students entering the PreK program are required to be fully potty-trained before admission.

Class Size: Maximum students in PreK class: 16 students

Days & Hours

Monday-Friday

PreK 3 and 4 day – 8:00-11:30 am

PreK 3 options: 3 and 5 mornings per week programs available

PreK 4 – 5 mornings per week program

Optional PreK Plus – an extended day program until 3:00 pm

Optional Before and Aftercare available

Registration & Tuition

Registration Begins: Rolling admissions

Registration Fee: $150 application fee

Tuition and Rates: Call Director of Admissions, Alane Malicay for information or check out our website: eastlakeacademy.org

Additional Information

Accreditation: RC Education Accreditation

Facility Established: 2001

We have a new playground, indoor and outdoor basketball, turf soccer field, state of the art science lab, school library, music room and art room.

We understand that you are entrusting us with your precious child. We are dedicated and committed to educating, forming, and teaching your child in the classroom while we partner up with you, the primary educators, in raising confident, kind, smart, and joyful future leaders of society.

Contact Information

Address: 223 W Golf Road, Libertyville, IL 60048

Phone: 847-816-3590

Director: Alisa Abouzeid

Montessori Curriculum Directress: Lisa Lombardo

Email: childrenshouseoflibertyville@gmail.com

Website: children’shouselibertyville.com

Curriculum

We are dedicated to addressing the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual developmental needs of each child, all within the carefully crafted “prepared environment” integral to Montessori education.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio

• Infant: 1:4
• Toddler: 1:5
• Twos: 1:8
• Three-Fives: 1:10

Student Age Ranges

• Infant: 6 weeks -15 months
• Toddler: 15-24 months
• Twos: 24-36 months
• Three-Fives: 3-5 years

Toilet Training Policy: We take a holistic approach to potty training and look for the mind and body connection. The child learns to recognize the signs and signals in their body when they need to use the potty, and learns to independently use the bathroom, including washing their hands.

Class Size: Varies based on ratio

Days & Hours

Monday-Friday: 7:15 am-5:15 pm

The Children’s House of Libertyville is offering an Extended Day Montessori Program for children ages 4-5. We also offer an exciting summer program for 3-5 year olds.

Registration & Tuition

Registration Begins: Year-Round

Registration Fee: Waived; $150 for multiple children

Tuition and Rates: Varies by Classroom. Full time and Part-time schedules are available.

Additional Information

Accreditation: N/A

Facility Established: Family Owned since 1999

3 outdoor areas – grassy, playground and blacktop.

Contact Information

Address: 595 N Deerpath Drive, Vernon Hills, IL 60061

Phone: 847-367-5791

Director: Stephanie Vertucci

Email: info@preschool.christlutheranvh.org

Website: preschool.christlutheranvh.org

Curriculum

We are a Christ-based preschool serving families of all faith backgrounds who desire an experience where each child is valued. Our goal is to create a safe, loving and diverse atmosphere in which a child can explore and discover through hands-on interaction. Our experienced educators create a holistic, high-quality curriculum that helps children develop investigative, problem solving and social-emotional skills. Language, science, math, music, motion – all come together to help your child develop a life-long love of learning.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio:

• 2-year-olds: 1:5 (2 staff, up to 8 kids)
• 3-year-olds: 1:8 (2 staff, up to 16 kids)
• 4-year-olds: 1:10 (2 staff up to 20 kids)

Student Age Range: 2-5 years

Toilet Training Policy

• Students in the 2-year-old class may use diapers
• Students in the 3-year-old class must be starting the process of potty training or already toilet trained. Pull-ups in this room, no diapers.
• Students in the 4-year-old class must be toilet trained.

Class Size

• 2-year-olds: up to 8 kids (average of 6)
• 3-year-olds: up to 16 kids (average of 10-14)
• 4-year-olds: up to 20 kids (average of 7-14)

Days & Hours

Main Program: Monday-Friday 8:30-11:30 am (2, 3, 4, and 5 day options)

Extension opportunities from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Registration & Tuition

Registration Begins: February 2026

Registration Fee: $125.00

Tuition and Rates for 2025-2026 School Year: 

• 2 days: $236/month
• 3 days: $354/month
• 4 days: $442/month
• 5 days: $551/month

Additional Information

Accreditation: Evangelical Lutheran Church of America

Facility Established:  Over 30 years ago

Large outdoor space with playground, grassy areas, and climbing structures. Chapel and narthex (indoor play space). Multiple classrooms.

