Our early childhood programs are designed to provide parents with a variety of activities for their preschoolers during the day. Parents have the flexibility to choose one or all three programs to design a program that works best for them. Bring your lunch and stay all day in a supervised environment! Staff provide safe transitions, escorting students from one class to the next. Please select see our current Program Guide for more information.
Downloads and Resources:
2021-2022
- 2021-2022 Art Smart Parent Handbook >>
- 2021-2022 Art Smart Parent Info & Forms >>
- 2021-2022 Busy Bees/Creative Playtime Parent Info & Forms >>
- 2021-2022 Busy Bees/Creative Playtime Parent Handbook >>
2022-2023
- 2022-2023 Art Smart Parent Handbook >>
- 2022-2023 Art Smart Parent Info and Forms >>
- 2022-2023 Busy Bees/Creative Playtime Parent Handbook >>
- 2022-2023 Busy Bees/Creative Playtime Parent Info and Forms >>
- 2022 Summer Preschool Parent Info and Forms
Summer Preschool Programs
Registration begins March 14, 2022.
SWINGSETTERS
Ages 3-5
Preschoolers can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities, music, arts, crafts, storytime, and snacks. Different activities will be provided on a daily basis.
Date: 6/6/22-8/3/22
Day: M/W
4 years by 4/1
Date: 6/7/22-8/4/22
Day: Tu/Th
Requires a $50 non-refundable deposit per session. The remaining fee is due before class begins or payment plan of half due on June 1 and remaining fee on July 1.
No Class: 7/4*
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Time: 8:45-11:45a
Fee (R/NR): $170/$220
Max: 20
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919
AFTERNOON SWINGSETTERS
Ages 3-5
Preschoolers can spend their summer afternoons with fun indoor and outdoor activities, music, arts, crafts, storytime and snacks.
Date: 6/6/22-8/3/22*
Day: M/W
4 years by 4/1
Date: 6/7/22-8/4/22
Day: Tu/Th
Requires a $50 non-refundable deposit per session. The remaining fee is due before class begins or payment plan of half due on June 1 and remaining fee on July 1.
No Class: 7/4*
Time: 11:45a-3p
Fee (R/NR): $170/$220
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919
PRESCHOOL END OF SUMMER BASH
Ages 3-5
The end of the summer is just around the corner. We’ll celebrate all things summer with indoor & outdoor activities. Each day a different activity will be provided.
Date: 8/8-8/12
Day: M/W/F
Time: 8:30a-12p
Fee (R/NR): $41/$61.50 per month
Session 2:
Date: 8/9-8/11
Day: Tu/Th
Time: 8:30a-12p
Fee (R/NR): $29/$43.50 per month
Session 3:
Date: 8/8-8/12
Day: M/W/F
Time: 12p-3p
Fee (R/NR): $41/$61.50 per month
Session 4:
Date: 8/9-8/11
Day: Tu/Th
Time:12p-3p
Fee (R/NR): $29/$43.50 per month
This program requires a $15 non-refundable deposit per session. The remaining fee is due before class begins.
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919
FRIDAY FUNSTERS
Ages 3-5 (must be 3 yrs by April 1, 2022)
Friday Funsters is a preschool program held on Fridays for eight weeks. Themes include “Out on the Farm,” “Water Day,” and “A Hiking We Will Go!” The program includes indoor & outdoor activities, storytelling, arts and crafts, music and movement, and snacks. Drive-up drop off will be provided.
Requires a $35 non-refundable deposit per session. The remaining fee is due before class begins.
Date: Friday, 6/10-8/5
Time: Session 1: 9-11:30a; Session 2: 12:30-3p
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Fee (R/NR): $80/$120
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919
6 Summer Preschool Programs
Registration begins March 14, 2022.
SHAKE & MAKE & CREATE
Ages 2-4 with parent
Join the fun with glue, paint, pasta, sponges, foam, pudding, beads, and more. Your child will paint at easels, play with play dough, gravel, sand, and shaving cream, and have lots of fun! Get as messy as you want! Gather together for story time at the end of class. Parents may participate with their child.
Date: 6/7-7/12
Day: Tu
Time: 10-10:45a
Fee (R/NR): $45/$67.50
Deadline: 5/31
Session 2
Date: 7/19-8/23
Day: Tu
Time: 10-10:45a
Fee (R/NR): $45/$67.50
Deadline: 7/12
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919
WIGGLE, GIGGLE, CLIMB & PLAY
Ages 2-4 with parent
Wiggle, Giggle, Climb & Play is a physical activity class for fun and learning. Creative movement, basic ball skills, musical games, and combination parent-tot exercises will be included. A variety of equipment will be available for parent-tot play after the organized activities in the preschool playscape.
Session 1
Date: 5/26-6/23
Day: Th
Time: 9:30-10:15a
Fee (R/NR): $40/$60
Deadline: 5/19
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919
ABC’S & 123’S
Ages 2-4 with parent
It’s preschool 101! Each week, the class will focus on a specific theme such as safety, exercise, science, manners, the alphabet, numbers, and colors. The classes will center on small and large motor skills, sensory experiences, and socialization skills. Kids will have so much fun, they won’t even know they are learning! Parents may participate with their child.
Date: 6/6-7/18*
Day: M
Time: 9:30-10:15a
Fee (R/NR): $45/$67.50
Deadline: May 30
Session 2
Date: 7/25-8/29
Day: M
Time: 9:30-10:15a
Fee (R/NR): $45/$67.50
Deadline: July 18
No Class: 7/4
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919
HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?
Ages 3-5 with parent
Kids – have fun with nature! Let us teach you how to take care of your own little garden. Plant a small garden to take home and enjoy a vegetable treat!
