By Margaret Holler


The Park Ridge Park District provides a structured preschool program for 2, 3 and 4-year-olds, fostering socialization and self-expression through art, music, motor skills and hands-on activities. Certified by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the program adheres to all required qualifications for staff.

2-year-old program: Focuses on social skill development and individual growth in a playful environment.
3-year-old program: Introduces foundational concepts like numbers, letters, shapes and colors.
4-year-old program: Prepares children for kindergarten with problem-solving activities and opportunities to build friendships.

Guided by experienced teachers, the program offers hands-on daily activities that support physical, creative, cognitive, social and emotional development.

Guided by experienced teachers, the program offers hands-on daily activities that support physical, creative, cognitive, social and emotional development. This nurturing environment sets the foundation for future academic success through play-based learning.

In addition to the traditional preschool program, the Park District also offers a nature preschool through the Wildwood Nature Center. Designed for 3 and 4-year-olds, this unique program combines readiness skills with a focus on the natural world. Conducted primarily outdoors, it follows the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards and rotates seasonal nature and science topics.

For families seeking full-day options (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), the Park District offers flexible schedules combining traditional play-based preschool, nature preschool and enrichment programs. All activities are housed on the Maine Park campus, with staff ensuring smooth transitions between classes.

Interested families are invited to the open house on Wednesday, February 26 at Maine Park (2701 W. Sibley Street in Park Ridge). The adult-only session runs from 10-11 a.m., and the family session is from 5:30-7 p.m. Registration for the 2025/2026 school year opens on Monday, March 10 at noon.

For more information, visit prparks.org or call 847-685-4400 for the traditional preschool or 224-585-4861 for the nature preschool.