Sonrise School

Sonrise School

The purpose of our Early Learning and Preschool program is to provide a nurturing Christian environment for young children and their families, one that fosters a love of learning, awareness of self and others, and a sense of accomplishment built on a child’s natural curiosity. We make learning fun! Depending on the age of the child, classes are available from 1-5 days per week for your convenience.

What curriculum do you teach?
For our Early Learners (Young 2’s and 3’s), age appropriate activities foster language development, self-help skills and early socialization. Art, music, dramatic and outdoor play, and literacy are just some of the activities that your child will have an opportunity to engage in.

For the preschool and pre-K students, instruction is offered in math, science, art, music, literacy and Christian Ed. Themes of interest to children change every week and the topics include apples, aviation, Dr. Seuss and even the rain forest. Socialization skills are also emphasized. Pre-K students receive lessons in writing, pre-reading and other skills required for entrance into Kindergarten. All preschool children learn and say simple prayers at welcome, snack time and dismissal.

Are classes offered year-round?
Classes run from late August until May (before Memorial Day). We observe the same holiday/vacation break/severe weather closing schedule of District 15 Schools in Palatine. Sonrise School is closed during the summer (June, July and early August).

What classes are available for my child’s age?

YOUNG 2s Class Description:

2019-20: For birthdays from 6/01/2017 – 3/31/2018 or older (birthdays from 4/01/2018-5/31/2018 admitted later as space is available)

2020-21: For birthdays from 6/01/2018 – 3/31/2019 or older (birthdays from 4/01/2019-5/31/2019 admitted later as space is available).

For many of our youngest students this will be a first time experience in a social setting away from home. As a transitional time for your young, growing child, they will begin to learn to play and communicate with others, learn what it means to be part of a group, develop early cognitive skills, including language development and use, and gradually start to separate from time only with you. A loving and nurturing environment is created in these small hands on classes. Licensing through DCFS ensures high standards of operation. Our smaller class size for these young students results in a lot of individual attention and a successful first experience at “school”. Art, music, language development are highly emphasized and offered daily. For children who do not speak English at home, this class offers an immersion to prepare your child for English speaking preschool.

Class meets on Tue and/or Thur – 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Parent may sign up for 1 or 2 days. One snack only is served. Class will go outside daily for neighborhood walks and playground time as weather permits. Two Teachers; Maximum class size of 9 children/day. Parent is expected to volunteer or pay fee – helper day(s) will be assigned to ensure coverage.

Non-refundable registration fee per child is $60. Tuition is in 9 equal monthly payments, the first due at registration; only a partial refund for cancellation will be given up to 5/24/19 (5/22/20 for 2020-2021). No refunds after the summer recess begins.

YOUNG 3s Class Description:

2019-20: For birthdays from 9/02/2016 – 5/31/2017 or older

2020-21: For birthdays from 9/02/2017 – 5/31/2018 or older

Our goal for your young 3 is to lovingly help your child adjust to a school setting and time away from home and family. Being part of a “group” means learning to share, wait and take turns…skills that are important to master in preparation for the upcoming older preschool years. The Young 3’s preschool classes are designed for children who will miss the September 1^st 3 yr. old preschool deadline; for 3 year olds who are not potty trained and/or need more English language development; and for older 2’s who are ready for more socialization and activity in a preschool type of setting. For older children who do not speak English at home, this class offers additional time to prepare for English speaking preschool with a language immersion experience. Parents may select from 1-5 days/week in any combination of days for maximum scheduling flexibility. There are varying weekly themes but daily classes are unique and not redundant. Among the many themes we cover in a school year are the following: Transportation-Things that Go; Bugs, Bugs, Bugs!; Children of the World- A Celebration of your Child’s Heritage. We offer intentionally planned activities for each theme in Art, Science, Math, and Music and Movement. Language use is encouraged as a way of expressing oneself and we actively work to develop that further. Literacy activities (including alphabet recognition and sounds) are tiered throughout the year and are provided daily. We gradually move the children towards sitting and attending at Circle, listening to stories in a group setting, following multi-step directions, and learning to resolve conflicts with peers. We also introduce and embellish age appropriate self-help skills to help increase a child’ confidence in his/her own abilities.