Contact Information

Address: 1151 N Saint Mary’s Road, Libertyville, IL 60048

Phone: 847-367-6208

Director: Samantha Tuttle

Email: crossways@holycrosschurch.org

Website: cchildcare.org / cpreschool.org

Curriculum

We offer Creative Curriculum which invites the child to explore the unit topic throughout the classroom and all developmental domains, and Handwriting Without Tears.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio

• Two-year-olds – 1:8
• Preschool-aged – 1:10

Student Age Range: 2-5 year-olds

Toilet Training Policy: Children may enter the program at 2 years old without being potty-trained. Support and encouragement will be provided.

Class Size:

• Two-year-old Room – 12
• Pre-K Room – 16

Days & Hours

Monday-Friday: 9:00-11:30 am

Lunch Bunch: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Registration & Tuition

Registration Begins: We have open enrollment until classes are full! Registration for the following school year begins March 15.

Registration Fee: $100

Tuition and Rates: Tuition rates are monthly and depend on the number of days attended (ex. 3 days a week). Please call to inquire.

Additional Information

Accreditation: None

Facility Established: Crossways Preschool was established in the 1990’s.

We have 2 outdoor playground, blacktop spaces for bikes, and 2 indoor gross motor spaces. We participate in weekly chapel, the bookmobile with the local library, and hold fun community events that raise relationships as well as funds for the program.

Contact Information

Address: 501 Valley Park Drive, Libertyville, IL 60048

Phone: 847-254-5820

Director: Dori Kompare

Email: gwgpreschool@gracelutheranlibertyville.org

Website: growingwithgracepreschool.org

Curriculum

We teach by using a combination of child-centered and teacher-directed activities and focus on developing the whole child through a variety of hands-on individual and group activities.

We utilize a play and theme based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. We develop social skills, self-regulation, and empathy. We build the ability to problem solve through exploration of a variety of art materials and styles.

Pre-kindergarten readiness skill are taught and we use the Handwriting without Tears program and the Bridges math curriculum.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio:

• Terrific Twos – 10:2
• Tremendous Threes – 15:2
• Fabulous Fours – 15:2

Student Age Range: 2-5 years

Toilet Training Policy:

• Twos program – Potty trained not required
• Threes and Fours program – Potty trained required

Class Size: 10 students in Twos programs and 15 students in Threes/Fours/Adventures programs.

Days & Hours

Days and hours vary – see website for updated information: growingwithgracepreschool.org

Registration & Tuition

Registration Begins: Mid-January 2025. Check the website for exact dates.

Registration Fee: $100 for first child, $25 for each additional child. $50 for Adventures class (if not registering for a core class) and Tiny Twos students.

Tuition and Rates: Check our website: growingwithgracepreschool.org

Additional Information

Accreditation: ELEA member, DCFS Licensed

Facility Established: 2006

Classroom, multi-purpose room, playground, garden, bike area, grass field, and church sanctuary

Contact Information

Address: 1190 W Winchester Road, Libertyville, IL 60048

Phone: 847-367-0926

Director: Adrienne Johnson

Email: ajohnson.lcns@att.net

Website: libertyvilleco-op.com

Curriculum

Our play-based curriculum aligns with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. All developmental areas are addressed and all types of learners are supported through our age-appropriate activities. Our curriculum is child-centered and engages young learners through a variety of intentional learning opportunities.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio: Varies by age

Student Age Range: 2-5 years

Toilet Training Policy: Toilet training is not required by highly recommended.

Class size: Varies by age and classroom

Days & Hours

Monday – Friday

8:45-11:15, Extended Day option available

Registration & Tuition

Registration Begins: January – ongoing with availability

Registration Fee: Contact the school office for current rates or visit us at libertyvilleco-op.com

Tuition and Rates: Contact the school office for current programs and tuition rates or visit us at libertyvilleco-op.com. Parent Helper Opt-Out fees are available.

