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Lincoln Learning Center Preschool and ThreeSchool
Downers Grove Park District Preschool and ThreeSchool
Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Avenue

Click here to view one of our Lincoln Learning Center Preschool Classrooms!

Where Learning is Fun!
Preschool FAQ's
The Lincoln Learning Center Preschool provides a curriculum of developmentally appropriate experiences designed to develop the whole child.The preschool program provides a nurturing environment with stimulating activities in creative art, language, math, science, dramatic play, movement and songs, indoor and outdoor play. Guided by the Illinois Early Learning Standards, all activities are designed to enhance children creatively, intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically. A detailed preschool manual is available upon registration.

Our Teaching Staff
All teachers are qualified, caring and experienced professionals who pride themselves on a warm, sensitive, safe and educational environment. Lead Teachers have a degree in Education, an education related degree or equivalent experience. Aides have previous teaching experience in the area of Early Childhood Education, many within park district early childhood enrichment programs. All teachers are required to complete 15-hours of continuing education to keep current on early childhood education treands. Each class has two teachers. Small class sizes and bright, inviting classrooms enhance the child’s experience.

Meet Our Lincoln Learning Center Teachers:

	Mrs. Bednara has worked as a preschool aide for the Downers Grove Park District Lincoln Learning Center for the past five years. For the 2011-2012 school year, she is an aide in the three year old, Tuesday/Thursday morning class. Before becoming a teacher at the Lincoln Learning Center, Mrs. Bednara was a Lead Teacher at All God’s Children preschool. She also volunteered as a library assistant and classroom parent at Hillcrest School. Mrs. Bednara is always working toward continuing her education by attending Early Childhood seminar and conferences. A 17 year resident of Downers Grove, she has always enjoyed working with children of all ages, being a devoted mother of four daughters. She loves helping children learn new skills and seeing them smile.
	Mrs. Benjamin has worked at the Lincoln Learning Center as a Teacher’s Aide since 1997. Before joining the Lincoln Learning Center, she was a full-time mother and also provided childcare in her home. She developed her love of working with children at an early age, making her position at the Lincoln Learning Center a perfect fit. Mrs. Benjamin has been in both the three and four year old programs, as well as the ThreeSchool program. Additional roles within the preschool program include leading both physical education and music enrichment classes, and for the past four summers, she has worked with the Exploration Station summer camp. Mrs. Benjamin is married with two grown children.
PHOTO COMING SOON!	Mrs. Daniele is a 29 year resident of Downers Grove, and is familiar with the community and the surrounding families. She was a long time member of the Downers Grove Junior Women’s Club and was involved in many aspects of Downers Grove such as the Fine Arts Festival and Heritage Fest. Mrs. Daniele raised three children, all of whom attended the Lincoln Learning Center Preschool. She also played an active role in their District 58 schools. As a teacher at the Lincoln Learning Center for 9 years, Mrs. Daniele has attended numerous conferences and seminars in continuing education for early childhood development. She hopes to continue to be part of the Lincoln Learning Center Preschool to shape future generations.
PHOTO COMING SOON!	Mrs. Davison has worked at the Downers Grove Park District for eight years. She has been a lead teacher and teacher aide in both three-year-old and four-year-old preschool. She has also taught Threeschool,  Discovery Play, Messy Two's and a variety of early childhood classes. Before coming to Lincoln Learning Center, she worked in the Woodridge school district in their early childhood program and also as an inclusion aide.  She lives with her family in Bolingbrook.
	Mrs. Foster attended Southern Illinois University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. When her children Rita and Maxwell were preschoolers, she enrolled them in Discovery Play classes as well as Exploration Station at the Downers Grove Park District. So impressed with the programs, she decided to inquire about job opportunities with the park district. When ThreeSchool was first introduced in 2004, she worked as a Teacher’s Aide on Friday mornings. As each year passed, she took on more roles within the preschool program. For the 2011-2012 school year, she is a Lead Teacher for the Preschool 3 year old classes, a Teacher’s Aide for the Preschool 4/5 year old classes and Lead Teacher for Ready, Set, Kindergarten and Exploration Station. She feels really blessed to have such a fun and rewarding career. As Mrs. Foster said, “There’s no place I would rather be – these kids mean the world to me!”