Young 3’s Preschool Shorter Day:

Class meets on Mon and/or Wed and/or Fri – 9:00 am to 11:45 am

Our classes include a snacktime prayer which the children learn to say; Circle Time which is phased in over time and includes Music and Movement; Group Art; individualized Free Play time; Snack Time and Large Motor Development time (inside or out as weather permits.)

One snack only is served. Class will go outside daily for local neighborhood nature/obervasional walks and playground time as weather permits. Three Teachers for a Maximum class size of 15 children/day. Potty use is not required for admission to class. Parents of an enrolled preschool aged child will also have a small volunteer assignment or fee to fulfill – day(s) will be assigned to helpers to ensure coverage.

Non-refundable registration fee per child is $60. Tuition is in 9 equal monthly payments, the first payment is due at registration; only partial refund up to 5/24/19 (5/22/20 for 2020-2021). No refunds after the summer recess begins.

Young 3’s Preschool Longer Day:

As described above except Class meets on Tue and/or Thur – 9:30 am to 1:00 pm

NOTE: We recommend at least 2 days/week of school for your child, as this greatly helps him/her adjust and transition to school.

You may select any combination of days (depending upon availability) to “customize” your child’s weekly school schedule to coincide with other activities you may have planned for him/her.

3-4s PRESCHOOL:

2019-20: For birthdays from 9/02/2015 – 9/01/2016 or older

2020-21: For birthdays from 9/02/2016 – 9/01/2017 or older

Our 3-4 preschool provides a quality and nurturing experience that will enrich your child’s social, emotional and intellectual growth. Children learn at their own pace through a variety of exciting experiences that foster a love for learning and school. In our small sized classes, we can give much personal attention to our students to help them learn and succeed with confidence in his/her own abilities. For children whose first language is not English, we have years of experience enhancing their English acquisition skills. Our DCFS licensed preschool is staffed by qualified and talented teachers and our small class size allows for much individual attention. 3-4 year preschool focuses on socialization, self-help, English language development and early preschool themes, including alphabet recognition and letter sounds, early Math concepts and the exploration of the Creative Arts. Hands-on experiences are carefully planned to be age appropriate. Intentional lessons are given in Art, Music, Math, Science, and Christian Ed to provide for busy and fun-filled days. Several exciting field trips are also planned, as well as special on-site presentations. Our weekly themes vary to introduce new concepts, vocabulary and special activities, but each day of the week is unique should your child attend all 5 days. Among the many themes we cover in a school year are the following: A Week of Laura Numeroff Books; Who are our Community Helpers? Let’s Learn about our 5 Senses. We also have special Holiday party days and several Fun Friday events.

Select either session and see note below.

3 Day Preschool Class (3 year old min. at start)

Morning Half Day Session*

Class Meets on Mon/Wed/Fri – 9:00 am to 11:45 am (8.25 hours/week)

Our classes include morning/snack/dismissal prayers; Circle Time, which includes Music and Movement; Group and Individualized Lessons in multiple subjects; individualized Free Play time; Snack Time and Large Motor Development time (inside or out as weather permits. Plus periodic visits to the Chapel with the Pastor.

One snack only is served. Annual Snack fee of $20/child. Two teachers plus one Aide; Maximum class size of 14 children/day. Class will go outside for neighborhood nature walks and playground time as the weather permits.

Non-refundable registration fee per child is $60. Tuition is due in 9 equal monthly payments, the first payment of which due at registration. Only a partial refund for cancellation will be given up to 5/24/19 (5/22/20 for 2020-2021). No refunds after the summer recess begins.

Parents of an enrolled preschool aged child will also have a small volunteer assignment or fee to fulfill.

2 Day Preschool Class (3 year old min. at start)

Longer Day Session*

As described above except Class meets on Tue/Thur – 9:15 am to 1:00 pm (7.5 hours/week)

*NOTE: For 5 day preschool: Any child enrolled in either of the 2 above preschool sessions may add additional days, if available, to extend their number of school days per week up to 5 days.

