A Perfect Place for Learning

Building a block tower with friends. “Cooking” in a play kitchen. Sitting on the floor for a story. Making a craft. These are activities that occur every day in our preschool program.

Under the guidance of our exceptional teachers, hands-on daily activities are designed to promote each child’s physical, creative, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Best of all, with such a wonderful start in a nurturing, stable and loving environment, our young students gain a solid foundation for future school success, through play.

We offer structured programming for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds that emphasizes socialization and self-expression through manipulatives, art, music, fine and gross motor skills, and hands-on activities. Social-emotional development (not academics) is our main focus for the 2 and 3-year-old programs. The 4-year-old program introduces kindergarten readiness concepts through play-based activities.

Our Preschool Program is certified by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and all of our staff meet the qualifications set forth by this agency. 

We look forward to fostering a love of learning in your child!

Preschool Registration

• Residents currently enrolled and continuing in the Preschool Program are given priority registration.
• Children must be age appropriate by September 1 to enroll in the Preschool Program.
• All students attending preschool need to provide a birth certificate, a completed medical form, a copy of current up to date immunizations, as well as all required (provided) paperwork required by DCFS. Failure to provide these documents by will result in a loss of your deposit and child’s spot in the program.

Registration for the 2024-2025 school year is ongoing! Space is still available in some classrooms for Winter/Spring 2025.

For information about registration, please contact Brooke Plofsky, Preschool Director, at 847-685-4400 or bplofsky@prparks.org.

2025-26 School Year Registration Information

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year begins Monday, March 10, 2025 at Noon.

• Online registration is encouraged. 
• IMPORTANT: To register online families must have an established account at the Park Ridge Park District. To create an account, please visit the Maine Park Leisure Center at least one week prior to the preschool registration date. Click here for more information. 
• Some classes may be full due to priority registration for children currently enrolled in our Preschool Program.
• All children must be completely toilet trained to participate.
• Proof of residency is required to receive resident rates.
• A $100 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. Payment plans are available by calling the front desk.
• The 2025-26 School Year starts Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Preschool Open House

Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Maine Park Leisure Center, 2701 W. Sibley Street

Prospective families interested in learning more about the Park Ridge Park District's Traditional and Nature Preschool Programs are invited to attend our Open House, from 10:00am-11:00am (parents only) or 5:30pm-7:00pm (families welcome).