Thank you for your interest in The Big Barn Preschool. The Big Barn is named so because we are located in a barn! The Preschool is in a 150+ year old barn that has been completely renovated. The barn was stripped and new interior walls and floors (with radiant floor heating!!) were added.
The Big Barn is also home to Christ Community Mennonite Church. As the Church renovated the barn located on their property a major consideration was the Preschool they planned to house in the Barn. The Church feels that there is a need in the community for high quality full day preschool as well as half-day preschool that will reach many families looking for the best educational experience and quality, loving care for their children.
We at The Big Barn believe that all people deserve and should be granted the respect that we ourselves expect. Even the smallest child deserves respect, can make important contributions and is driven to learn. Our expectations as the adults in a child's life and the environment they live and learn in shape who they will become.
Research has shown that the first five years of a person's life are the most important. It is during this time that our perceptions and expectations regarding the world and people around us and, most importantly, our perceptions and expectations regarding ourselves and our contributions to the world are formed. Our primary goal is to enable children to develop a positive self image through social exchanges with peers and caring adults, positive learning experiences that are developed with children's differences in mind and an environment that encourages each person to develop to their fullest potential.
Please explore this website to find out more about The Big Barn Preschool and then contact us at 847-895-3257 to set up an appointment to tour The Big Barn and find out more about our program.
Bonnie Kasman, Director The Big Barn Preschool is a DCFS licensed facility.
What is the Big Barn Preschool?
The Big Barn Preschool is a quality childcare center located in completely renovated 150+ year old Barn.
The Big Barn Preschool is a ministry of Christ Community Mennonite Church.
The Big Barn Preschool offers full day care; open from 7am-6pm Monday through Friday.
The Big Barn Preschool provides care for children from 3-6 years old in multiage classrooms. We have full day kindergarten!
The Big Barn Preschool is a loving, welcoming place where your child will be treated as an individual and will receive the care and nurturing he needs.
The Big Barn Preschool offers a unique child-based curriculum that is designed to meet each child where she is and grow with her.
The Big Barn Preschool is the best place for your child to grow and learn during the vitally important first five years.
Philosophy Even the smallest child deserves respect, can make important contributions and is driven to learn. Our expectations as the adults in a child's life and the environment they live and learn in shape who they will become. Our primary goal is to enable children to develop a positive self image through social exchanges with peers and caring adults, positive learning experiences that are developed with children's differences in mind and an environment that encourages each person to develop to their fullest potential.
Mission Statement The Big Barn Preschool provides a loving and nurturing learning environment that enhances intellectual, social, physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. Children, who are special gifts from God, are to be loved, respected, and offered challenges that foster interactive learning. Our goal is to collaborate with parents to help develop their child’s sense of independence and a positive self-image. We believe…
in respect for the self and all people regardless of age, race, culture, gender, and religious background
in a shared concern for the natural world
in resolving all conflicts peaceably
in awakening an appreciation for the arts
in developing a foundation of intellectual curiosity and love of learning
Curriculum Our multi-age classrooms use curriculum that is:
child-centered
multi-cultural
individualized
developmentally appropriate
peaceful
unique and inspired by: Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio, High/Scope, and Constructivist approaches
Environment At the Big Barn Preschool we strive to create an environment that is: