Welcome to the 2014 chambanamoms.com Champaign-Urbana Area Preschool Guide! It is our belief that there is no one best preschool in Champaign-Urbana — or anywhere for that matter. Not every school is right for every child! That is why it is important for parents to shop around, to find what works for your child — and what works for your family.
How to use this guide? Let’s explain. This guide features schools that:
cater to children generally ages 2-5, although most are for 3-5. Many (but not all) require children to be potty-trained upon admission.
are in session a few hours per day and operate on school-year calendars. There are some grey areas; some schools may offer optional extended care options and some offer extended calendar years.
What schools are NOT in this guide?
Centers that *ONLY* offer year-round, full-time care are not on this list. If you are looking for full-time childcare, we have a guide for you over here.
What is a Featured Listing?
Schools with featured listings are sponsors of chambanamoms.com. If your school would like a featured listing, please contact us.
Featured Listings:
First United Methodist Child Care Center 
Preschool Curriculum: FUMCCC has been educating children since 1965. We follow the Creative Curriculum, which allows children to work at their own pace, using their creativity to gain a positive sense of themselves as they experiment and explore. The National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs has recognized FUMCCC with an award of accreditation for our commitment to excellence.
What makes your preschool unique: We have a full size gym as well as easy access to West Side Park, allowing children space for large motor development year round. Many of our teachers have been at our school for over 10 years and all are CPR/First Aid certified. We offer quality care at a competitive rate.
What the Director says: “The quality of care is excellent and the dedication of the teachers is tremendous.”-Hope Morrison, weekday and day care parent
Location: First United Methodist Child Care Center, 210 W Church St, Champaign
For more information: http://champaignfumc.org/childcare or (217)356-1247
Judah Christian Preschool
Preschool Curriculum: We use “Handwriting Without Tears” for our handwriting curriculum. It was developed by an occupational therapist just for the Preschool age child. We also use “Scripture Bites” and WYAM Bible Curriculum to base our weekly thematic units.
What makes your preschool unique: Our program is different because we base everything we do on our Biblical worldview. We come along side the Christian home and continue what they are being taught at home. We also add the academic, social and emotional growth process through wonderful curriculum and gifted teachers.
What the Director says: There is something different about Judah and the families feel it upon walking into the building. Our teachers believe in Christian Education and are committed to teaching, loving and strengthening the parent/teacher bond through open communication and respect.
Open House Dates: February 20th from 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Judah Christian School, 908 N. Prospect, Champaign
For more information: http://www.judah.org or (217)359-9210
Cooperative Nursery School 
Preschool Curriculum: Coop uses the Creative Curriculum by Diane Trister Dodge. This curriculum concept seeks to balance teacher-planned and child-initiated learning, and to respond to the individual strengths, interests, needs, and learning styles of each child.
What makes your preschool unique: Parent involvement! Coop is dedicated to the cooperative concept of early education where teachers, parents, and children work and play together to create the best learning environment for every child to reach their own potential of emotional, intellectual, and social growth.
What the Director says: Our program is enriched by the involvement of our parents, who bring to the classroom a wide range of cultural, educational, and artistic backgrounds. The high level of parent involvement also facilitates a smoother transition from family life to the world of school. Anna Cech, Director
Location: First Presbyterian Church, 602 W. Green St., Orchard St. entrance, 2nd floor, Urbana
Open House Dates: Thursday February 27, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. and Friday February 28, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
For more information: http://www.coopnursery.org or (217)384-1128
St. John Lutheran Little Lamb Preschool
Preschool Curriculum: Little Lamb Preschool provides a variety of experiences and a wealth of materials for children to explore in planned learning centers throughout the facility. Activities develop fine and gross motor skills in addition to developmentally-appropriate, play-based instruction in language, math, science, and more!
What makes your preschool unique: Little Lamb has a special connection with its families, who have frequent opportunities for involvement.
What the Director says: “Our lead teacher, Karen Rohrer, does an amazing job constantly adapting the curriculum to the needs of her students, and they respond by not only being prepared for kindergarten but also loving school!” Joel Burgener, Principal
Location: 509 S. Mattis Ave., Champaign
For more information: http://www.stjohnls.com or (217)359-1714
Carle Auditory Oral School
Carle Auditory Oral School
Curriculum: The Carle Auditory Oral School is a private school environment for children with hearing loss and normal hearing. Small class sizes, highly skilled teachers, thematic lessons and environmental learning give students the edge they need to be successful both in and outside of school. At Carle Auditory Oral School, children with hearing loss learn alongside those with normal hearing, creating an ideal environment for developing communication and social skills.
