A: Yes, Zion does offer both a 3 and a 4-year-old program. Our 4-year-old classes meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 12:30-3:00PM or Monday thru Friday mornings from 8:00-11:30AM. Our 3-year-old program meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 12:30-3:00PM. Zion has the advantage of having our 3's and 4's in separate classes so that we are able to teach to the developmental level of each age group.

A: Zion follows the guidelines set by the State of Illinois regarding who is able to attend preschool. Children must be 3 or 4 by September 1 of the school year to attend. We do not make exceptions to this guideline. Students that do not meet the state set guidelines are welcome to attend our daycare once they turn 3 if there are openings.

A: Yes, your child does need to be potty trained. We understand that accidents may occur and request that all parents send extra clothes in their child's backpack daily in case of accidents.

A: Yes, Zion takes pride in its safety precautions taken for the safety of all children. The 4-year-old preschool classes have a 10 to 1 student/teacher ratio. Zion has a secure locked front door and all entry to the building is granted by the secretary or other staff. Zion has 8 security cameras which are monitored and recorded. Zion has a fenced in playground and a phone system in each classroom that also doubles as an intercom system. The phones are taken out to recess in case of any emergency. All of Zion's staff are CPR, AED and first aid trained. All preschool classes participate in fire and tornado drills throughout the school year. The preschool room is equipped with a fire escape door if the need should ever arise.

A: First and foremost your child will learn that they are God's forgiven child dearly loved by Him. 3-year-olds learn the basics of the school environment such as: sharing, getting along with others, cleaning up after themselves, how to follow directions and how to listen to a story. 3-year-old preschoolers are exposed to letters, numbers, shapes, colors and many other skills as they learn about the world around them through books, themes, activities, songs and movement, projects and hands-on activities that strength fine and gross motor skills.

A: First and foremost your child will learn that they are God's forgiven child dearly loved by Him. 4-year-old preschoolers learn letter recognition, writing and letter sounds along with phonemic awareness activities to prepare them for the challenge of learning to read in Kindergarten. Math skills such as: counting, number recognition and writing, and patterning and graphing. Children learn skills through songs, movement, stories, hands-on activities that strengthen fine and gross motor skills, projects and theme activities.

A: Zion preschool uses the Concordia Publishing House religion curriculum which teaches basic Bible stories. Christ centered activities are always at the core of our curriculum no matter the subject. 4-year-old morning preschoolers attend chapel each Wednesday with the K-8 students and have a chance to lead the service once a year.

A: Zion preschool students begin each day with a chance for "freeplay" where they can interact with other students while participating in pretend play activities. This is an opportunity to learn and put into practice social skills needed throughout your child's life. Zion preschoolers use the playground as the weather permits and have access to the school gym if the weather is adverse.

A: We have a computer in the classroom that is used periodically to access things for the class to view and in small groups to explore educational games that reinforce a skill one on one with the teacher. We continually strive to integrate technology in our classrooms on a developmentally appropriate level for the preschool students we serve.

A: See below at the ZECEC Rates Section for more information

A: You will need to bring a completed preschool registration form and the non-refundable registration fee to our registration evenings the spring before the next school year (Call Mrs. Kleckner or Mrs. Cook to learn more). Please see the registration sheet for information regarding exact registration times. Before beginning preschool or daycare you will need to provide a current doctor physical and shot records. We do not require a birth certificate.

A: If you have further questions, please call Mrs. Kleckner or Mrs. Cook at 635-2446., ext. 02.