Neep Help W/ Choosing a Preshcool in Lockport Area

Hi there.
What perfect timing for your question...I am moving to the Lockport area in the spring (building a house, moving in March) and starting to consider where my 2 1/2 old daughter should go to preschool. Asking the exact same questions as you. As a previous responder suggested, it would be great to compare notes. We don't know many families in the area and it would be great to have some resources/moms in the area.
Before preschool, I am considering enrolling my daughter in some of the Lockport Park District 'classes' (parents & tots, fun w/ friends...)which claim to be 'prep' classes for preschool...heard anything about them? Right now I will have to pay the non-resident fee and would appreciate any input before investing in enrollment. Any thoughts? Would love to share what we find out about preschools, 'prep' classes, etc...
S. - mom of 2 1/2 year old and 9 month old

L.,

I have been to the Lemont Preschool with my older daughter and if you don't mind the drive, they have a good program. I actually recommended it to my neighbor and she loved it also. She is in her second year. I know people that have used Happy Hands and they said it is a good program, but the park district is too.

I have used Lockport Preschool with my second daughter and was not please at all. I actually regretted sending her there for 4 yr old.

I am now using Shepherd of the Hill. So far it is a great program. The teachers are all wonderful with the kids. I am going to use again next year. If you are considering Happy Hands in Lemont, I would definitely consider Shepherd of the Hill, especially if you are in Lockport.

As with anything, it is all an opinion, and different teachers at each of the places will give you a different experience. Good Luck!!

Hi L.,

If you are close to lEmont then definitely Happy Hands Pre School. They are with The Methodist Church in Lemont and they are fantastic.

Also, Nazarene Church in Lemont they are located on Bell Road between Mcarthy and 131st St. I have heard good things about their pre school. We use their recreation dept for the sports teams and it is a great program as well when you are ready. http://www.nazarenerecreation.com check it out, you may be able to navigate to the pre school area.

I was like you when my on was ready for pre-school and he was clingy and we only did 1 hour a week at the Lemont park district when he was 3. I was late to register at the park district they fill up very quickly there, so at 4 years I signed him up at Happy Hands. They prepared him well for Kindergarten.

Hope this helps.
S.

Hi - I don't have answers as I am in the same boat. I'm looking into Shepherd of the Hill(am going on Friday to take a look), Lockport Park District (I've heard it is good, but hard to get a spot), and Lemont Montesorri (my FIL says he would help with tuition). It would be great for us to compare notes after we've visited the different places.

Hey i live in Lockport, too. Some of my neighbors kids go to Butterfly Garden & they love it. Others go to Cross of Glory Church (Cedar & 163rd) & I know others have checked into Providence. I'll be doing the same, as my daughter just turned 3 last week, so we will be checking out everything for next fall. Good Luck!

Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church in Lockport has an excellent preschool program. My daughter went there for 3 and 4 year old preschool. My son went there last year as a 3 year old and is enrolled as a four year old this year. My sisters drove from New Lenox and Bensenville to bring their children because it is such a great program! I just cannot say enough good things about it. The teachers and their assistants are excellent - very caring, well educated, truly concerned with the well being of all the children. The teacher to student ratio is also very good. 4 year olds meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday; 3 year olds meet Thursday and Friday. The consecutive days seem to make it easier to get the kids to go, and it's like they are going to 'real' school by going one day right after the other. SOTH is a bit pricier than the local park districts, but in my opinion it is well worth the money. They do have several fundraisers throughout the school year, but participation in each of them is totally voluntary, and there is no pressure by the school to buy or sell a certain amount. My son had a problem with his speech - he couldn't do the 'F' sound very well. I told his teacher, and she was able to provide specific activities for him to complete, and he is doing much better. Each child receives individualized attention, while still being able to interact and learn to socialize with other children.