Additional Information

Accreditation: Licensed by IL Department of Children and Family Services

Facility Established: 1945

Facility Details: New playground installed in 2025, fenced in with bikes/scooters. Child-sized potties in most classroom restrooms.

Contact Information

Address: 1441 Lake Street, Libertyville, IL 60048

Phone: 847-247-2694

Director: Kate Cavanaugh

Email: kcavanaugh@d70schools.org

Website: littlesprouts.d70schools.org

Curriculum

We use Creative Curriculum to foster a lifelong love of learning through hands-on activities, interactive games, and engaging materials. We also recognize the importance of social and emotional development, providing ample opportunities for meaningful peer interactions and guiding students in developing social skills, empathy and emotional regulation.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio: Approximately 15:2

Student Age Range: 3-5 years

Toilet Training Policy: Students are typically toilet trained. We support individual circumstances and work with families to promote student independence with toileting.

Class Size: Approximately 15 students

Days & Hours

Monday – Thursday

AM Session: 8:30-11

PM Session: 12-2:30

Registration & Tuition

Registration Begins: February 2026

Registration Fee: 2025-2026: A non-refundable deposit of #335 will be required at the time of registration

Tuition and Rates: 2025-2026 Annual Fee $3,350. Tuition is billed in 10 monthly installments. The first installment is your deposit. the other nine installments are billed September to May. Bussing is available for $475 per semester

Additional Information

Accreditation: School District 70 Preschool

Facility Establish: As the program was developed and enhanced, it became a preschool and was previously called Little Learners in 2021-2022 as a tuition-based service. The program consists of general education and special education students all learning together.

Physical Space: Little Sprouts is located at Butterfield Elementary School. There is a playground and multiple classrooms. Our program prepares children for kindergarten fostering self-confidence and a love of learning. Our exception educational tam consists of highly qualified teachers in early education, special education, and English Language instruction and specialized professionals, psychologists, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists who collaborate to support all students.

Contact Information

Address: 30450 N Center Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048

Phone: 847-362-7675

Director: Kim Forker

Email: kim4kr@aol.com

Website: matigianpreschool.com

Curriculum

Our curriculum is based on learning through play and hands on activities. Each Child is given the opportunity to move through different stages of development by exploring a variety of methods and strategies.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio

• Room 1: 18 children, 3 teachers
• Room 2: 20 children, 2 teachers

Student Age Range: 2 -6 years

Toilet Training Policy: Our program accepts children that are not potty trained

Class Size:

• Room 1: 18 children
• Room 2: 20 children

Days & Hours

Monday – Friday

9:00 – 11:30 am; Lunch Bunch extended to 12:30 pm

Registration & Tuition

Registration Begins: January 13, 2025

Registration Fee: $125.00

Tuition and Rates:

• 2 Day program – $295.00 per month
• 3 Day program – $420.00 per month
• 4 Day program – $560.00 per month
• 5 Day program – $695.00 per month

Additional Information

Accreditation: Licensed with the Department of Children and Family Services.

Facility Established: 1969. The Libertyville school started in 1984.

Physical Space:  The school is on an acre lot. The school has 2 large classrooms along with 2 bathrooms and an office space.

Contact Information

Address: 501 W Park Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048

Phone: 847-367-1441

Director: Cindy Smith

Email: cindy.smith@stjohnslib.com

Website: stjohnslib.com

Curriculum

At St. John Preschool our curriculum consists of social, emotional, and academic studies that help to foster the growth of each child. We offer a large variety of hands on and play experiences, along with many child led and teacher led activities.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio:

• Threes – 8:1
• Fours – 10:1

Student Age Range: 3-5 years

Toilet Training Policy: Children must be toilet trained

Class Size: 8-12 students

Days & Hours

Preschool hours are from 7:50 am – 3:15 pm. Before and after school care is available. Before school care is available from 6:30 am – 7:50 am. After school care is available from 3:15 pm – 6:00 pm.

Registration & Tuition

Registration Begins: Ongoing

Registration Fee 2024-2025: $95

2024-2025 Tuition and Rates: $788

Additional Information

Accreditation: Grade School WELSA and NCPSA

Facility Established: Over 50 years ago

Physical Space: St. John preschool offers colorful, spacious and child welcoming classrooms. St John has a completely enclosed playground with a play structure and many play activities.

