Early Childhood Programs
The Wheaton Park District offers a variety of Early Childhood programming to suit every child and family’s needs.
About Wide Horizons
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!
Click on the tabs below to learn more.
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 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!
Wide Horizons offers two great locations! The Community Center (1777 S. Blanchard) houses three 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!
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.
2025/2026 Registration
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 nine (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 1 of the upcoming school year minus the non-refundable enrollment fee.
Age Requirements for Programs
- Old 2s: Children must turn 3-years-old September 2 through December 31 for Old 2s program
- 3s: Turn 3-years-old by September 1
- 4s: Turn 4-years-old by September 1
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.
Forms: Allergy Guidelines (PDF) | Dispensing Medication Waiver (PDF) | Inhaler/Epipen Waiver (PDF)
Location: Community Center, Rathje+
| Program | Dates* | Days | Times | R/NR Fees | Activity Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old 2s | 9/2-5/14 | Tu, Th | 9:30-11:30A | $1518/$1898 | 707253-01 |
| 3s | 9/2-5/14 | Tu, Th | 9:30-11:30A | $1518/$1898 | 707253-03 |
| 3s | 9/3-5/15 | M, W, F | 9:30-11:30A | $2277/$2847 | 707253-04 |
| 3s & 4s | 9/3-5/15 | M, W, F | 12:30-3P | $2871/$3589 | 707253-05 |
| 3s & 4s | 9/2-5/15 | M-F | 9:30-11:30A | $4752/$5940 | 707253-06+ |
| 4s | 9/3-5/15 | M, W, F | 9:30-11:30A | $2871/$3589 | 707253-07 |
| 4s | 9/2-5/14 | M-Th | 9:30-11:30A | $3795/$4744 | 707253-08 |
*Dates listed run from September-May of the current school year calendar. The CUSD200 School Year Calendar is followed for all non-attendance days.
Contact Us
Questions? Interested in scheduling a tour? Email [email protected] or call 630-510-5120.
Kidz Kingdom provides before and after care to Wide Horizons students!
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30A-1P
Fee
Buy a 10-hour punch pass at the front desk for $65
Questions?
Please contact Kelly Nielsen at [email protected] or 630-510-5120.
Browse Early Childhood programs currently offered by type in the mobile or desktop-optimized online registration portal.
- Athletics
- Cooking
- Kidz Kingdom Childcare Service
- Music & Movement
- Nature & Animals
- Special Events/Varied Early Learning
- Toohey Park Early Learning
View all programs currently offered in the online registration portal or in the current program guide.
