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4-17-2026 Junior Bulldogs Newsletter

Posted Date: 04/17/26 (03:00 PM)
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A cartoon bulldog puppy with a purple collar and a tag with 'JR' on it.

Early Childhood Center

Junior Bulldogs Newsletter

April 17, 2026
ECC Main Entrance
Four young children are engaged in painting at an art center in Mrs. Sanchez's classroom.
A young girl with a lizard on her head stands at a table while a man in a camouflage hat presents.
Children in Mrs. Sanchez's classroom hold a large snake while a presenter looks on.
Children gather around a table to gently touch a large tortoise during a reptile show.
Children gather around a large tortoise on a table, gently touching its shell.

Classroom Spotlight: Mrs. Sanchez's Classes

This week, we had a blast celebrating the Week of the Young Child. The highlight of the week was the Reptile Show. We had lots of fun learning about an albino ball python, a white-throated monitor lizard, a bearded dragon, a tortoise, and a Madagascar hissing cockroach. A special thank you to all our parents who read to our class this week. Your participation and partnership are truly appreciated. 

Here are the learning activities this week: 

  • Literacy: journaling ways to help one another by working together, playing alphabet BINGO
  • Math: guessing and estimating the number of fruits in a jar
  • Art: painting a garden during work together on Wednesday
  • Science: Discovering and Learning about Reptiles at the Reptile Show

 
Skokie School District 68 hosts a Kindergarten Readiness event on Tuesday, April 21st from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Early Childhood Center, 9300 Kenton Ave.

Parent University April 21: Kindergarten Readiness

Please join us on Tuesday, April 21st from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the ECC as we discuss how you can best help prepare your child for Kindergarten. We will share expectations and tips, as well as activity ideas to teach your child basic skills while having fun.

Please register through the form linked below, so we can prepare snacks and take home bags for families!

 

Early Childhood Fun Fair

The Early Childhood Alliance is having the fifth annual Early Childhood Fun Fair at Oakton College on Saturday, May 2 from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. There will be free crafts, activities, and games for children five years old and under. You can also learn about resources for your child.

You can register your family by completing this Google form or scanning the QR code below.
Poster for the 5th Annual ECA Early Childhood Fun Fair on Saturday, May 2nd, 10 AM - 1 PM at Oakton College.
 

Kindergarten Orientation

Kindergarten orientation dates are listed in the flyer below for each elementary school. If your child is going to Kindergarten next school year, please attend orientation at your child's future elementary school.
ECC Early Childhood Center Kindergarten Orientation Save the Date flyer with school dates.
 

Important: Registration Dates for the Upcoming School Year

We want to share some important information to help you prepare for the upcoming school year registration. Please see the categories below to find the correct registration path for your child:

  • Returning Preschoolers: If your child is staying in our preschool program for another year, you are considered a Returning Family. Please log in and complete your application at any time! You can find more information about re-registration on our website HERE.
  • Incoming Kindergarteners: All children entering Kindergarten are classified as New Students. Registration for these students will officially open on March 23rd. You can find more information about registration on our website HERE.
Please make sure to select the correct "New" or "Returning" status when you log in to the portal to ensure your application is processed correctly.

Mrs. Canchola & Mrs. Marquardt in the office at the ECC are available to help families with registration from 8:00-8:30 a.m. and 3:00-4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
 

Snack Information


Your child will receive a nutritious snack daily at preschool. Snacks typically include a whole grain, a fresh fruit, and milk. Click on the April Snack Menu to find out more.
Picture of different fruits.
 

Upcoming Events

  • April 21 5:30-7:00 p.m. - Parent University: Kindergarten Readiness at the ECC
  • April 28 6:00 p.m. - Kindergarten Information Night at Highland Elementary School for students attending Highland next school year
  • May 2 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. - Early Childhood Fun Fair at Oakton College
  • May 19 6:00 p.m. - Kindergarten Orientation at Devonshire Elementary School for students attending Devonshire next school year
  • May 21 9:30 a.m. for morning students & 12:45 p.m. for afternoon students - ECC Graduation
  • May 28 6:00 p.m. - Kindergarten Orientation at Jane Stenson Elementary School for students attending Stenson next school year
Example calendar with dates pinned
 

School Hours

Morning students attend school from 9:00-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. Drop-off time is 8:55 a.m.

Afternoon students attend school from 12:15-2:45 p.m. Monday-Friday. Drop-off time is 12:10 p.m.

Please arrive on time because our staff is unavailable to watch your child before or after sessions. Once school starts at 9:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., you will need to walk your child to our main entrance and sign your child in.
 
Developmental Screenings 25-26
 

Links

 
Person using a laptop

Contact info

847-568-8901
Coordinator of Student Services & Early Learning:
John Siegler, jsiegler@skokie68.org
Administrative Assistant for the Director of Student Services:
Jill Marquardt - jmarquardt@skokie68.org
Early Childhood Secretary:
Heidi Canchola - hcanchola@skokie68.org