Seeking Info on College of Dupage Preschool

Hi K.!

As you know the College of Dupage is a leading school in the department of Child Development. The preschool is a lab school and is one of the best and most progressive programs out there!

I always thought there was a very long wait list to get in, so if you can find an opening, I would GRAB it!!! I have my bachelors degree in Early Ed and have considered teaching there myself due to its quality.

Beware of the "chain" schools, there are many good ones out there, but it really depends on the program Director. Make sure to interview carefully and be comfortable with the staff!

Good luck and enjoy the journey of preschool with your child!

Hi K.:

One of my neighbors has two of her children in the COD program and is very pleased. I called in February to speak to them about enrolling my 3 year old and the program was already full, unfortunately. We have opted for another local program very close to COD.

Best of luck!

My cousin used their program, but it was about 2 years ago. She used it for both of her children and I know she was happy with it. Sorry I can't give you more information than that.

My 4 year old son is in their program. Last year I spent a lot of time looking around for the "right" preschool for us. I have a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Development and taught preschool myself. I knew exactly what I wanted for my son and found that at C.O.D. I love the program. They are a "play-based" program which means children are encouraged to learn through self exploration. Art activities are out everyday but not forced upon the child. It is the process that is important not the product. Circle time is brief in the 3 yr old room around 10-15 min with a story and song. Many people don't realize how developmentally inappropriate it is to force a child at the age of 3 to sit quiet and still for much longer. The children are encourage to make friends and relate socially at their own pace. Gross motor is everyday which I also believe is very important. I love the teachers and the director as well. They have a summer camp which is great too. My son went their last year in the 3 year old room and had summer camp in the same room with the same teachers who will then continue to be his teachers next year in the 4 year old room. This way he can create real and strong relationships with the teachers. It is wonderful to find a program that you and your child LOVE and feel safe and secure with. I know there is still room in the 3 year olds and 4 years old but the 3 & 4 mix is booked up. With a program this good I don't understand why they aren't full with a waiting list. I think and this is just my opinion that a lot of people feel children need more academics pushed upon them at this early age when it is so untrue. Children need this time to be children and develop naturally in stages the way children should. They should not be forced to fast into situations that put pressure and expectations on them that are not developmentally appropriate. I could go on and on about this but in a nutshell C.O.D - LOVE IT!!!!