Lincoln Learning Center Logo

Once the historic Lincoln School from 1867 to 1974, the Lincoln Community Center is ideally suited as a Preschool. With classes at two facilities (Lincoln Center and the Recreation Center), we offer:

  • Seven bright, colorful and well-equipped classrooms
  • Small class sizes taught by professional and qualified teachers
  • Indoor gym & outdoor play areas
  • Nut-free classrooms
  • Inclusion services available through SEASPAR
  • Local walking field trips and special guests

Safe & Secure

Safety is our number one priority at the Lincoln Learning Center. In order to ensure a safe environment for your children, the Lincoln Learning Center has implemented the procedures below:

  • At the Lincoln Center, the preschool classrooms are located on their own floors. At the Recreation Center, the preschool classroom is located on the main floor, just down the hall from the front desk. At both locations, cameras are used to monitor the hallways and areas around the classrooms.
  • Ten minutes after the start of class, the Preschool floor hallway doors are locked and remain locked until ten minutes prior to the end of class. Automatic locks have been installed on the hallway doors to increase access control. The Recreation center classroom door remains locked at all times.
  • Individual classroom doors will be locked five minutes after the start of class and remain locked until dismissal time.
  • Parents who arrive late or need to pick up their child early will need to check in at the front desk at the Lincoln Center to have the hallway doors opened.At the Recreation Center, they will need to ring the doorbell outside the classroom to be greeted by a teacher.
  • The Park District utilizes ePACT to maintain information in regards to authorized pick-up persons for each student.

Enrichment Programs

A variety of Preschool supplemental enrichment programs are offered throughout the course of each school year to children enrolled in 2-, 3- or 4/5-year-old Preschool. These programs include: Preschool Connection for 3-year-old Preschool, Ready, Set, Kindergarten for 4/5-year-old Preschool, and Spanish, Math and Science classes for 3 & 4/5-year old preschoolers.

The Downers Grove Park District offers a variety of early childhood-focused programs year-round fun and learning for you and your child - even if you are not enrolled in the Lincoln Learning Center Preschool. 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 art, music and movement, dance, gymnastics, sports and games, social play, camps & more!

Class information for enrichment and other programs is available in the seasonal Park District program guides.

2-YEAR-OLD PRESCHOOL

Weekly themes, creative expression, circle time and large and fine motor skill development help your child get ready for 3-year-old preschool. Class structure is consistent with all preschool classes and independence and socialization are emphasized. Participants receive priority registration for 3-year-old preschool the following school year. Children enrolled in this program do NOT need to be potty-trained; Pull-ups/training pants are permitted. Children must turn 2, but not yet 3 by September 1 to enroll in 2-year-old Preschool.

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. Children must turn 3, but not yet 4 by September 1 to enroll in 3-year-old Preschool.

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. Children must turn 4 or 5 years old, but not yet 6, by September 1 to enroll in 4/5 year-old preschool.