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Kinderhaven Preschool Academy

Director's Dialogue ] Blue Class ] Purple Class ] Red Class ] Teachers ]
 

Classes for children 
2½ through 5½ years of age

Compassion Projects
Human beings need to feel that they are essential to the well-being of the world. This is a basic human need for mental and emotional health. Children, from an early age, enjoy knowing that they have “helped” others in some fashion. We believe in a world where compassion and giving back are at the very heart; therefore, “compassion projects” are interwoven throughout our students’ lives while attending KPA.  Read about our projects! 

This last years projects!
 PDF icon Erase Hate Project (8k - 1 page)
PDF icon Giving Tree Project (9k - 1 page)

Why do we do it?

PDF icon Explanation (12k-2 pgs) 

Read about compassion with your child!

PDF iconBooks List (8k-1 pg)

Parenting Workshop "Lessening Sibling Rivalry"
February 9th
9:30 - 10:30am
CROYA Facility
Register by emailing Dr. Robbins, by Feb. 7th or sign up in the classroom.
Babysitting is available upon request with a $5 per child fee.

Winter / Spring Brochure Pages

WELCOME TO KINDERHAVEN PRESCHOOL ACADEMY!
2011/2012 SCHOOL YEAR
 

Kinderhaven Preschool Academy is a developmental preschool for children ages 2 1/2 to 6, licensed by the State of Illinois. Our approach and curriculum has been influenced by the preschools of Reggio Emilia and are supported by short and long term projects that are inspired by the children’s interests, knowledge of early childhood development and topics that are generally of interest to children.  Imbedded in these projects are the tools and opportunities for all children to develop concepts and skills that will lead to a successful school experience and desire to learn. Our educators are dedicated Early Childhood Professionals committed to upholding our mission and goals. The school follows the holiday calendar for School District #67 (September – May)

 

Our philosophy and goals are best represented in our core values. These core values serve as the foundation for our preschool and include the following:

  • Children have experiences that encourage healthy social-emotional development and positive self-concept.
  • Children will develop a positive character, understanding the importance of compassion and respect for others throughout all aspects of their daily activities.
  • Learning experiences are holistic (involving the whole child) and nurturing, challenging and encouraging children to grow in every aspect of their lives.
  • Children are provided with opportunities to develop fundamental skills that serve as a foundation for future school success, and enhance their desire to learn.
  • Parents are viewed as vital to their child’s development and partners in their child’s education.
  • Documentation is an integral part of the teaching and learning process.

The above core values are seen in every aspect of our Kinderhaven classes and are fostered at each child’s developmental level with just enough challenge for him/her to succeed and grow intellectually, skillfully and socially. We also offer Enrichment Classes that are designed to promote specialized skills and concepts in those respective areas.

Our mission: to provide a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment designed to promote discovery, creativity, learning and growth in all areas of development in preschool aged children. To share with parents the most current information on child development, so that they may better understand the development and the education of their preschool child.

Kinderhaven Preschool Academy’s fundamental values are based on an image of the child as being curious, competent, and capable of co-constructing knowledge. At Kinderhaven Preschool Academy, educators observe, document, interpret children's thinking, representational work, and learning. We then endeavor to understand, support, and extend the children's thinking, theories, and hypotheses in order to give meaning to their experiences.

Using guidelines established by The National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, we will provide an age appropriate preschool program for children, 2½ - 6 years of age, in age specific groupings. Each child will have individual goals established by the team of parent and staff. Parent involvement will be encouraged through active participation in the classroom, monthly parent coffees, chaperoning of field trips, and attendance at the many family events throughout the school year. Hurry to get your registrations in now! 

What we love about Kinderhaven-

Three things pop into my mind when I think about our experience with Kinderhaven: Confidence, Critical Thinking, and Compassion. Dr. Robbins' philosophies (and those of the teachers she hires), have a common theme of treating our children with respect, while simultaneously teaching them to respect others. Students are encouraged to express themselves confidently, as they explore the world around them in any way their curiosity carries them. Our son is thriving in their enriching environment, and he loves it as much as we do.
-The Marks Family

To parents of preschoolers -

We have never been more confident in our decision to send all 3 of our children to Kinderhaven Preschool Academy. The staff is nurturing, committed and welcomes every child and family with open arms. All of our children have different personality and learning styles. The child directed curriculum has been successful with each one of them and made their first learning experience a joy.

