Programs
Preschool/Pre-K Program
Our half-day Preschool/Pre-K Program has been in operation since 2012. This program runs from September through May. Please see our school calendar for a list of holidays and breaks observed by the Marshall First Step Preschool/Pre-K Program. We strive to provide our students with an environment in which they can grow and develop as we prepare them for their later school experiences. The curriculum for this program specifically addresses important readiness, early writing, literacy, and math skills. Students learn actively as they play, color, draw, count, build, and sing.
Students attending our Preschool and Pre-K classes will:
- Develop social-emotional skills to support learning.
- Build physical coordination, strength, and crayon grip.
- Learn to recognize letters and numbers.
- Learn to write letters and numbers.
- Learn to ask and answer questions.
- Learn to sort objects by size, color, or other attributes.
- Learn to count, sort, and create patterns.
- And so much more!
Tuition for the Preschool/Pre-K Program is charged on a monthly basis. A $50 non-refundable registration fee is due on July 1, along with the Registration paperwork for the upcoming school year.
May’s tuition payment is due on August 1. All remaining tuition payments are due on the first of the month, September through April. May’s tuition, due on August 1, is a non-refundable tuition deposit. Tuition for the Preschool Class is $108 per month. Tuition for the Pre-K Class is $172 per month.
Students who attend the Marshall First Step Childcare Program on a full-time basis (5 full days per week) will receive a 10% discount on their Preschool/Pre-K tuition. A sibling discount will be applied when more than one child from the same family is enrolled in the program at the same time.
Pre-Kindergarten
The Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) class is intended for students who will be entering kindergarten the following year. This class meets five days a week (Monday through Friday) for 2 hours and 45 minutes each day. There are a maximum of 16 students with two teachers in the classroom.
Preschool
The Preschool class is intended to prepare students for our Pre-Kindergarten class. This class meets three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) for 2 ½ hours each day. There are a maximum of 14 students with two teachers in the classroom.
Childcare and School-Age Programs
Our Childcare Program is open daily from 6am to 6pm, Monday through Friday year-round. We are closed only on the following major holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day. Our age-specific classrooms for children 6 weeks through 6 years offer a variety of developmentally appropriate toys and activities where children are given the opportunity to play, learn, and explore. Students move up to the next classroom as space becomes available. They cannot move up until they reach the minimum age requirement for the next classroom.
Payment for childcare is due each Friday for the upcoming week. Flexible schedules are available. To qualify for half-day care, your child must be in care for less than 5 consecutive hours. The following is the payment chart based on classroom:
*Students enrolled in the Preschool/Pre-K program will be charged this amount for childcare on days they attend preschool when the Preschool/Pre-K Program hours fall within their hours of childcare (i.e. when the child is in the Tykes Classroom for care both before and after preschool/pre-k).
Families with more than one child enrolled will pay full price for the youngest child and receive a 10% discount for each additional child enrolled.
We accept CCAP! Qualifying families may be able to receive assistance with expenses through the Child Care Assistance Program. We accept CCAP payments and are happy to assist families through the application process.
Tinies Classroom
The Tinies Classroom is for children 6 weeks through 18 months. This classroom maintains a staff to student ratio of 1:4 with a maximum of 8 children in the classroom. Our Tinies Classroom is specifically designed to offer a nurturing and calming environment where your child can thrive. Our teachers are eager to partner with parents to provide for each child’s individual needs and routines.
Toddler Classroom
The Toddler Classroom is for children 15 months through 30 months. This classroom maintains a staff to student ratio of 1:5 with a maximum of 10 children in the classroom. Our Toddler Classroom provides a fun and safe place for busy toddlers to explore. While everyday may look a little different, toddlers learn to participate in the predictable daily flow of activities.
Twos Classroom
The Twos Classroom is for children 24 months through 3 years. This classroom maintains a staff to student ratio of 1:8 with a maximum of 16 children in the classroom. Our Twos Classroom offers a warm, nurturing environment that fosters curiosity, energy, and independence. The classroom routine provides students with a predictable schedule that allows them to feel comfortable and confident.
Tykes Classroom
The Tykes Classroom is for children 3 years through 6 years. This classroom maintains a staff to student ratio of 1:10 with a maximum of 20 children in the classroom. Our Tykes Classroom is set up to encourage children to create, play, pretend, and express themselves their way. The predictable daily schedule allows students to feel comfortable and confident. Students in this classroom may also participate in our Pre-K/Preschool Program.
School-Age Program
Care will be available for school-age children (5 – 12 years), before and after school and on school breaks/holidays. Students will have the opportunity for active and quiet play, will participate in daily fitness activities and receive help with their homework. Tutoring services are available at the parent’s request.
Marshall First Step Academy • 1414 Archer Avenue, Marshall, IL • 217-826-3030 | Site designed by Tara D'Arcy Designs