Mission Statement

The Norridge District 80's Tiger Tots Preschool Program strives to provide a high-quality early childhood experience that meets each child's individual needs. We believe in fostering positive relationships with children and providing inclusive environments where learning incorporates approaches that are play-based, child-centered, and peer-led. Children in the Tiger Tots program build foundational skills needed for early learning success such as social-emotional growth, creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving.

Click here for the Preschool Handbook

Description of Blended Program

The Tiger Tots preschool program at John V. Leigh School offers a blended preschool experience. Classes are taught by teachers that are certified by the State of Illinois in Early Childhood Education and as Learning Behavior Specialists. Classrooms provide a richly diverse environment and exposure to a "blend" of children that are typically developing along with children that have identified specialized needs.

Benefits of Blended Preschool:

• Increased appreciation and acceptance of individual differences.
• Increased empathy for others.
• Increased school readiness for all students.
• A multidisciplinary approach to early childhood learning.

Schedule and Times:

The preschool program runs five days a week in half day sessions, offered in either the morning or afternoon.

Monday - Friday: AM 8:45 - 11:15 and PM 12:00 - 2:30

How Can Children Join the Program?

Children 3-5 years of age may attend preschool at John V. Leigh School in one of two ways:

• Through the State of Illinois Preschool for All (PFA) grant.
• Children who do not qualify for the PFA grant may attend through the tuition-offered preschool, per availability.

Note: PFA eligible students may be either a Norridge or local resident. Tuition-based students must be Norridge residents.

Preschool Screenings/Qualifying for the Preschool for All (PFA) Grant

Preschool For All Grant (PFA):

The PFA grant is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and is awarded to qualifying districts. This grant provides preschool-aged children with a high-quality early learning experience that is aligned to Illinois Common Core State Standards and is research-based. The overall goal is to serve larger populations of children, especially those considered "at risk."

Qualifying for the Preschool For All Grant:

Children must participate in a developmental screening. A multidisciplinary team reviews the outcomes and determines eligibility based on ISBE's at-risk point system.

Preschool Screenings:

Free screenings are available to children ages 3-5. These assess developmental milestones and readiness. Accommodations are made for children who may not separate easily from guardians.

Outcomes of screenings may include:

• Qualifying for the PFA grant.
• Monitoring of development with interventions.
• Further evaluations leading to an Individualized Education Program (IEP), with services provided at no cost.

Signing Up For A Preschool Screening:

Contact Tammy Dicintio at 708-441-3045 or tdicintio@norridge80.net. For birth to age 3, contact Child and Family Connections at 888-566-8228.

Tuition-Based Program

For children not qualifying for PFA, the tuition-based half day program fees for 2025-2026 are:

Deposit: $650 (non-refundable), due at registration via cash or check. Checks payable to Norridge School District 80.

Tuition Due Date: Full payment due by December 31, 2025. Failure to pay may result in withdrawal from the program.

Preschool Links

Preschool Calendars

Special Education Services

Parent Center

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Curriculum and Assessment

Supporting English Language Learners

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