WE ARE WILLOW WOOD

Willow Wood Students Learn Through Play

For the past 57 years, Willow Wood has been Winnetka's leading play-based preschool. Our teaching philosophy is that kids learn problem-solving and other life skills by playing together with their peers and teachers. Our guided curriculum instills confidence and independence in our students. Willow Wood teachers are exceptionally qualified to guide students in this curriculum because they have an impressive background in early childhood education. 

Willow Wood at a Glance

Beginnings: In 1967, a group of Kenilworth women founded our school, originally named the Kenilworth Community Preschool.  They opened our doors to 25 students at the Church of the Holy Comforter.  In 1971, we moved to the Winnetka Presbyterian Church.  As it was no longer located in Kenilworth, we selected a new name, the Willow Wood Preschool. With the help of our dedicated board, we moved to our current location in 1998.

Director: Sue Cornelo

Governance: Willow Wood is a non-profit, non-sectarian, non-discriminatory organization that is governed by a board of directors.

Staff: We have a staff of 21, including a music consultant.  All of our teachers hold an advanced degree.   

Curriculum: Our program is play-based.  We provide a safe, secure atmosphere for children to learn through exploring, creating and problem solving.  

Music: Weekly music classes introduce students to the joys of singing, rhythm instruments, movement and music patterns.

Enrichment: We offer lunch bunch and after-school enrichment programs for our 3- and 4-year-old students.

Special Needs: Children with special needs are welcome at Willow Wood.  Should your child required additional classroom assistance, please contact us.    

Summer Camp: We offer a six-week summer camp for 3- and 4-year-old students.

Financial Aid:   We offer assistance to families based on demonstrated need.

Non-Discrimination: In the administration of educational policies, admission, financial aid or any other school-administered programs, Willow Wood does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

License: Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

Accreditation: National Academy of Early Childhood Programs and National Association for Education of Young Children (“NAEYC”)

Member: NAEYC, Chicago Association of Education of Young Children, and Winnetka Alliance for Early Childhood  

Discipline Policy

Willow Wood Preschool emphasizes three age appropriate rules for our students:

  1. Keep your friends and teachers safe (Be kind to other children and adults)

  2. Keep yourself safe (Be kind to yourself)

  3. Take good care of the toys and equipment

So the child knows what is expected throughout their day, we strive for daily structure and routine. We strive for consistency of expectations/rules, so the child will know what kind of behavior is appropriate at school. Our approaches are positive in nature:

  1. Remind the child of our rules

  2. Brainstorm with the child (if necessary), a better choice

  3. Redirect the child to a different space or activity

  4. Share a quiet time with a teacher (safety break or quiet corner)

  5. Use visual charts, like “I feel…I need” charts

Willow Wood staff seek to model good choices through words and actions. 1) Gentle reminders, 2) having only a few important rules which are consistently enforced and 3) a knowledge of the capabilities of the children in the classroom all lend to helping preschool children learn self-discipline.Do not harm other children or adults.