4-5s (Pre-K):

2019-20: For birthdays from 9/02/2014 – 9/01/2015 or older

2020-21: For birthdays from 9/02/2015 – 9/01/2016 or older

The second year of preschool focuses on Kindergarten readiness skills. All activities are intentionally planned to instill in our students a love of learning and school. In our small sized classes, we can give much personal attention to our students to help them learn and succeed with confidence in his/her own abilities. For children whose first language is not English, we have years of experience enhancing their English acquisition skills. All pre-K students will participate in a comprehensive language arts program that includes writing and pre-reading. We incorporate elements of “Jolly Phonics” and now we teach handwriting according to the “Handwriting Without Tears” writing curriculum as well. Concepts first introduced in 3-4 preschool will be developed further. Hands-on lessons in Art, Music, Math, Science, and Christian Ed provide for busy and fun-filled days. Several exciting field trips are also planned, as well as special on-site presentations. Our weekly themes vary to introduce new concepts, vocabulary and special activities, but each day of the week is unique. Our sessions are not redundant should your child attend all 5 days. Among the many themes we cover in a school year are the following: A Rainforest Adventure, an Out of this World Aviation Adventure and a Wilderness Explorers Unit that includes Camping Out in our Classroom! We also have special Holiday party days and several Fun Friday events.

We hold Fall and Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences, following individualized age appropriate assessments of each student. There is a teacher lead “Daily Chat” before pick-up time to fill you in as to what we’ve been up to, and we rotate who is the “Student of the Week”, with a chance to bring in the Share Bag. Our year ends with a heart-warming Graduation and Tea for the family to enjoy. This class is intended to be the perfect foundation and preparation for future learning for your child. Area Kindergarten teachers confirm with their feedback to us that our students have been well prepared for what comes next!

Select from either session and see note below.

3 Day Pre-Kindergarten Class (4 year old min. at start)

Morning Half Day Session**

Class Meets on Mon/Wed/Fri – 9:00 am to 11:45 am (8.25 hours/week)

Our classes include morning/snack/dismissal prayers; Circle Time which includes the Daily Calendar and Music and Movement; Group and Individualized Lessons in multiple subjects; individualized Free Play time; Snack Time and Large Motor Development time (inside or out as weather permits. Plus periodic visits to the Chapel with the Pastor.

One snack only is served. Annual Snack fee of $20/child. Two teachers plus one Aide. Maximum class size of 15 children/day. Class will go outside for neighborhood nature/observational walks and playground time as weather permits.

Non-refundable registration fee per child is $60. Tuition is due in 9 equal monthly payments, the first payment is due at registration. Only a partial refund for cancellation will be given up to 5/24/19 (5/22/20 for 2020-2021). No refunds after the summer recess begins.

Parents of an enrolled preschool aged child will also have a small volunteer assignment or fee to fulfill.

2 Day Pre-Kindergarten Class (4 year old min. at start)

Longer Day Session**

As described above except Class Meets on Tue/Thur – 9:15 am to 1:00 pm (7.5 hours/week).

**NOTE: For 5 day pre-Kindergarten: Any child enrolled in either of the 2 above pre-K sessions may add additional days, if available, to extend their number of school days per week up to 5 days.

What are the qualifications of your teachers?
All of our teachers meet the educational requirements of the State of Illinois for early learning and preschool instruction. Many on staff have college degrees and 5 or more years of teaching experience in the field of early childhood. All staff must undergo a background check, provide reference letters and complete 15 hours of in-service training annually.

What are some of the highlights of the preschool?

Preschool and pre-K students take several exciting field trips over the course of the school year.
We have “Fun Fridays” on selected dates with special themes like the Teddy Bear Picnic and the Pajama Party!
Parent/Teacher conferences are held twice a year where you receive written progress reports.
We have a “Daily Chat” at the end of each day with one of your child’s preschool teachers. You will receive information on the day of your child’s class.
Pre-K ends with a Graduation and heartwarming special program for the whole family!

Can I arrange a visit?
We are happy to offer you a personal tour of the school and a chance to observe our classes when in session. Contact School Director, Jan Cobb to schedule a visit.

How much is tuition?
Refer to our Tuition & Fee Schedules and you will find we are very affordable in our pricing. Plus, we offer the unique opportunity to bring all your young children to one location on the same days!

Who can I contact for more information?
School Director: Jan Cobb
Voicemail: (24/7 only during school year) 847-359-1345 leave message for “Sonrise School”
Email: (24/7 plus all summer) fumc123ps@gmail.com.