ABOUT US

​The Philosophy of the Cary Methodist Preschool is to provide children with a Christian environment that is developmentally appropriate and focuses on the whole child, emphasizing socialization and learning through interaction with his/her environment. Our curriculum incorporates a variety of learning activities based on the Illinois Early Learning Standards.  Cary Methodist Preschool is licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and meets or exceeds the minimum standards set by them for:

• Facility
• Staff
• Health and safety
• Nutrition
• Ratios
• Record keeping

---

OUR CURRICULUM

Cary Methodist Preschool bases its curriculum on the development of the whole child, emphasizing socialization and learning through active involvement with his/her environment. In all classes, teachers provide developmentally appropriate activities and materials to help children learn and grow at their own pace. Teachers combine structured daily routines with free-choice activity times, allowing children to explore their own creativity while relying on the comfort of predictable routines.

Each session includes a circle time, center activities, snack, story time, music and fine and large motor activities.

Circle Time is an opportunity for the children to practice their listening skills as the teacher and the children share ideas and discuss the topic of the day.

Center Activities allow the children to choose from a variety of activities in the following centers; dramatic play, blocks, books, manipulatives, art, math, science, and a sand and water table.

Story and Music Time promotes creative expression, listening skills and language development.

Large Motor activities include outside play on our climbing equipment. If the weather doesn't permit outdoor play, we often use indoor equipment such as the parachute, games with balls or beanbags, or an active music activity.

The Writing Table is an area where markers, crayons, pencils, scissors, and paper are available for children to use on a daily basis

---

OUR STAFF

AMANDA ELLIOTT
​TERRIFIC 2'S

Mrs. Elliott lives in Cary with her husband and two sons.  She is a graduate of Bradley University and is a certified Elementary Education Teacher.  Mrs. Elliott began working with young children in 2004.  When not in the classroom, Mrs. Elliott enjoys reading and crochet. 

AMY DONLEA
​TERRIFIC 2'S AND 3 YEAR OLDS

Mrs. Donlea lives in Cary with her husband and two teenage children.  She is a graduate of Drake University and achieved her Masters in Teaching and Leadership from St. Xavier University.  Mrs. Donlea taught 3rd grade for nine years.  She also has several years’ experience as a kindergarten assistant teacher and teaching three-year-old’s.  When not in the classroom Mrs. Donlea can be found watching her kids cheerleading and football games, reading and shopping. 

AMY TELLOCK
​3 YEAR OLDS

Mrs. Tellock lives in Crystal Lake with her husband and two daughters.  She is a graduate from Illinios State University.  Mrs. Tellock is experienced as a special education teacher and a preschool substitute teacher.  When not in the classroom you can find Mrs. Tellock watching her daughters dance, reading and listening to music.​

LAURA COLLIER
​​PRE-K 4'S AND 5'S AND STAY N' PLAY

Mrs. Collier lives in Cary with her husband and young daughter and an adult son and daughter.  She is a graduate from Roosevelt University.  Mrs. Collier has been working with young children since 2000.  When not in the classroom, Mrs. Collier enjoys playing games and reading. 

JENNIFER INGALLINERA
​​PRESCHOOL MANAGER

Mrs. I lives in Cary with her husband and two teenage boys.  She has earned her elementary education degree from Northeastern Illinois University and first worked with young children in the preschool setting in 1992.  Additionally, Mrs. I has executive administration experience as well as being the Vice President of the Cary Education Foundation, and the co-founder of The Cary Mom's Group.  When not spending her time at Cary Methodist Preschool, Mrs. I. enjoys watching movies with her family, cheering on her boys, and visiting with friends and family.

---

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

9:00 - 9:15am - Handwashing, arrival, greetings

9:15 - 9:30am - Circle Time & Activities include greeting of children, introduction of curriculum areas and theme being introduced that day, calendar (for 4's & Pre-K classes), weather, show 'n tell, explanation of activity centers available that day.

9:30 - 10:45am - Center Time - Children choose from the following teacher prepared activity centers: Art, Math activities, Manipulatives, Dramatic Play, Block Play, Reading Center, Writing Table, Water Table activities, Light Table Activities and Snack.

10:45 - 10:50am - Clean-Up & All children participate in clean up time.

10:50 - 11:10am - Second Circle Time.  Activities include music, stories, finger plays, or learning games.
​
11:10 - 11:30am - Playground/Large Motor.  Children will play outside or inside (weather permitting).

---

WHERE WE ARE LOCATED

500 N. First Street
​Cary, IL 60013