What more could we ask for! Kinderhaven is a school that continues to help our children have a zest for life, a compassionate heart and a love for learning.
Sincerely,
-Alyssa & Steve Sinclair

What I think makes Kinderhaven unique is that my children have had the opportunity to have their voices be heard, really heard. The curriculum is dynamic and based on the interests of the kids. This is so important because it empowers the kids as learners, thinkers and doers. They are actively engaged in shaping their preschool experience rather than being passive participants in the teacher’s agenda. This feeling of empowerment combined with the focus on compassion at Kinderhaven gives them the sense that they do have the power to make a difference in the world. This is such a remarkable gift to give young children; one that I believe will stay with them and continue to influence their lives in a positive way as they move beyond preschool.
~Suzanne Sands

Our family feels fortunate to have the opportunity to send our daughter to Kinderhaven preschool. As we evaluated the preschools in the area we noted two things that make it stand out: First, Kinderhaven's curriculum is influenced by the preschools of Reggio Emilia where children learn all about the things they are most curious about- from shoes to pumpkin seeds. This means the kids get and stay really engaged! The second thing we like about it is Kinderhaven’s emphasis on the importance of giving back to less fortunate communities with their "compassion projects." The children learn about people that may not have the resources they do and come up with meaningful ways to help. Kinderhaven understands and values the difference kids can make in the lives of others- something we are trying to teach our kids. They did a pancake lunch and rock n roll show to raise money for Haiti, and they have raised money for soup kitchens and food depositories.

As parents we love how friendly and engaged the staff is. We also love how often they provide updates on what sorts of things our daughter is learning about. It is a fantastic and unique school and we are thrilled our daughter is in enrolled!

-Leslie and Michael Basedow

I visited all of the pre-schools in the area to find the right fit for my son. After visiting Kinderhaven, I was truly impressed by the life lessons that the teachers instill in the students. Kinderhaven is unlike any other school I have seen. My son is appreciated for his individuality, and he is encouraged to express himself in his artwork and class discussions. It is an inspiring place for the students as well as the parents, and I know that the experiences and lessons my son learns will carry with him throughout his life. I only wish that the Kinderhaven school continued through the eighth grade, because I would love for my son to continue the Kinderhaven philosophy of education throughout his grade school years. I am very thankful that my son has the chance to learn from some of the most kind, nurturing teachers I have ever met. I would highly recommend Kinderhaven to anyone who is looking for an outstanding pre-school experience for their child.
-Jennifer Patt (red class parent)

 

Listed below is a Parent Handbook, Curriculum Guide, Registration Form/Department Waiver, Health Form, Supplementary Information Form, Permission Form, Emergency Form, Parent Handbook Sign-off, and the Class list permission. All of these forms are necessary in order for your child to participate in Kinderhaven.

 

TYPE OF FORM WHO SHOULD HAVE WHEN TO TURN IN
Registration Form / Waiver All Students Time of registration
Emergency Information All Students May 15
*Health Form (2 sides, please remember to fill in and sign the parent section "Health History") New Students (or any forms over 2 years old) May 15
Picture/Walk Permission Form All Students May 15
Parent Handbook Sign-off Form All Students May 15
Class List Permission Form All Students May 15
Supplementary Info. Form
(2 sides)
All Students May 15
Meet our 2011-2012 Teachers!
Donate your recyclables!  Check our list for the items we need for the classroom.
Flu Awareness Information for parents of Kinderhaven students
Parent Checklist
Kinderhaven Wish List

*HEALTH FORM: The Health Form needs to be dated no more than 6 months PRIOR to the beginning of your first enrollment in Kinderhaven. The health form is good for two years. The Health Form must be completely filled out including the Identifying Information (parent fills out), Health History (parent fills out and signs), Immunization Record, TB Test and Lead Screening (physician must sign).
 

**The TB Test and Lead Screening only need to be done ONCE, but must be indicated on the form with the date and results.

ALL forms must be complete and handed in prior to your child’s participation in Kinderhaven.

PARENT HANDBOOK: PDF icon (60k - 18 pages) Please read the Parent Handbook thoroughly: it will help you become more familiar with our Philosophy and Goals, Core Values and give you specific information on our Policies and Procedures. You will receive another letter during the summer that will give you specific information regarding the beginning of the school year, orientation, a school calendar and upcoming events.

The CURRICULUM GUIDE PDF icon (176k - 8 pages) has been written in order to give you information about the Kinderhaven Curriculum and Approach.


The City of Lake Forest, 220 E. Deerpath, Lake Forest, IL 60045      (847) 234-2600