Contact Information

Address: 221 Park Place, Libertyville, IL 60048

Phone: 847-362-0730

Director: Liz Hein

Email: jstephens@stjoseph-libertyville.org

Website: sjscatholic.org

Curriculum

Children learn through all of their senses. Our curriculum utilizes weekly themes, incorporating many different, interactive approaches to reinforce the concept being introduced. The following curricular areas are included in our preschool program: Religion, Reading Readiness, Language Arts, Math Readiness, Science/Discovery, Social Studies/Character Education, Music & Movement, Physical Education. In addition to our formal curriculum, Little Knights offers a variety of enrichment programs as part of our school day. Technology/Computer Lab, Fine Arts, In-House Field Trips.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio: 10:1

Student Age Range: 3-4 years

Toilet Training Policy: Children must be toilet trained

Class Size: 20

Days & Hours

Monday – Friday

• 3s M/W/F – 8:00-10:30 am
• 4s M-F – 7:30 am-2:00 pm
• 4s T/Th – 7:30 am – 2:00 pm
• 4s M/W/F – 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Extended Day Program is available for children registered for our PK 4s programs.

Registration & Tuition

Registration Begins: December 1, 2025

Registration Fee: $200

Tuition and Rates: Varies by program. For details see the website sjscatholic.org.

Additional Information

Accreditation: Accredited through the Illinois State Board of Education

Facility Established: 1990

Physical Space: Dedicated classrooms with bathrooms. Playground, gym, library, media center, STEAM Lab, church.

Contact Information

Address: 125 W Church Street, Libertyville, IL 60048

Phone: 847-281-991

Director: Ann Phillips

Email: vgmschool@icloud.com

Website: villagegreenmontessori.com

Curriculum

Rich curriculum including language, math, science, cultural, art, music, and yoga.

Fun nurturing environment where children grow socially and emotionally while building character and independence.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio: 8:1

Student Age Range: 2-6 years

Toilet Training Policy: Children 3-6 years of age must be potty trained before start of school.

Class Size: 18

Days & Hours

Monday – Friday

7:30 am – 4:30 pm

Registration & Tuition

Registration Begins: January

Registration Fee: $200

Tuition and Rates: Available online at villagegreenmontessori.com

Additional Information

Accreditation: Affiliated with American Montessori Society & Association of Illinois Montessori Schools.

Facility Established: 2002

Physical Space: Downtown Libertyville – across from Cook Park Library. Six Classrooms – Courtyard – Tot lot

Contact Information

Address: 745 N Diamond Lake Road, Mundelein, IL 60060

Phone: 847-566-0966

Director: Zoe Friedrich

Email: zoe@kiddylearningstation.com

Website: kiddylearningstation.com

Curriculum

Quality education with an individual perspective for preschool and daycare children ages six weeks to six years old. KLS is a warm and caring environment with individualized attention.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio:

• Infants – 1:4
• Toddlers – 1:5
• Twos – 1:8
• Preschool – 1:10
• PreK – 1:10

Student Age Range: 6 weeks – 5 years

Toilet Training Policy: We Potty Train in the 2’s classroom – They cannot move to the 3’s unless potty trained.

Class Size: 

• Infants: 6
• Toddlers: 10
• Twos: 10
• Preschool: 10
• PreK: 10

Days & Hours

Monday-Friday 6:30 am – 5:30 pm

Registration & Tuition

Registration Begins: Year Round. Check the website for exact dates

Registration Fee: $150

Tuition and Rates

• Infants
  • 5 Days – $400/wk
  • 4 Days – $352/wk
  • 3 Days – $300/wk
  • 2 Days – $240/wk
• Toddlers
  • 5 Days – $362/wk
  • 4 Days – $319/wk
  • 3 Days – $272/wk
  • 2 Days – $237/wk
• Twos
  • 5 Days – $330/wk
  • 4 Days – $291/wk
  • 3 Days – $248/wk
  • 2 Days -$226/wk
• Preschool
  • 5 Days – $318/wk
  • 4 Days – $279/wk
  • 3 Days – $239/wk
  • 2 Days- $218/wk
• PreK
  • 5 Days – $305/wk
  • 4 Days – $269/wk
  • 3 Days – $229/wk
  • 2 Days – $191/wk

