Is This Preschool Right for You?

Choosing a preschool for your child is a BIG decision, and we want to make sure that we provide you with as much information as we can for you to make the most informed decision when choosing a place to entrust your child.

An important question you can ask yourself: "Is my child ready for preschool?"

Here at Round Lake we begin preschool at two years of age and look for developmental milestones in social/emotional, language/communication, movement/physical, and cognitive development from the CDC for ages 2, 3, 4, and 5. These guidelines, as set out by the CDC, help us to determine if our program is the best for you and your child to have a fun and safe learning experience. CDC's Developmental Milestones | CDC

We invite you to set up a tour with our CDC Manager to see the facility prior to registering for this program. This gives you the opportunity to meet us, learn more about our preschool programs, and ask any questions you may have. Our goal is to provide each child and family with an opportunity to successfully and safely participate in our preschool program.

Little Kids/Big Futures Scholarship Program

The B.E.S.T. Kindergarten Readiness Committee received funds from Women United of United Way of Lake County to provide a scholarship program for ages 4-5 years. The scholarship is for preschool for 4- to 5-year-olds on M/W/F from 9:15-11:45 am at the Community Center. Transportation is not provided. Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need and the availability of scholarship funds at the time of application. The deadline to apply for a scholarship for the 2024-25 school year is Aug. 16, 2024. Any questions should be directed to Joan Ellis at 847-546-8558, ext. 5085.

English Application Aplicacion en Espanol

Childcare Food Program

We participate in the Illinois State Board of Education Childcare Food Program. The program is available to all eligible children without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap.
If you have been discriminated against, write immediately to:
Office of Civil Rights
Midwest Regional Office
United States Department of Agriculture
50 E. Washington Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602

2023-24 Preschool Programs

To inquire about openings in the 2023-24 Preschool Programs, please contact Joan Ellis, Child Development Center Manager, by phone at 847-886-5085 or by email at joan_ellis@rlapd.org.

2023-24 PARENT HANDBOOK

Registration for 2024-25 Preschool is open.

2024-25 Preschool Registration

• Create an online account through rlapd.org, if you don't have one. You can create an account HERE
• Choose the program you want. Register online through our website. Preschool membership fee is due at time of registration. The non-refundable registration fee is $85R/$125NR.
• After you register online, you will receive an email from ePACT to complete registration information. ePACT will email you to fill out your child's health history and emergency forms. You need to complete the online packet and share it with the Round Lake Area Park District. You will need 2 emergency contacts and a photo of your child to upload. If you have completed ePACT for us or another organization, you will be asked to update your account and share it with us. Click HERE for more information about ePACT.

If you have questions about registration, please call (847) 546-8558, email registration@rlapd.org, or stop by the Robert W. Rolek Community Center during regular Guest Services hours.

2024-25 Full Day Preschool / Child Care Program

Our program is is designed to offer your child new and challenging activities that will help prepare and enrich your child's development for the future. Our program is tailored to meet the needs of working parents. Full-day preschool for ages 2-5. Preschool with extended care runs from 6:45 am - 6 pm while full-day preschool without extended care runs from 9 am - 3 pm. You can register for a minimum of two days a week. We are a DCFS-licensed preschool program. We offer a hot lunch, snacks and rest time along with a developmentally appropriate curriculum based on the philosophy that children learn through play. Tours are always welcome. A certified copy of the child's birth certificate is required as well as and a copy of your child's physical with current immunizations. Preschool runs from Aug. 12, 2024 - June 6, 2025. (No class dates: Sep 2, Oct.14, Nov 28-29, Dec 23 - Jan 3, May 26)

Classes are held at Robert W. Rolek Community Center in Round Lake.

.

2024-25 Half Day Preschool

Half-Day Preschool begins Sep 3 or Sep 4, 2024 and runs through May 22 or May 23, 2025. (No class dates: Sep 2, Oct 14-15, Nov 27-29, Dec 23-Jan 3, Jan 20-21, Feb 17-18, Mar 24-28)

Robert W. Rolek Community Center

Sports Center

Additional Information:

• ePACT for Medical Records and Emergency Information