Our early childhood programs are designed to provide parents with a variety of activities for their preschoolers during the day. Parents have the flexibility to choose one or all three programs to design a program that works best for them. Bring your lunch and stay all day in a supervised environment! Staff provide safe transitions, escorting students from one class to the next.
Downloads and Resources:
2024-2025
Tours
Interested in taking a tour of our Busy Bees preschool before registering your little one? Contact our Preschool Supervisor, Michelle Horvat, at michelle.horvat@champaignparks.org to schedule a time!
5 Ways to Prepare Your Little One for Preschool
Starting preschool is a significant milestone for both children and parents. It marks the beginning of an exciting journey filled with learning, exploration, and growth. We want to make sure you and your little one are prepared and ready to embrace this new chapter with confidence and enthusiasm.
FAQs
How do I know if my child is ready for preschool?
Look for signs that they are ready. Here are some questions to think about when making your decision!
- Do they demonstrate independence?
- Can they handle separation?
- Do they follow directions well?
- Do they communicate clearly?
- Are they potty-trained?
- Do they like to interact with other children?
What is your student/teacher ratio?
Our ratio is 10 students to 1 teacher.
What is the typical schedule for the day?
Our kiddos will start their day off with a circle time. During that time, they will sing a greeting song, talk about the day, and read a story. They will move into free play and craft time. Snack time will be around 10am and then either indoors in our playscape or outdoor playtime at West Side Park. Then it’s time to go home.
How do you handle discipline?
Discipline is used as a method to help your child learn self-control and how to problem solve personal conflicts. Staff finds a firm verbal reminder of the correct behavior usually helps the problem. If not, staff will remove the child from the group in order for them to think about the situation and their actions. If the problem continues, further disciplinary procedures will be taken.
What can you offer my child?
The Champaign Park District Busy Bees and Creative Playtime programs provide a stimulating and secure environment in which your child can grow socially, intellectually, and emotionally. Through play your child will learn to understand the world on their own terms and to have some control over it in order to meet their needs. Your child will be respected as an individual, recognizing and emphasizing their worth, dignity, and unique qualities.
Careful planning and guidance by experienced, caring teachers, and a well-equipped and well-designed room help to make this a pleasant and valuable experience for your child.
Scholarships and Resource Services
Because some residents are unable to participate in recreation programs due to economic hardship, the Champaign Park District offers scholarships to reduce certain fees and charges. Scholarship Program applicants are not guaranteed fund availability, program registration or choice of program location. Early applications are given priority. Need is the primary criterion upon which scholarship applicants are considered. Questions: 217-398-2550.
If you would like to submit your completed scholarship application with the required documents by email, please send them to scholarships@champaignparks.org.
Child Care Resources Service (CCRS)
Child Care Resource Service helps income-eligible parents who are working and/or going to school to pay for their child care. Eligibility is based on family size and parents’ income. Working families whose incomes are at or below 50% of the state median income level may be eligible. Processing the application can take up to 10 business days, once all the necessary information is received. Please pick up an application form from CCRS. CCRS approved families may register for summer youth programs by paying a $10 deposit per child/per session of the program. These deposits may be refunded at the end of the summer once all CCRS checks are received and there is a credit balance. If money is still owed on your account once CCRS checks have been applied, you will be responsible for the rest of the bill. Because the Park District does not receive payment from CCRS until one month after the service was provided, your deposit could be refunded as late as October.
Please Note: Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation is unable to accept CCRS payment due to changes in governmental regulations.
Questions: Child Care Resource Service (https://ccrs.illinois.edu/), 217-333-3252 or 1-800-325-5516