	Mrs. Lipuma received a Master of Science degree in Education from Northern Illinois University and a Minor in Mathematics. She started her teaching career in North Berwyn School District 98 as a 4th grade teacher. She then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where she taught 1st and 3rd grades. After moving back to the Downers Grove area, Mrs. Lipuma worked at the Woodridge Montessori School and was the owner and president of the Caffe Nero coffee shop in the Downers Grove Train Station. She began her career with the Downers Grove Park District in 2004. She has been with the Lincoln Learning Center for eight years as both a Lead Teacher and Teacher’s Aide. Mrs. Lipuma and her husband, Jim, have been married for 24 years and raised two daughters, Alyssa and Carly. Both of her daughters attended the Downers Grove Park District Preschool, now named Lincoln Learning Center.
	Mrs. Modine has been teaching children for the past seventeen years. As a lifelong resident of Downers Grove, she has been involved in volunteering and teaching at the park district since 1997. She has taught an array of classes for children at the Downers Grove Park District including ooey gooey science, writing enrichment, art, kindergarten readiness, discovery play, ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and lyrical dance. Mrs. Modine first began working with the children in the summer day camp program and then eventually took on more responsibility as the director of the camp, ultimately leading to her position as the coordinator. She and her husband Matt were both involved with the camp and just loved teaching the children. Mrs. Modine received a Masters Degree in Education from National-Louis University as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University. She taught sixth grade in Downers Grove Grade School District 58 for four years prior to having her three children. She now focuses her time on raising her three young children as well as teaching here at the park district. Teaching is her passion in life.
	Mrs. Norton has been involved in the 3 year old and 4 year old Preschool program as a lead teacher since 1979. She is also known as Mrs. Norton, the clay teacher, as she initiated and created pottery classes for children ages 5-18 at the Downers Grove Park District. She graduated from Winona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Art/Education. Mrs. Norton also had the opportunity to teach in the Tri-State area, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois schools. She also taught at St. Paul the Apostles in Joliet for two years prior to coming to the Downers Grove Park District. Through working as a Lincoln Learning Center preschool teacher, Mrs. Norton has had the opportunity to meet and work with many talented teachers and through their hard work and dedication, we have seen the growth and expansion of the preschool program over the years.
	Mrs. O'Brien received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Clarke University in Elementary Education and Art History. She also spent a semester studying in Vienna, Austria. Mrs. O’Brien began her career in education as a first grade teacher in Lyons, IL School District 103. After living in Raleigh, North Carolina for several years, she returned to Downers Grove and enrolled her youngest daughter in the Park district’s 4-year-old preschool program, thus beginning her involvement with the Lincoln Learning Center. The following year, she was hired to teach 3 and 4 year olds and has now been a lead teacher in the preschool program for over thirty years. Living in the community, Mrs. O’Brien feels it has been very rewarding to get to know so many children and their families and has enjoyed hearing about her students years later. She continues to love teaching, with the challenges and joys that each new class brings. Her goal has always been to instill in each child a love for school. She feels that from a positive preschool experience there will be a readiness and a foundation for future learning. Mrs. O’Brien and her husband have three adult children and three grandchildren.
	Mrs. Owens was born and raised in Chicago, and began her career in business before going back to school for Early Childhood Education. In 1986, she moved to Downers Grove with her husband and two young children. Shortly after moving to Downers Grove, she became acquainted with the park district and in 1990, with both of her children in our preschool, she began teaching here as well. Mrs. Owens soon realized this was more than just a job; it was a calling and a way to give back. In her 21st year of teaching preschool at the Lincoln Learning Center, she is still excited to come to school and loves witnessing the transitions each child goes through as they learn, grow and mature. She continues to marvel at each child’s sensibilities and emerging personalities. There is never a dull moment! Mrs. Owens’ hope is that she can bring a smile to someone’s face, do a kindness and encourage a love of learning even in those so young.
	Mrs. Rottmann received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics from Western Illinois University. She began her teaching career working as a substitute teacher in various districts before she became an instructional aide in Berwyn, IL. In 1989, when her youngest daughter entered Kindergarten, Mrs. Rottmann started working at the Downers Grove Park District Lincoln Learning Center. For the 2011-2012 school year, she is a lead teacher for the three year old and four/five year old classes and also works in the summer as a lead teacher for the Exploration Station summer camp. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Rottmann is a mother of two daughters who have taken various classes at the park district over the years. In her words, “I really enjoy having the opportunity to watch the three and four year old children learn and grow.”

