Early Childhood Programs

The Wheaton Park District offers a variety of Early Childhood programming to suit every child and family’s needs.

Wide Horizons

A play-based atmosphere that offers a variety of materials and opportunities to develop cognitive, emotional, physical, and social skills

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Before & After Preschool Care

Quality childcare along with unstructured play time, crafts, games, gym time and outdoor play (weather permitting)

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Interest-Based Programs

From budding chef to rockstar, programs are designed and offered for all interests

Browse Programs

Wide Horizons Preschool

About Us

The Wide Horizons Preschool Program began in the 1970s and has continued to grow ever since. Serving over 130 families each school year, our preschool program is a staple in the Wheaton community. Let your little one learn, grow, and have fun at the Wide Horizons Preschool Program!

A Day at Preschool

Our preschool program aims to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment that gives children the opportunity to explore and develop their cognitive, emotional, physical and social skills through learning and play. A typical day includes structured lesson plans, circle time, free play, language arts, music & movement, arts & crafts, science, and snack time. Special event days, field trips and holiday parties add to the fun each school year!

Our Staff

Our caring and enthusiastic preschool staff have experience and coursework in child development or early childhood education. The preschool instructors are committed to providing your child with the most positive and enjoyable learning experience possible!

Facilities

Wide Horizons offers two great locations! The Community Center (1777 S. Blanchard) houses 3 bright, spacious preschool classrooms with access to an outdoor play yard and indoor gymnasium. The Rathje Park House (616 Delles), once a farmhouse converted to an early childhood facility, is a private and secure building surrounded by a beautiful playground and park. Rathje’s quaint environment is sure to make any preschooler feel right at home!

Field Trips & Special Events

Learning outside of the classroom is just as important as learning inside of the classroom! Local field trips, special events and special visitors provide children with exciting, hands-on learning experiences to further their developmental growth.

Join us at the Wide Horizons Open House!

1/21: Wide Horizons Open House

January 21, 2025 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

You're Invited to Our Preschool Open House! Come discover what makes Wide Horizons so special!

Contact Us

Questions? Interested in scheduling a tour? Email [email protected] or call 630-510-5120.

Wide Horizons 2024/2025

Registration is for the complete school year (September-May). A nonrefundable enrollment fee is due at the time of registration. Payments may be divided into 9 equal payments with the first payment due in August and final payment due in April. Refunds for Wide Horizons Preschool are only issued if requested by August 1st of the upcoming school year minus the non-refundable enrollment fee.

Age Requirements

Children must be born on or before:

December 31, 2021: for Old 2s program
September 1, 2021: for 3 year old program
September 1, 2020: for 4 year old program

There is a nonrefundable $50 enrollment fee. Registration must be done in person at the Community Center (1777 S Blanchard St.). Online registration is not available.

Location: Community Center, Rathje+

WIDE HORIZONS
Age	Dates*	Days	Times	R/NR Fees	Class #
2	9/3-5/22	Tu, Th	9:30-11:30A	$1496/$1870	507253-01
3	9/3-5/22	Tu, Th	9:30-11:30A	$1496/$1870	507253-02+
3	9/3-5/22	Tu, Th	9:30-11:30A	$1496/$1870	507253-03
3	9/4-5/23	M, W, F	9:30-11:30A	$2244/$2805	507253-04
3-5	9/4-5/23	M, W, F	12:30-3P	$2805/$3506	507253-05
4-5	9/4-5/23	M, W, F	9:30A-12P	$2805/$3506	507253-06+
4-5	9/4-5/23	M, W, F	9:30A-12P	$2805/$3506	507253-07
4-5	9/3-5/22	M-Th	9:30A-12P	$3740/$4675	507253-08