Our Preschool Programs
At Thunderbird, we have programs for children ages 2 through 5, which run September through May. We lovingly call our 2 year old classes “Super Tots”, our 3 turning 4 year old classes “Juniors”, and our 4 turning 5 year old classes “Seniors”. We also have an option for 4 and 5 year olds called “Super 5’s”. Juniors, Seniors and Super 5’s must be potty-trained to attend.
Our Curriculum
Our teachers have designed our curriculum to encourage your child’s natural curiosity about the world around them. We explore a range of subjects in each of our classes. This includes learning activities in Language, Science, Math, Art, Music and Movement.
Some of our units of study have been:
Super Tots
Colors
Shapes
Nursery Rhymes
Zoo Animals
Weather
Juniors
Pumpkins
I Am Special
Trains
Farm Animals
Changing Seasons
Seniors
Apples
Fire Safety
Animals That Hatch
Transportation
Alphabet
Super 5’s
Spiders
Dental Health
Dinosaurs
Outer Space
Spanish Language
School/Parent Partnership
At Thunderbird we recognize that your child will be best served when we partner with you. Thunderbird families have many opportunities to be involved with their child’s education.Open Communication
Effective communication is essential for building school-family partnerships. Parents are always welcome to talk with their child’s teacher or the Director at any time. Through daily reports, monthly newsletters, our website, and other special notes, we will keep you informed of the curriculum and activities that your child is doing in the classroom. Our valet system of arrival and dismissal also allows teachers to provide you with a snapshot of their day.Classroom Visits
After the children have had six weeks of school to get acquainted with each other and the general routine, parents are encouraged to visit. You are welcome to come and spend a morning or afternoon in your child’s classroom, either joining your child at play or helping the teachers while you observe. We hope every parent will visit their child’s class at least once during the school year and we know many of you will want to visit more often.Field Trips and Special Events
Each Junior, Senior and Super 5 class takes four educational field trips during the school year. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend many of the field trips to share in their child’s educational experience. Other events during the school year further connect parents, the staff and other families. These include: the August Parent Meeting, the September Ice Cream Social, Holiday parties, Fall and Spring VIP Days, and the End-of-the-Year Picnic.Fall Progress Reports and Conferences
In November, progress reports are sent home to let parents know how their child is adjusting to school. In February, mid-year conferences are held with each family.
Proudly Serving Families from McHenry County, Crystal Lake, Lakewood, Woodstock, Huntley, Algonquin, Cary, Prairie Grove, Lake in the Hills, McHenry