The Bensenville Park District is inviting families to register for its Early Childhood programs, offering young learners a fun, engaging foundation for school and lifelong learning through preschool, enrichment and parent-child classes this fall.
Programs are designed to encourage curiosity, creativity and confidence while supporting children's cognitive, social, emotional and physical development in welcoming, age-appropriate environments led by experienced instructors.
"Our Early Childhood programs are about much more than preparing children for school," Recreation Supervisor-Program Manager Leslie Monarrez said. "We want every child to discover the joy of learning, make new friends and build confidence through hands-on experiences that encourage creativity, exploration and independence. Whether it's a first classroom experience, cooking in the kitchen or creating a colorful masterpiece, each program helps children grow while having fun."
Tiny Tot Preschool prepares children for a successful transition into kindergarten through a curriculum guided by the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. Students develop foundational skills in language arts, early literacy, math, science, social studies and nature exploration through interactive learning centers, play-based activities and hands-on projects. Professional teachers provide individualized support while enrichment opportunities throughout the year include local field trips, guest speakers, outdoor exploration, spring planting activities and a preschool graduation celebration.
Tiny Tot Preschool is offered at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St. in Bensenville, with three class options, following the Bensenville School District 2 academic calendar:
Tuition is $1,100 or $1,000 for in-district patrons. Children must meet the age requirement by Sept. 1, 2026. Families are encouraged to tour the classroom and meet the teachers by calling the lead preschool teacher at (630) 766-7015 or emailing ttschool@bvilleparks.org. Payment plans are offered; payments are due Sept. 1, Oct. 1, Nov. 2, Dec. 1, Jan. 4, Feb. 1 and March 1.
For younger children, Little Sprouts introduces ages 2-3 to the preschool experience through circle time, learning centers, music, dramatic play, nature exploration, gym activities and outdoor play. The program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m., Aug. 25 through May 20, in the Bamboo Room at the Deer Grove Leisure Center. Tuition is $800 or $700 for in-district patrons. Children must be age-eligible by Sept. 1, 2026. Toilet training is not required, although staff members do not change diapers.
Alphabet Appetite combines lunch with learning for children ages 3-5. Young learners bring a lunch before exploring letters through stories, games, hands-on activities and small-group instruction designed to build early literacy skills, creativity and social development. Classes meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Aug. 24 through Dec. 18. Tuition is $210 or $200 for in-district patrons.
Play With Me gives children ages 18 months to 2½ years a gentle introduction to the classroom with a parent or caregiver by their side. Formerly known as Tot School Primer, the program includes circle time, crafts, games, stories and movement activities that help children become comfortable in a semi-structured classroom setting. Classes meet Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Sept. 23 through Nov. 18. There is no class Nov. 11. Tuition is $100 or $90 for in-district patrons.
Tiny Tastemakers introduces children ages 2-5 to the fun of cooking through simple, hands-on recipes that teach stirring, pouring, rolling and other beginning kitchen skills. Participants discover new flavors while building confidence and creativity, ending each class with a delicious treat. Parents should notify the Park District of any food allergies during registration. Classes meet Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Sept. 22 through Nov. 10, in the second-floor kitchen at the Deer Grove Leisure Center. Tuition is $110 or $100 for in-district patrons.
Messy Mondays lets children ages 3-5 unleash their creativity through finger painting, clay, stamps, scissors, glue and other hands-on art projects. Each class encourages imagination while developing fine motor skills and creative confidence. Classes meet Mondays from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m., Sept. 21 through Nov. 16, with no class Oct. 12. Tuition is $110 or $100 for in-district patrons.
Tiny Tot Preschool and Little Sprouts registration is available now; sign-ups for other programs are available beginning Aug. 11-12. Families may register at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St. in Bensenville. Visit BvilleParks.org for more information.
