Our Programs
When your child enters the Toddlers and 2s program at Mt. Prospect Child Care Center, you can expect a nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment tailored to their age and abilities. Beginning around 15 months in the Toddler program, children are encouraged to explore their surroundings through hands-on activities such as water play, painting, building with blocks, and using crayons and playdough. These experiences help develop fine motor skills, sensory awareness, and creativity. As children transition into the 2-year-old program, the curriculum shifts toward fostering cooperative play, encouraging children to interact with peers and build early social skills. Teachers support language development through music, singing, storytelling, and conversation. Activities begin to introduce foundational concepts such as colors, shapes, sizes, and letters using puzzles, crafts, and interactive play. Our early childhood education programs are designed to provide exceptional learning experiences that lay a strong foundation for lifelong success. Guided by expert educators, we create a nurturing environment where young minds are inspired to explore and grow.
Toddler and 2’s:
In alignment with CDC developmental milestones for age two, children at this stage typically begin combining two or more words into phrases, follow simple instructions, recognize familiar people and emotions, and engage in pretend play. Physically, they are often able to run, kick a ball, walk up and down stairs with assistance, and eat with a spoon. The Mt. Prospect program supports these milestones by providing plenty of movement opportunities, such as outdoor play and ball games, along with structured routines that promote independence and self-help skills like putting on shoes and beginning toilet training. The staff works closely with parents during the potty training process, maintaining a consistent schedule and open communication to help children succeed. With an emphasis on purposeful, play-based learning and strong teacher-child relationships, Mt. Prospect Child Care Center offers a safe and engaging setting that helps toddlers and 2-year-olds thrive socially, physically, emotionally, and cognitively—laying the foundation for continued growth and learning.
When your child enters the preschool 3s/4s program at Mt. Prospect Child Care Center, they are welcomed into a warm, developmentally appropriate environment that supports growth across all learning domains. This program builds on earlier experiences by introducing more structured, yet playful, learning activities designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and independence. Children engage in a variety of hands-on projects such as art, simple science experiments, storytelling, and imaginative play that enhance their fine motor skills, language development, and cognitive abilities. Physical development is supported through outdoor play and games that encourage running, hopping, climbing, and coordination.
According to CDC developmental milestones for 3- to 4-year-olds, children at this age typically speak in three- to five-word sentences, ask and answer questions, and begin engaging in simple back-and-forth conversations. The program helps nurture these skills through daily conversations, group discussions, and literacy activities. Children also practice self-care tasks such as dressing themselves, using utensils, washing hands, and managing bathroom routines, reinforcing their growing independence. Fine motor development is supported through tasks like cutting with scissors, drawing shapes, and assembling puzzles. Cognitive and social-emotional growth are encouraged through activities that involve sorting, matching, sharing, turn-taking, and cooperative play, helping children learn to navigate group settings and build positive relationships.
Overall, the preschool 3s/4s program at Mt. Prospect Child Care Center offers a balanced and engaging learning experience that prepares children for kindergarten by supporting their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development in a nurturing, child-centered environment.
Preschool 3’s and 4’s:
When your child enters the 4s and 5s program at Mt. Prospect Child Care Center, they step into a rich, kindergarten-preparatory environment that emphasizes independence, social growth, and academic readiness through purposeful play and guided learning. This program is thoughtfully designed to help children develop confidence and competence across all developmental areas. Daily activities include more advanced art projects, early literacy and math experiences, hands-on science exploration, and opportunities for creative expression through music, movement, and imaginative play. The curriculum focuses on building early reading and writing skills, number recognition, patterning, sorting, and problem-solving, all integrated into a fun, engaging classroom routine.
Aligned with CDC developmental milestones for 4- and 5-year-olds, children in this program typically speak clearly in full sentences, tell stories, recognize some letters and numbers, and begin writing some letters of their name. They are also learning to follow multi-step directions, cooperate with peers, manage transitions, and solve simple social problems with increasing independence. Physical development is supported through both fine and gross motor activities, such as drawing shapes and people, using scissors accurately, building with blocks, climbing, hopping on one foot, and balancing.
Social and emotional skills are a major focus at this stage, with teachers guiding children to express feelings appropriately, take turns, show empathy, and work in group settings. Self-help skills are reinforced as children take greater responsibility for their belongings, follow classroom routines independently, and prepare for the structured environment of kindergarten.
Overall, the 4s and 5s program at Mt. Prospect Child Care Center provides a comprehensive, nurturing setting where children build the academic foundation, emotional resilience, and social awareness they need to succeed in school and beyond.
