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

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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

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OUR STAFF

LAURA COLLIER
DIRECTOR & TEACHER
​​PRE-K 4/5'S CLASS

Mrs. Collier lives in Cary with her husband,  son and two daughters.  She graduated from Roosevelt University with a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education and has been teaching/working with young children for 25+ years.  When not in the classroom, Mrs. Collier enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and also reading, playing games, going on walks, listening to music, and shopping. ​ 

AMANDA ELLIOTT
TEACHER
​2'S CLASS 

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.

ALYSSA McFAUL
TEACHER
​PRE-K 4/5'S CLASS 

 
Mrs. McFaul lives in Cary with her husband and three daughters. She graduated from Northern Illinois with a Bachelors in Elementary Education and from Roosevelt University with a Master’s Degree in Teacher Leadership. She has taught kindergarten, first, and second grade in Palatine and was a reading and math Interventionist in the Cary school district.  When not in the classroom, Mrs. McFaul loves family time, reading, walking her dog, and anything Disney! 

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JAMIE PENKAVA
TEACHER
2'S CLASS & 3'S CLASS 

Mrs. Penkava lives in Cary with her husband and their two children. After spending time in the medical field and as a stay-at-home mom, she discovered her passion for working with preschool-aged children. She has recently taken Early Childhood Education classes at McHenry County College to support her love for helping young children learn and grow. In her free time, she enjoys camping with her family in their travel trailer and relaxing with a good book. 

ALYSSA RINTZ
​TEACHER 
2'S CLASS 

​​Mrs. Rintz lives in Cary with her husband and two sons.  She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and achieved her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction through Olivet Nazarene University.  Alyssa taught elementary physical education for eleven years and has additional years of experience working with children.  When not in the classroom, Mrs. Rintz enjoys spending time with her family and friends, shopping, and being active.

AMY TELLOCK
TEACHER 
 3'S CLASS 

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

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​PAYTON WALSH
TEACHER 
PRE-K 4/5'S CLASS

Miss Walsh lives in Fox River Grove with her parents and siblings. She graduated from Carroll University after starting at Flagler College and doing the Disney College Program. Payton has had many jobs working with children including teaching preschool, summer school, supplementary art school, and swim lessons. Outside of the classroom, you can find Payton managing her painting business where she paints live at weddings, murals and custom orders. She also coaches girls swimming at Cary Grove High School.  

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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.
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11:10 - 11:30am - Playground/Large Motor.  Children will play outside or inside (weather permitting).

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WHERE WE ARE LOCATED

500 N. First Street
​Cary, IL 60013