Three-Year Old Preschool
Perfect for the new early learner, the three-year old program helps foster socialization and independence while introducing children to the classroom setting. Through teacher-guided activities, children learn to follow simple directions, make new friends and share with others in a group. Activities promote fine motor development through creative arts, cutting and gluing. Children are introduced to shape, number and color recognition through Show & Tell and themed activities and large motor skills are enhanced through gym, creative movement activities and outdoor play.

Four/Five-Year Old Preschool
Experienced learners prepare for Kindergarten in programs designed for continued enrichment. Children develop readiness skills through exposure to upper and lower case letters, sound recognition, reading and writing activities, math concepts and color and shape review. Social skills and problem solving are enhanced through unstructured play and teacher-directed group activities. Children explore and learn about the community through local field trips and community visitors.

The Downers Grove Park District Early Childhood enrichment programs offer year-round fun and learning for you and your child. Early childhood classes help children gain independence and learn new skills through developmentally appropriate activities. Enjoy family programs geared for parent, child and sibling involvement.

Choose from programs that feature arts and crafts, music and movement, dance, gymnastics, sports and games, cooking, social play, camps and more.

2012 - 2013 School Year

Three and Four-Year Old Registration
Registration applications are available at the Lincoln Center Registration Office,
935 Maple Avenue beginning January 9, 2012 at 8:30 am. For currently available openings for the 2011-2012 school year, call (630) 963-1300.

Returning Student and Sibling Registration
Three-year-old students currently enrolled in Preschool, their siblings and students currently enrolled in ThreeSchool have the first opportunity to register for the 2012/2013 Preschool classes.

Registration applications are available at the Lincoln Center Registration Office, 935 Maple Avenue, beginning Monday, January 9 at 8:30 am through Saturday, January 14 at 12:00 pm. Mail in or drop off your registration application at the Registration Office. Please indicate your first through third choices for class placement. A random selection for class placement takes place Monday, January 16. Returning students may continue to register on a first-come, first-served basis after January 16, 2012.

New Resident Registration: 3- & 4/5-Year-Olds

Registration applications for remaining class openings for 3-year-olds and 4/5-year-olds are available at Lincoln Center beginning Monday, January 16, at 8:30 am through Saturday, January 21, at 12:00 pm. Mail in or drop off your registration application at the Registration Office. Please indicate your first through third choices for class placement. A random selection for class placements takes place Monday, January 23. New residents may continue to register on a first-come, first-served basis after January 23, 2012.

Open Registration

Both residents and non-residents may register for remaining class openings beginning Monday, January 24, 2012 at the Lincoln Center, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 am and 6:00 pm and Saturday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.

1. 1. Downers Grove Park District residents must verify residency by attaching a copy of their property tax bill to the registration form. Please call Lincoln Center if you have questions about your resident status.
2. 2. Child’s age must be verified by attaching a copy of a birth or baptismal certificate to your registration form. No other forms of age verification are accepted.
3. 3. Siblings must reside in the same household and provide proof of residency.
4. 4. Submit a $50 non-refundable deposit check payable to the Downers Grove Park District. (This amount is subtracted from the total tuition.)
5. 5. Children must be 3 but not yet 4 years of age by September 1, 2012, to register for the 3-year-old program. Children must be 4 or 5 but not yet 6 years of age by September 1, 2012, to register for the 4/5-year-old program. The park district reserves the right to place a child previously enrolled in the preschool program based on ability level observed by the preschool staff.
6. 6. Children must be toilet-trained and not in pull-up training pants.
7. 7. Applications are not processed without complete and accurate residency and age verification.
8. 8. Children are placed in second or third class choice if first choice is unavailable.
9. 9. Children waitlisted will receive notification in the mail.
10. 10. If you are expecting to move within the Downers Grove Park District boundaries by September 1, 2012 and want to register for preschool during the mail-in/drop-off process, please attach a copy of the purchasing contract to your application.
11. 11. A $10 transfer fee will be assessed once class assignments are complete.
12. 12. Registered students will receive their classroom and teacher assignments in early August 2012.
13. 13. All classroom and teacher assignments are random.