Schedule Options: 11-month calendar, beginning in early August and continuing until late June. Children participate in 200 school days, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Before and aftercare is available at an additional cost. A childcare program is available on teacher institute days and July break.
What Makes CAOS unique: The small class size and active learning opportunities help us connect with individual children, forming a positive, nurturing relationship that allows each child to reach new heights.
What the Director Says: “CAOS strives to provide children with a solid foundation of self-confidence, concern for others, academic readiness and enthusiasm for the learning process. We believe these factors set the stage for success in elementary school and beyond. It is such a gift to inspire a lifetime love of learning in the children we serve.” -Danielle Darcy
Location: 810 W. University Avenue, Urbana
For More Information: http://www.carleschool.org or 326-2824
Mother’s Morning Out (MMO)
Curriculum: Mother’s Morning Out (MMO) follows the Creative Curriculum (c). We understand that children are learning all the time – and they learn best by being active. We strive to provide a fun, safe atmosphere where children feel comfortable exploring, expressing themselves. We challenge and nurture children to become independent, self-confident, curious learners who can work well with others.
Schedule Options: Mother’s Morning Out Preschool classes meet daily Monday through Friday from 8:30-12:00. There are a number of options available including Tuesday/Thursday, Monday/Wednesday/Friday and Monday – Friday.
What Makes MMO Unique: MMO offers two unique programs within one school; a Drop-In program for children aged 6 weeks through Pre-K and a Preschool program for children aged 2.5 through Pre-K. The Drop-In program allows parents the flexibility to bring their child as much or as little as they need and only pay for the hours used. Similarly, the preschool program allows parents flexibility to chose two-, three- or five-day programs.
Parent Testimonial: MMO Parent Elizabeth Perrachione is enthusiastic about her daughter’s experience, “I really feel as though the teachers know my daughter, care about her, care about us as a family, and want to do what they can to support us in every way possible. This caring environment is what sold me on MMO – especially because it is paired with a keen intelligence and grounded curriculum. Kudos!”
Open House: Tuesday, February 4, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Behind Temple Baptist Church, 1100 Broadmoor Drive, Champaign
For More Information: http://www.mmo-cu.org or 356-7377
Campus Cooperative Preschool
Campus Cooperative Preschool
Curriculum: The foundation of our child-centered, play-based curriculum is guided by the implementation of THE CREATIVE CURRICULUM FOR PRESCHOOL ®, along with an engaging creative arts program, and a multifaceted social and emotional curriculum where diversity is embraced and every child feels valued and cherished.
Schedule Options: The Pre-K class (4-5 year olds) meets Monday through Friday mornings. There are three Preschool (3-4 years olds) program options: M-F class (age 3 by Sep. 1), M/W/F class (age 3 by Sep. 1) and Tu/Th class (age 3 by Sep. 1 with limited spots available for students who turn age 3 by Dec. 31). The program hours are 8:30am-11:15 am with the option of extending the school day to 12:15 for an extra fee.
What Makes CCP Unique: Since 1951, our cooperative-styled preschool has actively utilized parents to enhance the curriculum, provide administrative support, and maintain the physical facilities. Our staff’s implementation of the curriculum embraces the emotional world of children through kind, nurturing interactions helping each child develop a positive sense of self as an active learner.
What the Director Says: “Our program focuses on the developmental needs of each child, the cultivation of imagination, and the love of learning. We provide a safe, nurturing environment where creative play is facilitated by the teachers to ensure that critical skills are learned through a joyful discovery process.” – Lisa Treul
Open House: Feb. 27, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: 1203 W. Green Street, Urbana (lower level of the Wesley Foundation)
For More Information: http://
campuscooperativepreschool.
com/ or 344-1623
Montessori School of Champaign-Urbana
Preschool Curriculum: Montessori is a brain-based developmental approach to learning that utilizes carefully crafted, hands-on, sensory based learning materials. Children are encouraged to explore and experiment as they develop independent thinking skills and follow their areas of interest.
What makes your preschool unique: Montessori provides a multi-age classroom environment. The full academic program is available to all ages so that each individual’s style and learning pace may be accommodated.
What the Director says: “Our committed and caring staff have years of experience educating young children. As a non-profit, parent-owned school, we remain focused on providing the the best Montessori education possible.”
Deborah Balsbaugh, Administrator
Open House Dates: 2/21/2014 @ 9:00 a.m., 3/17/2014 @ 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP.
