New Horizons Preschool
Inspire a lifelong love of learning with engaging, hands-on experiences for ages 3-5 offered in morning or afternoon sessions. Exciting news for 2026–2027: we’re introducing a brand-new full-day Pre-K option for children ages 4–5, giving little learners even more time to explore, grow and thrive!
Alerts & Updates
A bright beginning starts here!
Our play-based curriculum make learning engaging while supporting social, emotional and cognitive growth. Through hands-on experiences, children build motor skills, ignite cretivity and grow into independent, imaginative thinkers.
- A 14-to-2 student-to-teacher ratio ensures individual attention
- Dedicated, experienced teachers with years of exerience at New Horizons
- Curriculum focused on age-group-appropriate learning
- Secure indoor and outdoor play areas to encourage gross motor skills and socialization
- Play-based hands-on learning through imagination stations to encourage creativity
- Lessons in handwriting and phonics to build early literacy skills
- Every day is an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in a supportive environment
Eastside Community Center
14 N. Van Buren Street Hours of Eastside are 9-3p (Sept-May), 8:30-12p (June-August) Get DirectionsA Day in the Life of a Preschooler
Schedule a TourA typical day may include dress-up, reading books, science experiments, building fun objects, puzzles, crafts and music, plus play time outside on our own playground or indoors in our own gym. Students benefit from these experiences because they gain skills in socialization, fine and large motor skills, as well as cognitive development, plus they have fun while doing it. We nurture independent, creative thinkers.
Explore Our Programs
Fun, play-based learning that prepares your child for Kindergarten and beyond.
Young 3s Program
Wednesday – Morning
- First preschool experience builds confidence, friendships, independence, and early learning foundations
- Hands-on learning encourages social, emotional, cognitive growth through engaging activities daily
- Safe nuturing classroom inspires curiosity, creativity, and joyful learning experiences every day
- Potty training in progress; pull-ups are allowed with required adult support available for changes if needed
- Children develop independent bathroom, feeding and drinking skills for classroom success
3s Program
Tuesday/Thursday – Morning & Afternoon sessions available
- Engaging structered preschool start builds rountines, confidence, independence and early learning skills
- Daily schedule rotates circle time, snack time, centers and outdoor play every 45 minutes
- Consistent rotations help children master transitions, rountines and new classroom environments confidently
- Early literacy develops through Jolly Phonics songs, movement, stories and play
- Active learning builds fine and gross motor skills through purposful hands-on experience
- Full bathroom independence required to ensure success and smooth classroom participation daily
- Children practice independent eating and drinking skills throughout structered daily routines
3 Day 4s Program
Monday/Wednesday/Friday – Morning & Afternoon sessions available
- Exciting learning experiences build confidence, independence, and strong kindergarten readiness skills
- Early literacy and writing skills strengthened through Jolly Phonics and Squiggle Squad
- Daily schedule rotates circle time, snack time, centers and outdoor play every 45 minutes
- Room rotations help children master transitions, routines and new learning environments successfully
- Hands-on experiences strengthen fine and gross motor skills through active exploration
- Field trips and themed learning adventures create meaningful, memorable educational experiences
- Children develop strong independent self-help skills essential for kindergarten readiness
- Full bathroom independence required to ensure sucess and smooth classroom participation daily
4-Day 4s Program
Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday – Morning
- Engaging learning experiences build confidence, independence, and strong kindergarten readiness skills
- Early literacy and writing skills strengthened through Jolly Phonics and Squiggle Squad
- Hands-on art, movement, sensory play, and cooking experiences enhance daily learning
- Activities strengthen coordination, fine motor control, balance, and gross motor development skills along with outdoor play
- Children demonstrate strong independence in all self-care routines throughout the day
- Field trips, projects, and creative exploration expand learning beyond the classroom walls
- Full bathroom independence required to ensure sucess and smooth classroom participation daily
Pre-K Program
Full Day Pre-K
M-F Full Day
- 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. M-F
- Full-day engaging program builds strong kindergarten readiness, confidence and independence skills
- Ideal for children needing growth year or enhanced early learning experiences
- Literacy and writing skills develop through Jolly Phonics and Squiggle Squad
- Daily schedule rotates circle time, snack time, centers and outdoor play every 45 minutes
- Consistent routines strengthen transitions, independence and classroom readiness for kindergarten auccess
- Academics, art, movement and sensory play support whole-child development daily
- Strong independence in bathroom use, eating and self-care is expected throughout the day
- Field trips, projects and creative exploration expand learning beyond the classroom walls
Program Highlights
Language, Listening, and Speaking Activities
Building communication skills through stories, songs, and conversations.
Art and Sensory Activities
Encouraging creativity and expression through hands-on experiences.
Social Skills with Conflict Resolution
Learning to share, cooperate, and resolve problems respectfully.
Science and Math Skills
Exploring patterns, numbers, and nature through fun experiments.
Problem-Solving Techniques
Developing critical thinking through games and challenges.
Fine and Gross Motor Activities
Strengthening coordination through movement and manipulatives.
Special Guests and Field Trips
Expanding horizons with exciting new places and people.
Did You Know?
Established in 1833, Batavia is the oldest city in Kane County, Illinois. Originally called Big Woods, the area earned its name from the vast, dense forests that once thrived there. These woodlands provided early settlers with a plentiful supply of timber and natural resources, making it an ideal location for settlement.
In 1840, Judge Isaac Wilson, one of the town’s early influential residents, renamed it Batavia after his former hometown in Batavia, New York. This change marked the beginning of Batavia’s transformation from a small frontier settlement into a thriving community.
Visit the Depot Museum to learn more about Batavia’s history!
Learn moreMeet the Teachers
Say hello to the friendly faces guiding your child’s early learning journey.
Amy Chaney
Preschool Teacher
Elizabeth Czekajlo
Preschool Teacher
Emma Kielion
Preschool & PlayLab Teacher
Heather Wnek
Preschool Teacher
Kaylee Gallagher
Preschool Teacher
Kristi Bertie
Preschool Teacher
Trisha Thomas
Preschool & PlayLab TeacherRegistration for 2026-2027 School Year
Parents may register their children online at bataviaparks.org or in person at any district community center.
Children must be potty trained to register for New Horizons. Pull-Ups-style training pants only are permissible in our Young 3s class.
Registration Dates
Returning Student:
January 12, 2026
New In-district Student
February 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.
New Out-of-District Student:
March 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.
Monthly Fees & Times
Monthly payments are due the first day of the month, September through May. A $10 late fee will be assessed after the 1st of the month. The New Horizons school year runs from early September to the end of May.
Register- Parents may register their children online at bataviaparks.org or in person at any district community center.
- A $25 nonrefundable registration fee and the correct deposit are due at the time of registration.
- If snow days are used during the school year, those days will not be made up.
- Beginning Aug. 1, 2026, a 50% refund will be provided to parents who decide to drop after registration.
More Child Enrichment Opportunities
Batavia Park District offers many programs & events for young children.
Contact New Horizons Preschool
To schedule a tour or for more information about our preschool programs fill out the form or use the contact information below.
Bethanne Guidarelli
Recreation Supervisor - New Horizons Preschool, New Adventures PlayLab, Nature Programs and Youth Variety"*" indicates required fields