2012 - 2013 Preschool Tuition & Class Schedule

Preschool Tuition Payment Policy
For your convenience, preschool tuition may be paid by installments in the following amounts:

Downloadable Information for your Convenience.

• Illinois Early Childhood Standards - February 2012
• Preschool News: February - 3 Year Olds
• Preschool News: February - 4/5 Year Olds
  
• Medication Dispensing Packet
• Illinois Department of Public Health Medical Form
• Student Information Form
• Code of Conduct Acknowledgement Form
• Emergency Information Form
• Permission Form
• Car Pool Release Form
• Preschool FAQ's

Preschool Refund
The registration deposit is non-refundable. A tuition refund will only be granted if the program is cancelled for the school year by the Park District or a written physican's excuse is presented for withdrawal from the program. Application for a refund must be made in person at the Registration Office during business hours.

Preschool Wait List Policy
To ensure accurate wait lists, once a child is registered in a preschool class, he/she will not be placed on a wait list for another preschool class.

ThreeSchool 2012-2013

ThreeSchool is designed for those children who miss the September 1 preschool program deadline. Like the preschool, ThreeSchool activities are created to enhance the whole child - creatively, intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically. Most importantly for early learners, independence and socialization skills are emphasized. Weekly themes, creative expression, circle time and large and fine motor skill development help your child get ready for preschool. Class structure is consistent with the continuing 3 and 4/5-year old preschool program. Each class has two teachers. ThreeSchool participants receive priority registration for three-year-old Preschool. Student information forms are available upon registration. ThreeSchool Orientation Night, held prior to the start of the program, allows parents to meet teachers and learn details of the program.

Emergency Information Form
Car Pool Release Form
Allergy Information Form
Medication Dispensing Packet

Optional Three-Day Program

Parents can choose to add a third day of ThreeSchool to their child's schedule. The additional Friday is based on a first-come, first-served basis. A maximum of fifteen children can be accommodated on Friday. Please refer to the class schedule for the additional Friday dates and tuition.

Registration Criteria

1. 1. Registration must be done in person at Lincoln Center registration office, 935 Maple Avenue or Recreation Center, 4500 Belmont Road.
2. 2. Child's age must be verified by attaching a copy of a birth or baptismal certificate to your registration form. No other forms of age verification are accepted.
3. 3. Children must turn 3 years of age between September 2 and December 31, 2012.
4. 4. Children may be in Pull-ups and should be on their way to taking care of their own toileting needs.
5. 5. Applications are not processed without complete and accurate verification.
6. 6. Submit a $50 (non-refundable) deposit check payable to the Downers Grove Park District.

Class Schedule and Fees for 2012-2013

ThreeSchool Class Schedule &Tuition Rates
Day/Option	Date	Time	Resident/Nonresident Tuition
Monday & Wednesday	9/10 - 5/15	9:00 - 10:30 am	$547/$821
Monday & Wednesday	9/10 - 5/15	11:00 am - 12:30 pm	$547/$821
Tuesday & Thursday	9/11 - 5/16	9:00 - 10:30 am	$584/$876
Tuesday and Thursday	9/11 - 5/16	11:00 am - 12:30 pm	$584/$876
Friday Option A	9/14 - 12/7	9:00 - 10:30 am	$112/$168
Friday Option B	1/7 - 5/17	9:00- 10:30 am	$167/$251

For your convenience, tuition may be paid in four installments. Details are mailed upon completion of registration. A $50 deposit secures your space. Tuition payments are as follows:

ThreeSchool Tuition Payment Installments
Day/Option	Resident/Nonresident Tuition	# of Installments
Monday & Wednesday	$124.25/$192.75	4 Installments
Tuesday & Thursday	$133.50/$206.50	4 Installments
Friday Option A	$56/$84	2 Installments
Friday Option B	$83.50/$125.50	2 Installments