Location: 1403 Regency Drive East, Savoy, IL 61874
For more information: http://montessorischoolofcu.org or (217)356-1818
University Primary School, Champaign
Name: University Primary School (Uni Primary School)
Curriculum: University Primary School curriculum is child-sensitive and responsive to individual patterns of growth, development, learning, and interests. By incorporating the Project Approach into the curriculum, children become actively involved in research and inquiry about meaningful.
Schedule Options: The preschool class meets daily from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with an optional preschool aftercare from 12:00 -3:00 p.m. (Some preschoolers transition from aftercare to University Language Academy spanish immersion instruction from 3:00-4:15 p.m.). Calendar is adapted from the Champaign Unit 4 Schools.
What Makes Uni Primary School Unique: We are Reggio-Emilia inspired and see children as resourceful, curious, and inventive. We value creativity and connectedness across all content areas, with problem solving and self-directed learning paired alongside teacher-guided activities and instruction.
What the Director Says: “Our preschool classroom is engaging and peaceful, filled with joyful discoveries and active learning!” – Dr. Ali Lewis, Director
Open House: February 19 & 20, 9:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.; Prospective Parent Information Night (optional for admission) February 5, 7:15-8:15 p.m.
For More Information: http://education.
illinois.edu/ups/ or 217-333-3996
Our listings continue, alphabetically:
Name: Busy Bees Preschool
Location: Springer Cultural Center, 301 N. Randolph Street, Champaign
Ages Served: The Busy Bees Preschool program is a kindergarten readiness program for 3, 4, or 5-year olds.
For More Information:http://www.champaignparkdistrict.com/programs/preschool.htm
Name: Champaign Unit 4 Early Childhood Center
Location: 809 North Neil Street, Champaign.
Ages Served: 3-5. Children attending the Unit 4 Pre-K classes are selected through a screening process that identifies children who qualify for the program.
For More Information: http://www.champaignschools.org/schools/home/?id=08
Name: Champaign County Headstart
Locations: Champaign, Rantoul, Savoy
Ages Served: 3-5. Families enrolling in Head Start and/or Early Head Start must meet Federal poverty guidelines and be eligible to receive a child care subsidy.
For More Information: http://www.ccrpc.org/headstart/index.php
Name: First Baptist Church Preschool
Location: 1602 S. Prospect Avenue, Savoy
Ages Served: for children 2 to 5 years of age
For More Information: http://www.fbc-cs.org/preschool/index.html
Name: Faithful Friends Preschool
Location: Faith United Methodist Church, 1719 S. Prospect, Champaign
Ages Served: For children ages 2 to 5
For More Information: Website
Name: Little Disciples of Peace Preschool
Location: Peace Lutheran Church, 200 West Arnold, Thomasboro
Ages Served: 3-5
For More Information: Website
Name: Middletown Early Childhood Center
Location: 101 North Division Street, Mahomet
Ages Served: For children 3-5 who have a variety of abilities and needs. Children must be screened.
For More Information: Website or 586-5834
Name: Montessori Habitat
Location: 805 W. Kirby Avenue, Champaign
Ages Served: 3 to 5 year olds.
For More Information: 366-3260
Name: Orchard Downs Preschool
Location: Family and Graduate Housing Community Center, 510 W. George Huff Drive, Urbana
Ages Served: 3-5
For More Information: Website
Name: Prince of Peace Community Early Learning Center Preschool
Location: 802 East Douglas St., St. Joseph
Ages Served: 3-5
For More Information: Website
Name: St. Malachy Catholic School Preschool
Location: 304 E. Belle Avenue, Rantoul
Ages served: contact school
For More Information: Website
Name: St. Thomas Catholic Preschool
Location: 311 E. Madison, Philo
Ages Served: 3-4
For More Information: Website
Name: Small Wonders Preschool
Location: Mahomet Christian Church, 908 N Lake of the Woods Road
Ages Served: 3-4
For More Information: http://www.mahometchristian.org/preschool.html
Name: University of Illinois Child Development Laboratory
Location: 1105 W. Nevada Street, Urbana
Ages Served: for 3- and 4-year-olds
For More Information: http://cdl.illinois.edu/classrooms/half-day.htm
Name: Washington School Early Childhood Program
Location: 1102 N. Broadway, Urbana
Ages Served: 3-5. Children enrolled in Early Childhood Education at Washington School have been identified through a screening and assessment process as needing either Special Education Services or Preschool Readiness Experience.
For More Information: http://www.usd116.org/washington/
Name: Wee Disciples Preschool
Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, 701 E. Florida Avenue, Urbana
Ages Served: 3-5
For More Information: http://www.trinity-urbana.org/Teaching/Preschool.html
If your school would like a featured listing, please contact us.
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