Jordan Ames – Full-Day Threes Teacher
Our Promise
To enhance children's cognitive, physical and moral development through early education and play to encourage their creativity and self-expression for language and social/ emotional development. To nurture self-confidence and social skills through positive reinforcement and support from our experienced staff.
Our Mission
For more than 50 years, Peppermint Preschool has been recognized as the Highland Community’s cornerstone Preschool Program. We are located in the south wing of the EvUCC facility, and we provide a nurturing, educational environment for 3-5 year old’s through our Preschool programs. Our talented teachers focus on school readiness, social, emotional and intellectual development and what every child needs – love and care! Our entire facility is licensed by the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS). Hot, healthy lunches from our kitchen are provided for the children who attend our all-day program. We offer a secured facility, accessible by personal security codes, as well as an indoor/outdoor recording camera system to keep our children and families safe. All staff are CPR and First Aid trained as well as professionally background checked. All staff regularly attend professional development training to stay updated on the latest and greatest information concerning children, families, health, and educational needs.
When it comes to sending your kids to school for the first time, it can be scary both for the kids and the parents. Our son has thrived in the 3's pre-k program at Peppermint Preschool! Coming from a "stay at home" situation, we were apprehensive about sending him to school. We are so happy we did! He's not only learned valuable skills in identifying numbers, letters, reading his name etc. He has also grown socially and emotionally. The teachers at Peppermint are all very kind, educated and caring and create a nurturing environment for our children to grow and feel safe. The teachers are not only excellent in making the children feel comfortable but also the parents. They always stay connected with the parents daily. We not only plan on keeping our son through their Almost Kindergarten program but plan to send our other children here as well!
Peppermint Preschool has been the perfect place for our little ones to learn and grow. The staff and teachers are very well qualified, attentive, helpful, and always available to answer questions about the program, our child’s development and learning experience, or to address any concerns we have about our kids. They make learning and safety their top priorities and always strive to communicate events and information to parents throughout the year. The school has recent improvements to their playground and property along with safety protocols in place to ensure all kids are able to grow and learn in a safe and healthy environment. Parents can rest easy knowing their little ones will be safe and well taken care of while at school. The teachers and staff have been absolutely great with our kids! Our five year old son attended Peppermint for two years prior to Kindergarten at Highland Primary. Mrs. Elaine, Mrs. Tara, and Mrs. Karen along with their in-classroom assistants and staff really made sure our son was set up for success in Kindergarten. Our three year old daughter is currently attending Peppermint Preschool. She is doing really well, following in her brother’s footsteps, and always learning something new. The staff have been especially helpful during difficult drop-off days when saying goodbye to mommy or daddy is hard. Their efforts and styles of teaching have allowed our kids to learn, grow, and really see school as something enjoyable and fun while still challenging them in appropriate ways to prepare them for the structured (all-day) environment of “big kid” school. We absolutely will be sending our two year old daughter when she is old enough and with one more on the way it is nice to know the amazing teachers and staff at Peppermint Preschool will be there for us and our kids when it is time them to go to school as well.
Our oldest child started Peppermint Preschool last fall, and we have nothing but good things to say! The teachers are all so warm and welcoming to the students each and every morning as they walk in the door, and you can feel that same energy when picking the kids up at the end of the day. Bently has learned so much this year, and continues to do so as the teachers give out new and unique activities and assignments. They even work to challenge him a little bit, which is just what he needs to keep his mind interested in what they are working on! They understand that each child is different and has different needs and they navigate those needs in every way possible. There is no doubt that my other two kiddos will be attending Peppermint Preschool when they come of age, as well.
We have had an amazing experience at Peppermint Preschool with both of our children! After our son’s wonderful experience there, we couldn’t wait for our daughter to attend. Ms. Tara’s 3’s class has been the perfect start to her academic journey! She absolutely loves going to school each day to spend time with her friends. The engaging activities in class - like creative arts, hands-on learning, games, songs, and other activities - make every day special and enriching. The early care option is a great flexible option for our family too. We are so grateful for the warm and nurturing environment at Peppermint Preschool and highly recommend it to anyone!
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