Beginnings That Matter

Early Education

Our program is thoughtfully balanced to support the growth and development of young children. Time is intentionally woven between guided learning, fine and gross motor development, social interaction, and play. Through individualized learning opportunities, teachers gently challenge students to extend their thinking while providing the encouragement and support children need to feel confident, curious, and capable in their early learning journey.

Intentionally-designed classrooms provide inviting spaces where children feel safe, valued, and celebrated as individuals. Multiple outdoor play areas offer developmentally appropriate opportunities for movement and exploration, supporting the growth of large motor skills and physical confidence. Throughout the day, children are surrounded by love, laughter, and caring relationships with teachers that form the foundation for meaningful learning.

What’s Happening at Early Education?

Food donation reminder: We have two days left! Let’s fill those boxes today. Food drive ends tomorrow.
We are in full force and having fun at the Early Education Building. Our pumpkins this year are looking fantastic. These classrooms have outdone themselves once again. It is now time for you to vote for the following: Silliest🤣, Cutest😍, Scariest 🎃and Most creative🎨. Remember to # the pumpkin with the emoji and the number you are voting for. #earlyeducation #fallfun #nextgenerationschool #weknowhowtohavefun
Check out these doors decorated by our Early Education team. We need your help voting by commenting below with # and an emoji for : Silliest =🤪 Cutest=😻 Scariest=🎃 Most Creative=💡 Voting end on Monday at 12pm! Let the voting begin #pumpkindecoratingcontest. #fallfestivities. #nextgenerationschool💟
We had some amazing visitors today! The UIUC Fighting Illini Women’s Soccer Team stopped by to read with our little learners. The kids were all smiles listening to their favorite stories from these inspiring student-athletes. It was the perfec
We had some amazing visitors today! The UIUC Fighting Illini Women’s Soccer Team stopped by to read with our little learners. The kids were all smiles listening to their favorite stories from these inspiring student-athletes. It was the perfect mix of story time, soccer spirit, and great role models. Thank you @illinisoccer for showing our preschoolers that teamwork, kindness, and a love for reading go hand in hand. You made their day — and ours!
The City of Champaign Public Works Department visited the preschool for an awesome Touch-A-Truck event! Our students learned about the vacuum truck and what all it does, explored the cab of a front loader, and wrapped up with a class picture! Thank y
The City of Champaign Public Works Department visited the preschool for an awesome Touch-A-Truck event! Our students learned about the vacuum truck and what all it does, explored the cab of a front loader, and wrapped up with a class picture! Thank you, @city.of.champaign for coming to our school!
Thank you Champaign Police, Champaign Fire Department, Carle Health, and AirLife for an amazing First Responders Day!
Thank you to Champaign Police, Champaign Fire Department, Carle Health, and AirLife for an amazing First Responders Day! Champaign Police Department City of Champaign Fire Department Carle Health
Thank you to Champaign Police, Champaign Fire Department, Carle Health, and AirLife for an amazing First Responders Day! Champaign Police Department City of Champaign Fire Department Carle Health
Developing the Building Blocks of Literacy: Through hands-on activities like manipulating small objects, children strengthen their fine motor skills—essential for holding a pencil and forming letters. These early experiences lay the groundwork
Developing the Building Blocks of Literacy: Through hands-on activities like manipulating small objects, children strengthen their fine motor skills—essential for holding a pencil and forming letters. These early experiences lay the groundwork for pre-reading abilities, helping them recognize patterns, shapes, and eventually, the alphabet. Fine motor work supports physical and cognitive readiness for future reading success. #EarlyLiteracy #BuildingReaders #LiteracyMatters #ReadinessToRead #PreReadingSkills #FineMotorSkills #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #HandsOnLearning #MotorSkillDevelopment #LearningThroughPlay #EarlyLearning #ChildDevelopment #PlayBasedLearning #PreschoolSkills #LearningFoundations #TeachersOfInstagram #ParentingTips #HomeschoolLife #EducationMatters #RaisingReaders