Additional Information

Accreditation: DCFS Licensed

Facility Established: 2012

2 Playgrounds, Indoor Play Area, 5 Classroom, Keypad Entry

Contact Information

Address: 200 W Maple Avenue, Mundelein, IL 60060

Phone: 847-949-2720

Principal: Katie O’Brien

Assistant Superintendent of Student Services: Jamie Dicarlo

Coordinator of Student Services: Cindy Sementa

Parent Coordinator: Melissa Yonkelowitz

Email: kobrien@fsd79.org

Website: www.d75.org/lincoln

Curriculum

Mundelein’s preschool program uses Creative Curriculum. The Creative Curriculum for Preschool empowers children to be confident, creative, and caring learners through play-based, hands-on investigations. Our program uses a research-based approach that incorporates language, literacy, and mathematics throughout the day.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio:

• 20 students to 1 teacher and 1 paraprofessionals in PFA
• 10 students to 1 teacher and 1 paraprofessionals in Special Education

Student Age Range: 3-5 years old

Toilet Training Policy: It is not mandatory for students to be toilet trained for students to attend.

Class Size: 

• Preschool for All – 20 students per class
• Early Childhood Self-Contained up to 10 students per class

Days & Hours

Traditional school calendar. 5 days a week, August – May. Winter, spring and summer breaks. Days off for: holidays, school improvement, and student screening.

Morning session runs from 8:00-12:00

Afternoon Session runs from 12:15-2:45

Registration & Tuition

Registration Fee: $120

Tuition: Free if eligible

Registration Requirements: Students must be three years old to register and must qualify. To qualify, students must be a resident of Mundelein School District 75 and meet at-risk factors following a screening or be eligible for Special Education.

Additional Information

Accreditation: Preschool for All is Grant Funded

Established: 2013

Lincoln Early Learning Center is a unique preschool setting that serves students from Hawthorn, Mundelein, and Fremont school districts.

Physical Space: Lincoln Early Learning Center has a completely fenced playground, sensory and gross motor spaces, and large classroom spaces.

Nestled at the north end of the city of Mundelein, Lincoln Early Learning Center has five Mundelein classrooms, an outdoor playground, two indoor gymnasiums, and a library space.

There are additional classrooms in the building operated by Fremont School District 79 (four classrooms) and Hawthorn School District 73 (six classrooms), and one Tri-District Structured Learning classroom that serves students from all districts.

Contact Information

Address: 200 W Maple Avenue, Mundelein, IL 60060

Phone: 847-949-2720

Principal: Katie O’Brien

Executive Director of Student Services: Krista Winkelman

Email: kobrien@fsd79.org

Website: lincoln.fsd79.org

Days & Hours

Traditional school calendar. 5 days a week, August – May. Winter, spring and summer breaks. Days off for: holidays, school improvement, and student screening.

Students are assigned a morning or afternoon session based on age, with younger students attending in the morning.

Morning session runs from 8:00-10:30 am, M-F

Afternoon Session runs from 12:15-2:45 pm, M-F

Registration & Tuition

Registration Fee: $76

Students must be 3 to register and must qualify. To qualify students must be a resident of Fremont School District 79 and meet at-risk factors following a screening or be eligible for Special Education.

A select number of tuition-based spots are available during our morning and afternoon sessions.

Free if eligible.

Tuition-Based Program is $3,500 for the school year without transportation. With transportation, the cost is $3,750 per school year.

Additional Information

Accreditation: Accredited through the Illinois State Board of Education

Established: 2013

Physical Space: Lincoln Early Learning Center has a completely fenced playground, sensory and gross motor spaces, and large classroom spaces.

Nestled at the north end of the city of Mundelein, Lincoln Early Learning Center has four Fremont classrooms, an outdoor playground, two indoor gymnasiums, and a library space.

There are additional classrooms in the building operated by Mundelein School District 75 (five classrooms) and Hawthorn School District 73 (six classrooms), and one Tri-District Structured Learning classroom that serves students from all districts.

