Welcome to the Loon Room!

It is our belief that every child has unique gifts and talents and should be treated as an individual.  It is our goal to foster that uniqueness in a safe, clean, educationally prepared environment.  We take a holistic approach to working with the toddlers, and this approach recognizes that children learn naturally by doing what they do best:  exploring with their bodies and minds, exercising their curiosity and imagination, manipulating materials and developing social relationships within a secure environment.  Our class schedule incorporates all of these activities.  The daily schedule reinforces our belief that consistency is very important for the children.

We understand that beginning your child in the preschool room may be a very important change for you and your family.  At the Learning Center, we are always here to answer any questions and to make this transition as smooth as possible.  Always feel free to talk to one of your child’s teachers or any of the office staff at the center.

Notes for preschool parents:

Diapering/Toileting

We routinely remind the children who are toilet trained to use the bathroom throughout the day.  As your child is toilet learning, we will communicate with you how best to approach this important time for your child.  There is a handout on toilet learning in the office if you are interested.  Parents and teachers will work together to make this a pleasant and successful experience for all.

Field Trips

During the summer, we go on field trips during the week – usually to parks, nature centers, theatres, zoos, or ball games.  A schedule of the trips will be handed out at the beginning of the summer.  Permission slips for these trips will be sent home weekly, and need to be returned as soon as possible.  On the slips will be information about the field trips (location, date, time, bag lunch or school lunch cost).  Any field trip expenses can be paid at the front desk.  Foxes are all asked to bring in a t-shirt to make the same color to wear on the field trips.  It’s always fun to have parents/family members join us on our adventures; everyone is welcome to volunteer for any field trip. 

Extracurricular/Summer Activities

ILC offers many extra-curricular activities, which include foreign language classes, soccer (summer only), computer class, Kinderdance, and Stretch-N-Grow.  These classes are offered at an extra cost.  Please see the extra-curricular information about Chinese classes, Kinderdance, exercise, computers and soccer on this website. 

During the summer, we have water play once a week.  On this day, your child will need their swimsuit, swim diapers and a towel, along with water shoes (if desired).  The kids have a fun time on the playground on these steamy summer days, running through the sprinkler and playing in the water table.

Activities with Seniors

As part of our learning goals at ILC, we feel that it is beneficial to have the children interact with the adults of older generations.  This is a great benefit to everyone involved.  Our class will go to The Commons on Marice senior living  community, which is located behind Granite City, on a weekly or monthly basis.  The ‘Grandmas’ and ‘Grandpas’, as your child will refer to them, will also come visit us in the classroom. 

The children and adults complete art activities together.  Our class will also periodically complete a cooking project to bring to The Commons.  Each month, we have a theme and corresponding activities with the seniors.  For instance, in April, for Arbor Day/Earth Day, we planted a tree at The Commons on Marice.  For May, we made May Day baskets and took them over to the seniors.  The children and seniors love to visit each other; all making new friends.  As the parent of a child in the Fox Room, we’re sure you will be hearing a lot about the Grandmas and Grandpas from your child after these visits.

Cubbies and Tree Slots

Your child is provided with a cubby inside the classroom for any personal belongings, such as a change of clothing, blankets, pillow, etc.  We ask that there be no toys from home to prevent loss or damage of these items. 

Each child has a coat hook which is located near the door of the classroom. 

And your child also has a Tree Slot located outside the classroom.  The Tree Slot will contain the Daily Sheets, art projects and miscellaneous classroom information and items.

Daily Sheets

Each day, a sheet can be found in your child’s Tree Slot.  From these sheets, you will learn what your child did that day, how they ate and slept, a bathroom record and other special information.   Please be sure to check this Tree Slot every day.

What to Bring

When your child starts in the Loon Room, please provide us with the following items:

• Diapers, diapering cream, and wipes
• Two extra changes of clothing
• Extra underpants and plastic pants if needed
• Blanket for naptime
• Special animal or doll for naptime, if desired
• Coat, snow pants, hat, mittens, and boots for winter
• Sunscreen, swim diapers, and water shoes during the summer
• Any medications if needed (with a doctor’s note and authorization form)
• Toothbrush and child toothpaste

Our center requires that your child wears a closed-toe shoe; please wear them daily. Keep those toes safe!

As Parents of our Preschoolers, Please Remember:

• To clock in and out
• That parents and teachers open doors, not the children
• And parent volunteers are always welcome!