Preschool Registration Gets an Early Start

“This is worse than childbirth!” says Nikki Schimpff, of Grayslake, referring to the early morning hour she arrived to sign up for preschool.

The at the Grayslake Park District was one of many holding registration for the 2011-2012 school year Monday. More than 40 parents arrived at the Administration building before sunrise. Schimpff arrived at 3:30 a.m. and was #8 on the unofficial list. Registration officially began at 7 a.m.

“You’re here this early if you’re picky on the times or location; if you need a morning spot in the class.” Schimpff said. This is her third year in arriving well before sunrise to sign her kids up, who are 4 and 2 years old.

“Each year it seems it gets earlier and earlier.” says Zoe Namovicz of Grayslake, who was signing up her 3 year old. This is her second year arriving this early.

The most coveted are the 28 spots available for the morning 4-year-old classes. Glenda Molnar of Grayslake arrived at 5:15 a.m. and signed into the #16 slot. “We really want the mornings. We are morning people and the kids are refreshed then.”

Not far away at the signups were held later Monday, but still a line formed more than an hour before the doors opened.

“I didn’t want to miss my chance.” said Sunitha Pillai of Grayslake. She arrived at 10:15 a.m. to be #1 in line for registration that began at noon.

As a first-time parent in the preschool system, Pillai was shocked she’d be signing up her 2-year-old daughter so early in the year for fall classes. “Next September is such a long time away,” she said.

The Grayslake Co-op offers preschool for children ages 2 to 5 years. Registrar and parent volunteer Courtney Doninger said, “It seems that’s what the area dictates. Kindergarten registration is early in the year, so most preschools in the area are too.”

For some parents the location of the classes determines how desperate they are to secure a slot.

“In the past we’ve really wanted the classes at the Rec Center.” Molnar says in regards to the Grayslake Park District preschool. “This year we’re going to try Jones Island, if necessary.”

“Our teachers do all their planning together. It’s the same program whether it’s at the Rec. center or Jones Island or morning or afternoon classes.” says Shelly Regnier of the park district.

Regnier encourages those who may not get into their preferred slots to remember that things can change in the next six months. “People may not realize that maybe their kid won’t be taking afternoon naps anymore and that the afternoon slot is ok,” she said.

At the Co-op, Doninger says some positions may open up as people move and as the school year approaches. “Getting into a class should not be a problem.”

If you missed registration, it’s not too late. Both the park district and the Co-op encouraged parents to contact them if they want to attend preschool in the fall.

“We still have several slots open in the mornings and afternoons.” Regnier said. "We try to accomodate everyone."

 You can find a complete list of Grayslake area preschools on the Patch Directory.