Contact Information

Address: One Carmel Parkway, Mundelein, IL 60060

Phone: 847-388-3418

Director: Ann-Marie Kaiser

Email: akaiser@carmelhs.org

Website: carmelhs.org

Curriculum

We are a play-based, multi-age preschool that focuses on letters, numbers, shapes, colors, phonics, literacy readiness, math readiness, science, social studies, religion, PE, art and music. We integrate regularly with the high school students for various activities.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio: 10:1

Student Age Range: 3 and 4 years

Toilet Training Policy: Students must be fully toilet trained, independent and capable of managing all bathroom needs.

Class Size: 20 maximum

Days & Hours

7:15 am – 5:30 pm (including Extended Day Program).

School Day is 8:00-2:00 with a half day option from 8:00-11:00

The Extended Day Program starts at 2:00 pm

Registration & Tuition

Registration Begins: Currently Underway

Registration Fee: $450 (includes $275 non-refundable fee and $175 applied toward tuition)

Tuition and Rates: $6900; Extended Day Program rate $3600 (pick up between 2:00-5:30); punch card available for flexible use of the Extended Day Program

Additional Information

Accreditation: Little Flower Preschool is recognized by ISBE and accredited by Cognia

Program Established: 2025

Physical Space: We enjoy state of the art facilities including use of the high school areas (gyms, fields, performing arts studios, etc.) and a safe and secure enclosed playground for preschool use.

We welcome you to come for a tour of our exceptional facilities and to meet our teaching team!

Contact Information

Address: 1401 S Lake Street, Mundelein, IL 60060

Phone: 847-566-4345

Director: Holli Blumberg

Email: mumms1401lake@aol.com

Website: mundeleinmontessorischool.com

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio:

• 4:1 – Infants
• 5:1 – Toddlers
• 8:1 – Twos
• 10:1 – Preschool, 3-6 years
• 10:1 – School-agers

Student Age Range: 6 weeks – 12 years

Toilet Training Policy: Every child is different

Class Size: Smaller than average

Days & Hours

Monday – Friday

6:30 am – 5:00 pm

Registration & Tuition

Registration Begins: Open

Registration Fee: 

• 1 child – $125
• 2 children – $150
• 3 or more children – $175

2024-2025 Tuition and Rates:

Full Day Program – Monday-Friday

6:30 am – 6:00 pm (currently closing at 4:45 pm)

• Infants – 5 days $380/week; 3 days $265/week
• Toddlers – 5 days $360/week; 3 days $250/week
• Twos – 5 days $340/week; 3 days $240/week
• 3-6 years – 5 days $320/week; 3 days $230/week
• Before Elementary School – 5 days 105/week
• After Elementary School – 5 days 140/week
• Before & After Elementary School – 5 days 190/week
• Full Day/Week off Public School 310/week
• Transportation charge $75/family/month. $20 additional for multiple schools. Subject to change base on family size and number of schools attended per family.
• Children IDHS school fee – $150 – 1 child; $165 – 2 children; $190 – 3 children or more. This is per family on a monthly basis.

Additional Information

Accreditation: N/A

Facility Established: 2001

Physical Space: Playground with a lot of open space.

Contact Information

Address: 145 N Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills 60061

Phone: 847-931-2640

Director: Kelley Whitescarver

Email: kelley.whitescarver@d128.org

Website: vhhscougars.org

Curriculum

Play based curriculum. The program is a lab-based teaching program for high school students interested in pursuing education in early childhood or elementary education.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio: 1:1

Student Age Range: 3-5 years of age

Toilet Training Policy: Required for child to be toilet trained

Class Size: 15

Days & Hours

Monday-Tuesday: 9:00-11:00 am

Thursday – Friday: 9:00-11:00 am

Registration & Tuition

Registration Begins: January

Registration Fee: None

Tuition and Rates: None

Additional Information

Accreditation: Lab Based

Facility: Large classroom with small kitchen and observation room.