Big ideas start with little hands! Blocks of all shapes and sizes spark creativity, enhance problem-solving skills, aid fine motor development, and encourage teamwork in our classrooms. From infancy we build, we explore, and we learn—one colorf
Big ideas start with little hands! Blocks of all shapes and sizes spark creativity, enhance problem-solving skills, aid fine motor development, and encourage teamwork in our classrooms. From infancy we build, we explore, and we learn—one colorful block at a time. Come and see what we are building today!
Ms. Amira visited the Dragonfly classroom to teach us about Ramadan and Eid! She explained that Ramadan is a time to show gratitude for what we have and to better understand the experiences of those who are less fortunate. During Ramadan, our friends
Ms. Amira visited the Dragonfly classroom to teach us about Ramadan and Eid! She explained that Ramadan is a time to show gratitude for what we have and to better understand the experiences of those who are less fortunate. During Ramadan, our friends in the Muslim community fast for 28 to 30 days, refraining from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset. At the end of Ramadan, they celebrate Eid, a joyous holiday that marks the end of fasting. Ms. Amira told us about the special meals, gatherings, and new clothes worn during the celebration. She even shared a special song with us. We are so grateful for her visit and the opportunity to learn more about this important holiday! Ramadan Mubarak!
Food donation reminder: We have two days left! Let’s fill those boxes today. Food drive ends tomorrow.
We are in full force and having fun at the Early Education Building. Our pumpkins this year are looking fantastic. These classrooms have outdone themselves once again. It is now time for you to vote for the following: Silliest🤣, Cutest😍, Scariest ?
Check out these doors decorated by our Early Education team. We need your help voting by commenting below with # and an emoji for : Silliest =🤪 Cutest=😻 Scariest=🎃 Most Creative=💡 Voting end on Monday at 12pm! Let the voting begin #pumpkinde
We had some amazing visitors today! The UIUC Fighting Illini Women’s Soccer Team stopped by to read with our little learners. The kids were all smiles listening to their favorite stories from these inspiring student-athletes. It was the perfec The City of Champaign Public Works Department visited the preschool for an awesome Touch-A-Truck event! Our students learned about the vacuum truck and what all it does, explored the cab of a front loader, and wrapped up with a class picture! Thank y
Thank you Champaign Police, Champaign Fire Department, Carle Health, and AirLife for an amazing First Responders Day!
Thank you to Champaign Police, Champaign Fire Department, Carle Health, and AirLife for an amazing First Responders Day! Champaign Police Department City of Champaign Fire Department Carle Health Developing the Building Blocks of Literacy: Through hands-on activities like manipulating small objects, children strengthen their fine motor skills—essential for holding a pencil and forming letters. These early experiences lay the groundwork Big ideas start with little hands! Blocks of all shapes and sizes spark creativity, enhance problem-solving skills, aid fine motor development, and encourage teamwork in our classrooms. From infancy we build, we explore, and we learn—one colorf Ms. Amira visited the Dragonfly classroom to teach us about Ramadan and Eid! She explained that Ramadan is a time to show gratitude for what we have and to better understand the experiences of those who are less fortunate. During Ramadan, our friends

Guided Learning & Discovery

Learning is guided by a thoughtfully designed early childhood curriculum that supports cognitive, language, and social development through age-appropriate instruction and exploration.

Each day includes dedicated time for early math and language learning through hands-on, play-based experiences. Teachers intentionally guide and scaffold learning to meet children at their developmental level while encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and growth. Science and social studies are introduced through theme-based units that foster inquiry and connection to the world around them.

Music, art, and Spanish enrich the curriculum as essential components of early learning, supporting brain development, creativity, communication, and emotional awareness.

Explore the Early Education Curriculum in
“The Connection Series”

Baby boy wearing a chef hat and a festive apron, sitting at a table with a pizza dough and flour, smiling at the camera.
Two young children wearing bucket hats and raincoats playing with water in red plastic water tables in a park.
Child laughing and sitting inside a colorful play tunnel.