Little Wildcats Preschool
Little Wildcats Preschool – 2025-2026 School Year Information
About Our Program
Little Wildcats is a high-quality preschool program designed to foster pre-academic, social-emotional, speech-language, and motor development in young learners. Operated by West Northfield District 31, our blended program serves all preschoolers, including those with developmental delays.
Curriculum and Program
- Led by licensed Early Childhood Teachers with certifications in general education, special education, and english as a second language, supported by teaching assistants and specialists (speech-language pathologist, occupational and physical therapists, school psychologist).
- Based on The Creative Curriculum©, a research-based instructional framework, with additional programs like Jolly Phonics and Handwriting Without Tears to emphasize early literacy.
- A mix of teacher-directed learning and self-directed exploration across 11 interest areas: blocks, dramatic play, toys and games, art, library, discovery, sand & water, music & movement, cooking, technology, and outdoor play.
- Ongoing student skill assessments to track progress.
- Access to a playground, library, indoor activity space, and support from upper-grade student helpers.
- Prepares students for a full-day kindergarten experience.
Program Highlights
Support for students with disabilities and multilingual learners
Focus on developing school readiness skills
Balance of structured learning and independent exploration
Registration
Little Wildcats is open to District 31 residents and neighboring families upon their child's third birthday. Proof of residency is required at registration, and enrollment continues until classrooms are full.
New and Returning Students:
Contact Anabel Santiago at asantiago@district31.net or call the District Office at 847-272-6880 to register (new students) or confirm your spot (returning students).
Tuition & Payment
- Tuition for 2025-2026: $4,050
- Payment may be made in full or through a payment plan.
Required Forms
Students must have a physical exam and provide proof of required immunizations per State of Illinois regulations.
Documents Required at Registration:
Category A (Provide one document)
- Real estate tax bill or mortgage statement
- Signed lease (lease must remain current on file at the District office)
- If leasing: Proof of last two months' rent payments + lease
- Section 8 housing letter
- Military housing letter
Category B (Provide two documents)
- Utility bills (gas, electric, water/sewer)
- Phone bill (home or cell)
- Cable bill
- Vehicle registration or insurance
- Bank statement
- Public Aid or Medicaid documentation
- Credit card statement
- Paycheck stub
- City sticker receipt
Birth Certificate
No-Cost Openings Available!
Free enrollment is available for qualifying families through the At-Risk Grant Program.
Eligibility Factors Include:
Financial need
English as a second language
Developmental delays
Significant educational needs
Qualification under the McKinney-Vento Act for homelessness support
For more information or to begin the enrollment process, please contact the District Office.
Contact
Anabel Santiago
asantiago@district31.net
847-832-2274
Calendar
The preschool follows the District 31 School Calendar available here.
Hours
Morning session
8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Afternoon session
12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.