Preschool for Two-year-olds
(Parent's Day Out)

You have seen your child develop, grow, and thrive under your loving care and watchful eye. At Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Learning Center, we believe that each child is a very special and unique gift from God. We strive to provide an atmosphere of caring acceptance, so that your child may develop to his or her full potential. At Zion's Preschool-2(PDO), children will grow in responsibility toward themselves and others through hands-on-activities and social interaction. They will develop self-confidence, a love for learning, and most important, they will learn to know more about Jesus, their best friend and Savior.

Two-year-olds thrive on exploration and creativity. Their imagination and curiosity give them great energy and creative potential. Toddlers learn through their own experience, trial and error, repetition, imagination, and identification. It is the teachers' responsibility to guide and encourage this learning by ensuring that the environment is safe and emotionally supportive.

Children must be two years old by September 1st of the current school year to attend Preschool-2 (PDO) classes. A child who wishes to attend the Monday/Wednesday afternoon must turn three by January 1. A child does not have to be potty-trained to attend class. A bathroom is located in the classroom for those children who are potty-trained. Teachers will change diapers when necessary.

All paperwork must be on file by the first day of school. This includes a health form, which must be dated no more than six months prior to the first day of school. This must also include a recent TB test unless the physician indicates it is not necessary at this time. The lead screening portion of the health form must also be completed. These requirements are mandated by the Illinois Department of Health.

At the beginning of the school year, we practice a slow start in order to help the children to adjust to the classroom. The week before school starts, parents are encouraged to bring and stay with their child for an hour of playtime in the classroom. The first week of school, the Preschool-2 classes will run for the first hour of class only. The second week of classes and after, the children will stay for the entire class time. If your child is having difficulty adjusting, please visit with the teacher for ideas to help with the transition.