Contact Information

Address: 5 E Phillip Road, Vernon Hills, IL 60061

Phone: 847-680-7771

Director: Stephanie Muller

Email: 0083@klcorp.com

Website: https://tinyurl.com/4646fv58

Curriculum

Our daycare is built around a nurturing, child-centered environment where warm and caring teachers help every child feel safe, valued, and understood. Our educators take time to build real relationships with each child, offering comfort, encouragement, and individualized attention throughout the day. Our engaging curriculum blends play-based learning with meaningful, age-appropriate instruction. Children enjoy daily activities that promote social skills, early literacy, problem-solving, STEM exploration, and creative expression. Lessons are designed to spark curiosity and give children the freedom to learn at their own pace while building confidence and independence. Additionally, we have a team that devises our curriculum to ensure that it meets the children’s needs as well as the state standards.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio

• Ones – 1:4
• Toddlers – 1:5
• Twos – 1:8
• Preschool – 1:10

Student Age Range: 0-12

Toilet Training Policy: We believe it is important to partner with families and work together for potty training success.

Class Size: 10

Days & Hours

6:30 am – 6:00 pm

Registration & Hours

Registration Begins: Ongoing

Registration Fee: $120

Tuition and Rates: Available upon request

Additional Information

Accreditation: NAEYC

Facility Details: Each age group has their own classroom space. Three playground spaces that are for different age groups. Spacious, thoughtfully designed classrooms provide plenty of room for exploration, creativity, and movement. Each area is arranged to support different types of play and learning – quiet reading corners, hands-on discovery stations, imaginative play zones, and open spaces for group activities.

Contact Information

Address: 200 W Maple Avenue, Mundelein, IL 60060

Phone: 847-949-2720

Principal: Katie O’Brien

Assistant Superintendent of Student Services: Alicia Corrigan

Director of Student Services: Jen Scharfenberg

Email: kobrien@fsd79.org

Website: ls.hawthorn73.org

Curriculum

Hawthorn’s preschool program uses Creative Curriculum. The Creative Curriculum for Preschool empowers children to be confident, creative, and caring learners through play-based, hands-on investigations. Our program uses a research-based approach that incorporates language, literacy, and mathematics throughout the day.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio:

• 20 students to 1 teacher and 1-2 paraprofessionals in PFA
• 10 students to 1 teacher and 2 paraprofessionals in Special Education

Student Age Range: 3-5 years old

Toilet Training Policy: It is not mandatory for students to be toilet trained for students to attend.

Class Size: Self-Contained Early Childhood Special Education: 10 students; PFA Blended Program: 20 students

Days & Hours

Traditional school calendar. 5 days a week, August – May. Winter, spring and summer breaks. Days off for: holidays, school improvement, and student screening. Students are assigned a morning or afternoon session based on home address.

Morning Session runs from 8:30-11:00 M-F

Afternoon Session runs from 12:45-3:15 MTRF and 12:30-300 W

Registration & Tuition

Registration Fee: $75 for Early Childhood Self-Contained Program, No fee for PFA

Tuition: Free if eligible

Registration Requirements: Students must be three years old to register and must qualify. To qualify, students must be a resident of Hawthorn School District 73 and meet at-risk factors following a screening or be eligible for Special Education.

Additional Information

Accreditation: Preschool for All is Grant Funded

Established: 2013

Lincoln Early Learning Center is a unique preschool setting that serves students from Hawthorn, Mundelein, and Fremont school districts. Hawthorn’s preschool includes blended Preschool for All (PFA) classrooms (students are screened to determine eligibility) and early childhood special education preschool classrooms (students are eligible through an individualized education program).

Physical Space: Lincoln Early Learning Center has a completely fenced playground, sensory and gross motor spaces, and large classroom spaces.

Nestled at the north end of the city of Mundelein, Lincoln Early Learning Center has six Hawthorn classrooms, an outdoor playground, two indoor gymnasiums, and a library space.

There are additional classrooms in the building operated by Mundelein School District 75 (five classrooms) and Fremont School District 79 (four classrooms), and one Tri-District Structured Learning classroom that serves students from all districts.

