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Preschool

 

WHY PRE-K AT JAHN?

Jahn preschool classrooms have earned the Gold Circle of Quality through ExceleRate Illinois. 

Our philosophy is based on the concept that ALL children thrive in a nurturing environment that promotes a positive attitude towards self and learning.  We believe that all children can be successful through fostering diverse learning opportunities. Our classrooms provide a safe and loving environment that allows children to develop curiosity and take initiative as learners.  Our programs emphasize the importance of respecting everyone as individuals while focusing on teaching empathy and tolerance.  We encourage and support the role parents and families play as the child’s first teacher.

The Pre-K experience is critical, as it helps 3 and 4-year-old children develop the academic and life skills that will carry them into adulthood.  Pre-K provides children with essential opportunities to learn and practice the social-emotional, problem-solving, and academic skills that they will use throughout their lives. 

JAHN’S HIGH-QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM

  • Boosts academic skills
  • Fuels intellectual curiosity
  • Fosters independence
  • Instills a love of lifelong learning

 

Through common goals and high expectations, Jahn’s Pre-K team is dedicated to building a strong foundation and igniting a lifelong passion for learning for children and their families. 

 

We currently have three full-day 4 yr. old and one half-day pre-k programs.  Three of our programs are an Inclusive Blended  Program for a preschool-age student requiring special education supports by an early childhood special education teacher in the general education classroom.   The programs consist of preschool students with and without disabilities.   The Inclusive blended rooms have a General Education teacher, a Special Education teacher, a teacher assistant, and sometimes an additional special education classroom assistant(s).

 

Benefits of an Inclusive Blended Preschool for both typically developing students and students with special needs: 

  • Improved academic performance for all students
  • Students develop a more positive image of themselves and a healthy attitude about the uniqueness of others.
  • Students develop friendships and learn how to play and interact with one another
  • Increased social initiations, relationships, and networks of students and families
  • Students are encouraged to be resourceful, creative, and cooperative
  • Students are more sensitive to the interests and needs of others
  • Positive attitudes are developed that impact future relationship
  • Greater access to the curriculum

 

As a team, with different backgrounds, areas of expertise, and experience, we are working together to make sure EVERY child is learning in a way that is best for him/her, building on strengths, making improvements to areas of need, and providing exposure to all different modalities and styles of learning, and encouraging self-discovery.

 

PARTNERSHIPS

 

In the 2023-24 school year, Jahn's preschool team is partnering with Birds in My Neighborhood (BIMN) through the not-for-profit organization Openlands. For 10 years, BIMN has inspired joy, discovery, creativity, and curiosity by introducing birds and outdoor exploration to elementary school children across our region. The program exposes students to nature at a young age and contributes to children's academic achievements, mental health, and social-emotional well-being. We are excited to introduce this learning to our youngest students and connect it to not only our community but also nature centers in the city! For more information, visit Openland's Birds in My Neighborhood.
 
Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble also visits Monday through Friday to provide dance enrichment for our preschool students. Their Books Alive! curriculum is a proven arts-based program that strengthens the connections between arts and academics in classrooms. During the program, students read a book or short story together and then engage with the text through art, theater, and dance. Books Alive! teaches literacy and reading comprehension, along with conflict resolution techniques through the auspices of theatrical conventions. With a core social justice component, the Books Alive! program engages both the Illinois Learning Standards and Social Emotional Learning Standards to establish and assess measurable outcomes. For more information, visit www.danztheatre.org.

OUR PRE-K HOURS

A.M. Class Times:

8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

 

P.M. Class Times:

12:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

 

Full-day Class Times:

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 

If you have any questions, please call the school at (773) 534-5500 and follow the prompts for preschool. If we do not answer, please leave a message, and someone from the Pre-K Team will return your call.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

 

Preschool applications are ongoing for the 2023-24 school year.

 

Applications for the 2023-24 school year will open April 9, 2024.

 

The Pre-K application process is run by CPS' Chicago Early Learning. Click here for application information. 

 
PREK TEAM
 
Teachers
 
Special Education & Support Staff
 
 
CLASSROOM PAGES