Preschool

Develop a child’s cognitive, social, physical and emotional growth through experience for youth up to 6 years old.

Licensed Preschool

Our September-May preschool programs are for children ages 2 ½ -6. Our teachers are certified Early Childhood Education (ECE) educators who have their bachelor’s degrees and/or early childhood endorsements.

We use the Scholastic's Early Childhood Curriculum and follow weekly themes that incorporate four main subject areas each week: Reading Readiness (phonemic approach), math concepts, hands-on science and the social sciences are presented in a way that develops children's vocabulary and opens their minds to new concepts. Teachers use creative play to enhance learning and social skills. Once each week our music teacher presents a music program that includes guitar, sing-along songs, sign language and seasonal sing-a-longs.

Optional two-days-per-week swimming lessons can extend your child's day with us. See "licensed preschool swimming programs." Also offered this year are one-day a week gymnastics program. See "licensed gymnastic programs."

Priority for licensed preschool programs go to Buehler YMCA current preschool families first, members second and non-members third. Each preschool class has its own calendar, which generally follows Buehler's session schedule. Preference for openings is given to current participants and their siblings based on class availability.

Children do not have to be potty trained to be in our program, but if they are not, a parent/guardian must remain in the building. Our teachers are not allowed to change diapers/pull-ups.

View our pricing and registration information.

If you would like to tour our preschool and learn about program openings please call LuAnn Wachsmuth at 847.410.5219.

Parents’ Day Out

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, children attending our licensed preschool who are enrolled in Pre-K and Level II may extend their day to 2pm. This program includes a hot lunch, physical games, art activities, and lots of fun with friends. Our own preschool teachers run this program. A maximum of 20 children with pre-registration required. 

Parent and Child Programs

Bundles of Fun (Age 8-18mos)

 This parent-and-tot program uses the creative movement and exploration concepts to involve you and your child in new learning experiences. Class includes circle time with songs and finger play, a guided introduction to new motor activities for your child, and free time to play with instruments, puppets and toys. (Mat Room)

Parent N’ Tot Playtime (Age 18-36mos)

 All classes are on Thursdays. Parent and child work as a team in this socialization class. Finger play, music, crafts, touch-book stories, seasonal activities and parties are included. Games, activities and puppets are introduced to enhance color and word recognition, improve listening skills and encourage child to verbalize. Balls, hoops and parachutes help us to develop large motor skills. Parent will provide snack once each session. Off-site field trip may occur once each session.

Toddler Tumbles (Age 12-24mos)

An active introduction to gym class which includes group games, obstacle course challenges and lots of soft play with parent. (Mat Room)

Parent and Child Swim Lessons (Under 3 with parent)

This program is for children under age 3 (exception Pike with Parent) and their parents (or a trusted adult). The primary objective is to get both the parent and child comfortable in the water. The child will become aware of the differences between moving through the water and on dry land, while the parent become aware of how to teach his or her child to be safer in and around water. Classes allow the child to have fun in the water, while the parent guides them to learn aquatic skills. Swim diapers needed!

Either a parent or child must be a member to receive the member rate. For additional information please contact Elaine Buckley at 847.410.5206 or ebuckley@ymcachicago.org.

Parent/Child Gymnastics

An introductory class to develop strength, flexibility, coordination and body awareness while learning gross motor skills for gymnastics. All equipment is introduced. Parents or caregivers are required to participate with their children.

Martial Arts/Beginner Parent/Child

Taekwondo is great fun for kids…and a great way to give kids a head start on life. W. Kim Taekwondo masters and instructors teach the positive benefits of self-discipline and confidence develop coordination and increase strength and flexibility. Both classes meet at the new location – 724 W. Euclid Road in Palatine.

Preschool and Kindergarten Enrichment

Creative Arts for Kids (Age 4-6)

Featured arts include collage, a variety of paints, clay, play dough and other interesting materials. Each week will focus on a theme related to the season, a fairy tale, and animal or a famous artist. Our time includes a story, a project and an activity. (Party Room)

Creative Time for Tots (Age 2 ½ - 3 ½)

Here’s a break for Mom and Dad, a chance for their child to be in a stimulating and developmental atmosphere. This is a great introduction to preschool classes. This mini-preschool class will include circle time, projects and activities, music, snack and many opportunities for free play. Puppets and interactive stories will be presented to help children learn to express themselves using words. Parent attendance is optional; parent will provide snack once each session.

Kids’ Cooking and Fun (Age 3 ½ - 6)

Does your child love to help you in the kitchen? In this class children can enjoy more than just creating a new dish. Our time together will include a story and cooking experience related to a daily theme. Please alert instructor to any food allergies. (Party Room)

Pee Wee Energy Plus (Age 2 – 3 ½)

It’s gym time! A great introduction to the basics: getting in a circle, lining up, following the leader and taking turns. Class includes circle time, age-appropriate games and activities, and the use of basic equipment. (Mat Room so children can play to the max!)

Science Discovery (Age 3 ½ - 6)

Your child loves to discover because kids are natural-born scientists. Let’s build the curiosity for the world they live in with this experimentation class. Children will use all their senses to learn in this hands-on class. (Downstairs Craft Room) 

See brochure for prices and times.