Contact Information

Address: 536 Atrium Drive Suite 200, Vernon Hills, IL 60060

Phone: 847-918-0342

Director: Margarita Shvets

Email: admin@rhythmoflearning.com

Website: rhythmoflearning.com

Curriculum

The Rhythm of Learning Montessori is a full member of the American Montessori Society (AMS), certified with the association of Illinois Montessori Schools, is affiliated with the North American Montessori Teacher Association (NAMATA), and is affiliated with the American Illinois Montessori Society (AIMS). It is registered and recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as a Non-Public Entity and is a member of the Illinois Non-Public School Association. It is licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for our classrooms.

The Montessori after school program is exempt from licensing and not regulated by DCFS. Our schools are independent private corporations with the mission of operating the school for children from ages 6 weeks through 12 years old following the educational philosophy and curriculum of Dr. Maria Montessori.

The school also has been awarded a Preschool for All and Prevention Initiative grant for the 2025-2026 school year which are State-funded programs free for qualifying families.

The Students

Student Teacher Ratio: 10:1

Student Age Range: 3-6 years

Toilet Training Policy: Must be toilet trained once your child is 3 years old.

Class Size: 20

Days & Hours

Monday – Friday

7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Registration & Tuition

Registration Begins: Open enrollment

Registration Fee: $150

Tuition and Rates: 3-6 year olds, full day: $16,200

Additional Information

Accreditation: Montessori

Facility Established: 1999

Physical Space: Playground, 5 classrooms, music school, multipurpose room for indoor recess

About

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Services

To create a statewide regional infrastructure that will amplify input from communities in the development of policies and funding priorities. We support the mobilization of communities to build and sustain equitable access to inclusive, high-quality Early Childhood services for all children and families in the state of Illinois. Reimagining a more equitable Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) system that respects family and community voice and works to ensure it is centered and prioritized at every level of decision making in Illinois.

Contact Information

Contact: Dane Cruz

Phone: 309-270-5572

Email: dcruz@birthtofiveil.com

Address: 1200 University Avenue, Grayslake, IL 60030

Website: www.birthtofiveil.com/region34

Services

Clementine offers weekly classes with carefully prepared activities that support children’s whole development and session events that help families build community. The Montessori materials, classroom environment, and philosophy build children’s concentration, independence, and coordination, allowing them to pursue their interests, encourage curiosity, and experience the joy of learning.

Contact Information

Contact: Jessica Brown

Phone: 847-770-0130

Email: hello@clementinecommunity.com

Address: 526 N Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048

Website: clementinecommunity.com

Services

igrow Lake County home visiting provides family support and coaching to young parents who may be inexperienced and often do not have family support. Trained professionals are matched with families based on each family’s needs.

Contact Information

Phone:847-377-8112

Email: igrow@lakecountyil.gov

Address: 3010 Grand Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085

Website: lakecountyil.gov/4362/igrow-Lake-County

Services

Non profit organization with a mission to have every public school student in Lake County arrive at school every day ready to learn.

Contact Information

Contact: Liz Hartke / Joel Finfer

Phone: 847-287-9287

Email: ehartke@lcroefoundation.org

joelfinfer@lcroefoundation.org

Address: 300 Center Drive, Suite 100, Vernon Hills, IL 60061

Website: lcroefoundation.org

Services

Touchstone Therapy Center and Therapediatrics help families thrive by supporting them in their growth throughout their lifespan. We are a multidisciplinary therapy facility using collaboration with Speech, Occupational, Physical, and Behavioral Health Therapies as well as Parent Coaching and Webinars.

Contact Information

Contact: Michelle Goldstein

Phone: 847-996-6666

Email: mgoldstein@touchstonetherapycenter.com

Address: 400 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills, IL 60061

Website: touchstonetherapycenter.com

Services

Bright by Text is committed to contributing to a world in which every child and family can thrive. That’s why we share helpful tips, info and activities on physical and mental health, social-emotional well-being, safety, brain development and learning, as well as information about valuable community services and events happening right her in Lake County. Designed for children prenatal to age 11 text messages are available in both English and Spanish. To sign up, text “UWLC” to 274448.

Contact Information

Contact: Rosa Herrera

Phone: 847-775-1000

Email: rosa.herrera@uwlakeco.org

Address: 330 S Greenleaf Street, Gurnee, IL 60031

Website: liveuntiedlakecounty.org