The high quality, personalized Early Childhood Education program designed for the children of Lake Bluff

Help your little one get off to a Bright Beginning! The Lake Bluff Park District Bright Beginnings Early Childhood program is designed to give children the tools and experiences they need to help ensure a positive transition to kindergarten and beyond. We prepare children for success in school without hurrying them or compromising the wonder and joy of being a child.

Our positive, nurturing "learning through play" curriculum is presented in an environment that supports exploring and learning. From the physical space to the social-emotional one, we respect and treasure childhood, while nurturing the identities of individual children and their families. Small class size ensures that children get all the special attention they need.

Classes run September through May, following the District 65 calendar.

Well prepared for Kindergarten

Children who have attended the Bright Beginnings Early Childhood program are well-prepared for Kindergarten. We work closely with Lake Bluff School District 65 to ensure children have a good transition to Kindergarten. Lake Bluff teachers tell us that Bright Beginnings children are often the most prepared for their Kindergarten experience.

About our teachers

Bright Beginnings teachers are skilled professionals, each schooled and certified in early childhood education and/or elementary education. In addition, they keep current regarding changing trends in education by attending certified workshops and conferences each year.

About the curriculum

The curriculum revolves around developmentally appropriate, non-biased activities that follow weekly themes. Each child learns at his or her own pace. And there's lots of opportunity for parent involvement in the classroom.

There are both individual and group activities, and learning centers for:

• Science
• Math
• Language
• Reading
• Dramatic Play and Physical Education

In Bright Beginnings, children develop their social skills. They learn how to get along with others, and there's a concentrated effort to teach them manners and good citizenship. Good health habits, wellness and good nutrition are stressed.

The curriculum is enhanced with additional programs as well, including:

• Music Together through the Lake Forest Symphony
• Manners for Young Children
• Art show with Artists on the Bluff
• Special events and special guests from the community.

And Bright Beginnings students make friends with their future schoolmates, so they're all ready to take that first Kindergarten step in Lake Bluff together.

Pathways Pre-Kindergarten

The Pathways Pre-Kindergarten program is designed for the child who has missed the cut-off for Kindergarten or is perhaps not yet ready for the next step on his or her path.

Reading, simple math concepts, simple science, basic social studies and art and music exploration, plus many hands-on activities encourage children to be independent thinkers, problem solvers and more socially well rounded.

Priority registration is given to children who have been in the Bright Beginnings program from age 2 unless approved by the lead teacher.

Call 847-234-4150, ext. 24 for a tour and more information.

Priority Registration for returning students and their siblings runs from January 7 through February 4.

New Student Resident Registration begins February 4.

Non-Resident Registration begins March 3.

INITIAL REGISTRATION IS ABSOLUTELY NON-REFUNDABLE.

• Non-residents add an additional $200 to the registration fee for a total of $325.*

• Classes begin mid-September of 2008 and follow the schedule of Lake Bluff School District 65.

• Visa, Mastercard and checks are accepted. Timely payments are expected to avoid $20 late charge.

• There will be some additional fees for field trips.

• Each child is required to have an updated immunization card and Birth Certificate on file in our office by August 1, 2008.

• Your child (excluding the 2 yr. old) must be potty trained and out of diapers in order to participate in the program.

To register, click here.

top of page

Classes run
September through May, and feature:

• The Bright Beginnings program makes its home in the new, state-of-the-art Early Childhood Education secured wing of the community's recreation center. The large, bright, sunshine-filled rooms have bathroom access directly from each room.

• The program has a fenced-in outdoor playground and indoor gymnasium, both built and maintained to the high standards of the Lake Bluff Park District.

• Children who are registered for other Lake Bluff Park District programs are escorted to and from Bright Beginnings.