Date: June 15
Time: 9:30-10:30a
Fee (R/NR): $15/$22.50
Deadline: June 8
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919
UNDER THE SEA WITH ME
Ages 3-5 with parent
Create your own art piece of mysterious creatures under the sea. Enjoy an ocean snack!
Date Day Time Fee (R/NR) Min/Max Deadline Class ID
7/6 W 9:30-10:30a $15/$22.50 4/6 6/29 122165-01
Date: Wednesday, July 6
Time: 9:30-10:30a
Fee (R/NR): $15/$22.50
Deadline: June 29
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919
BUZZY BEES
Ages 3-5 with parent
Make a bee and explore its buzzy world! Enjoy a bee treat before you go home.
Date: Wednesday, July 27
Time: 9:30-10:30a
Fee (R/NR): $15/$22.50
Deadline: July 20
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919
2022-2023 Busy Bees Preschool
For information on openings for the current school year please contact Melanie Kahler at 217-819-3919.
Busy Bees Preschool
Ages 3-5 (by September 1, 2022)
Music, stories, games, creative play, arts & crafts, outdoor play, and math and reading readiness activities are provided by caring and experienced teachers. Three, four, and five year olds who are not attending full day kindergarten are eligible to enroll. Registration for the 2022-23 school year begins March 14, 2022.
Date: 9/7/22-5/24/23
Day: M/W
Time: 8:30-11:15a
Fee (R/NR): $75/$112.50 per month
Ages 4-5
Date: 9/6/22-5/26/23
Day: Tu/Th/F
Time: 8:30-11:15a
Fee (R/NR): $100/$150 per month
Ages 4-5
Date: 9/6/22-5/26/23
Day: Tu/Th/F
Time: 12:30-3:15p
Fee (R/NR): $100/$150 per month
This program requires a $35 non-refundable deposit per session. The remaining fee is due before class begins.
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Max: 20 per class
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919
Busy Bees Five-Day Preschool
Ages 4½ (by March 1, 2022) – 6 years
Music, stories, games, creative play, arts, crafts, outdoor play, and math and reading readiness activities are provided by caring and experienced teachers. Children ages 4½ to 6 years old missing the kindergarten cut-off date for elementary school or having had two years of preschool may enroll. Registration for the 2022-23 school year begins March 14.
This program requires a $35 non-refundable deposit per session. The remaining fee is due before class begins.
Date: 9/6/22-5/26/23
Day: M-F
Time: 8:30-11:30a
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Fee (R/NR): $175/$225 per month
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919
Art Smart Kids
Ages 3-5 not in Kindergarten
Activities include music, movement, creative dramatics, storytelling, crafts, and two & three dimensional art. Mid-session registration is taken based on space availability. Registration for the 2022-23 school year begins March 14.
Date: 9/7/22-5/24/23
Day: M/W
Time: 9-11:30a
Fee (R/NR): $85/$127.50 per month
Session 2
Date: 9/9/22-5/26/23
Day: F
Time: 9-11:30a
Fee (R/NR): $48/$72 per month
This program requires a $35 non-refundable deposit per session. The remaining fee is due before class begins.
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919
Creative Play Time
Ages 3-5
This program will give children an opportunity in the afternoon to enjoy preschool activities such as arts and crafts, music and recreational activities. Registration for the 2022-23 school year begins March 14.
Date: 9/7/22-5/24/23
Day: M/W
Time: 11:30a-3:15p
Fee (R/NR):$75/$112.50 per month
Session 2
Date: 9/6/22-5/26/23
Day:Tu/Th/F
Time: 3:15-5:30p
Fee (R/NR):$100/$150 per month
This program requires a $35 non-refundable deposit per session. The remaining fee is due before class begins.
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919
Preschool Pals | NEW!
Ages 3-5
Preschoolers will spend time with new friends in this structured playtime providing fun
indoor activities, music and more.
Date: 9/7/22-5/24/23
Day: M/W
Time: 3:15-5:30p
Fee (R/NR):$38/$57 per month
Session 2
Date: 9/6/22-5/26/23
Day: Tu/Th/F
Time: 3:15-5:30p
Fee (R/NR):$66/$99 per month
This program requires a $35 non-refundable deposit per session. The remaining fee is due before class begins.
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919
Scholarship & CCRS
Scholarships & Resource Services
Because some residents are unable to participate in recreation programs due to economic hardship, the Champaign Park District offers scholarships to reduce certain fees and charges. Youth Scholarship Program applicants are not guaranteed fund availability, program registration or choice of program location. Early applications are given priority. Need is the primary criterion upon which scholarship applicants are considered. Questions: 217-398-2550.
Please visit our registration page for the updated Scholarship Forms!
If you would like to submit your completed scholarship application with the required documents by email, please send them to tom.gilbert@champaignparks.org.
Child Care Resource Service (CCRS)
Child Care Resource Service helps income-eligible parents who are working and/or going to school to pay for their child care. Eligibility is based on family size and parents’ income. Working families whose incomes are at or below 50% of the state median income level may be eligible. Processing the application can take up to 10 business days, once all the necessary information is received. Please pick up an application form from CCRS. CCRS approved families may register for summer youth programs by paying a $10 deposit per child/per session of the program. These deposits may be refunded at the end of the summer once all CCRS checks are received and there is a credit balance. If money is still owed on your account once CCRS checks have been applied, you will be responsible for the rest of the bill. Because the Park District does not receive payment from CCRS until one month after the service was provided, your deposit could be refunded as late as October.
Please Note: Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation is unable to accept CCRS payment due to changes in governmental regulations.
Questions: Child Care Resource Service (http://ccrs.illinois.edu/), 217-333-3252 or 1-800-325-5516
