📚 3 – 5 Years

Ready for Kindergarten. Ready for Life.

Kindergarten readiness isn't just about knowing your ABCs. It's about curiosity, persistence, the ability to work with others, and the confidence to try something new. Our Pre-K program builds all of it — through hands-on learning that children actually enjoy.

Pre-K program at Kiddy Garden — children 3 to 5 years in Schaumburg and Hawthorn Woods IL
Ages 3 – 5 Years
1:10 Ratio · DCFS Part 407
2 IL Locations
DCFS Licensed
5.0 ★ Google
Since 1991

Pre-K Program at Kiddy Garden

Available at both locations. Mandarin immersion exclusively at Hawthorn Woods.

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Early literacy & phonics
Letter recognition, phonological awareness, rhyming, and early reading concepts through stories, songs, and hands-on letter activities.
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Math & early numeracy
Counting, patterns, shapes, measurement, and early problem-solving woven into daily routines and play-based activities.
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STEM exploration
Science experiments, building projects, and nature observation develop curiosity, critical thinking, and the vocabulary to describe the world.
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Social-emotional learning (SEL)
Children learn to name emotions, resolve conflict, cooperate, take turns, and develop the classroom independence kindergarten teachers expect.
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Writing readiness
Fine motor practice through drawing, painting, and pre-writing strokes builds the hand strength and pencil grip needed for writing.
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Kindergarten transition support
We use Brightwheel for daily photo updates, activity notes, and direct teacher messaging — so parents are always connected to their child's day, not just at pickup.

Developmental Milestones

Typical milestones for children in the 3 – 5 Years range. Every child develops at their own pace.

Recognizes most letters and their sounds (4–5 years)
Counts to 20+, understands number concepts (4–5 years)
Draws a person with 4–6 body parts (4–5 years)
Uses complete sentences, tells simple stories (4–5 years)
Follows multi-step directions (4–5 years)
Plays cooperatively, takes turns, shares (3–5 years)
Manages transitions and classroom routines independently (4–5 years)

The Pre-K Program is Offered at Both Locations

Hawthorn Woods
🈶 Mandarin Immersion
1250 W Old McHenry Ct, Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047
Mon–Fri 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Schaumburg
🌱 Play-Based · CCAP Accepted
2203 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194
Mon–Fri 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Pre-K Program FAQ

More questions? Call us at (847) 469-6988 (HW) or (847) 352-5744 (Schaumburg).

How do I know if my child is ready for Pre-K?
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If your child is between 3 and 5 years old and can follow simple directions, separate from a parent without extended distress, and engage in basic social interaction with peers, they are likely ready. Schedule a tour and we can discuss your child's specific readiness together.

Does the Pre-K program prepare children for kindergarten?
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That is our primary goal. We align our curriculum with Illinois Early Learning Standards and focus on the literacy, math, social-emotional, and independence skills that kindergarten teachers look for in incoming students.

What is the difference between the Pre-K program at Schaumburg vs Hawthorn Woods?
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Both locations offer our full play-based Pre-K curriculum. Hawthorn Woods additionally offers Mandarin language immersion, which is integrated into the school day — not as a separate class. Schaumburg offers Ready Steady Go Soccer and Jungle Bus enrichment.

How do you communicate kindergarten readiness with parents?
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We provide regular progress observations, informal parent-teacher conversations, and a more formal readiness overview in the spring before kindergarten entry. We also connect families with district enrollment timelines and resources.

Ready to Enroll in Our Pre-K Program?

Spaces fill quickly. Schedule a tour at either our Schaumburg or Hawthorn Woods location and meet the team your child will grow with.

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Hawthorn Woods
1250 W Old McHenry Ct · IL 60047
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Schaumburg
2203 W Schaumburg Rd · IL 60194
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Hours
Mon–Fri · 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
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