Stellar Start PLAYschool
Stellar Start PLAYschool
A new PLAYschool for ages 3-5, starting fall 2025!
Blast off into a world of fun and discovery at Stellar Start PLAYschool! This twice-per-week, half-day, year-round program is designed as a first classroom experience for little learners ages 3-5 who are potty trained and ready for independent experiences. With weekly themes, fun science experiments, outdoor play in our newly renovated park and community garden, and plenty of dynamic activities that welcome wiggles, your little learner is sure to stay excited and engaged. Each day combines structured activities with supervised free play, giving children the time and space they need to thrive.
At Stellar Start PLAYschool, we champion learning through play and hands-on activities to teach students academic, social-emotional, and classroom readiness skills. Throughout the year, academic topics introduced include letters, numbers, shapes, and colors – but this is just the beginning. Our experienced program staff also guides students in sharing, resolving conflicts, expressing emotions, teamwork, and other key social-emotional skills. In addition, students practice raising their hands, transitioning between activities, and many more age-appropriate classroom readiness skills that set them up for a Stellar Start!
New classmates can start at the beginning of any month’s cycle!
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, participants should be fully potty trained, comfortable transitioning between activities, prepared to always stay with the group, and excited for time away from family in our engaging program.
Questions about the program?
- Email the program director, Ms. Dallas, at dorvick@chicorec.gov
Bundle Options
September-December (SAVE $40)
Tue & Thu | 9/2-12/18 | $890 (30 sessions) Register Online
January-May (SAVE $50)
Tue & Thu | 1/6-5/21 | $1128 (38 sessions) Register Online
Monthly Registration Option
September
Tue & Thu | 9/2-9/25 | $248 (8 sessions) Register Online
October
Tue & Thu | 9/30-10/30 | $310 (10 sessions) Register Online
November
Tue & Thu | 11/4-11/20 | $186 (6 sessions) Register Online
December
Tue & Thu | 12/2-12/18 | $186 (6 sessions) Register Online
January
Tue & Thu | 1/6-1/29 | $248 (8 sessions) Register Online
February
Tue & Thu | 2/3-2/26 | $248 (8 sessions) Register Online
March
Tue & Thu | 3/3-3/26 (no program 3/17, 3/19) | $186 (6 sessions) Register Online
April
Tue & Thu | 3/31-4/30 | $310 (10 sessions) Register Online
May
Tue & Thu | 5/5-5/21| $186 (6 sessions) Register Online
Program Details
🧒Ages: 3-5
📅Program Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, from September 2 through May 21.
⏰Times: 8:30 AM-12:00 PM (drop off between 8:30-9:00 AM, pick up between 11:45 AM-12:00 PM)
📍Program Location: Dorothy F. Johnson Center, 775 East 16th St. Toddler Room. To the right of the main entrance, enter the black iron gates into the playground area.
💲Fee: Billing is on a month-to-month basis. The 2025-26 school year fee is $31 per day.
Program Information to Review
25-26 Stellar Start Parent Handbook.pdf25-26 Stellar Start PLAYschool Program Calendar.pdfA Day-in-the-life at Stellar Start PLAYschool
| TIME | WHAT WE ARE DOING |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:00 AM | Parents Drop Off- students free PLAY in our specially curated Toddler Classroom at the DFJ Center |
| 9:00 AM | Circle Time- greet our classmates, sing songs, review our rules and visual daily agenda |
| 9:15 AM | Get Our Wiggles Out- freeze tag, balloon play, scavenger hunts, PLAY, etc. |
| 9:30 AM | Let’s Learn Stations- students rotate through three engaging stations featuring academic topics, fine motor skills, arts and crafts, etc. |
| 10:15 AM | Snack and PLAY - free PLAY on the playground with bikes, chalk, and bubbles galore |
| 10:45 AM | Storytime Adventures |
| 11:00 AM | Outdoor PLAY- teamwork games, park walks, or garden time in the sunshine |
| 11:30 AM | Let's Eat- lunchtime! |
| 11:45 AM-12:00 PM | Free PLAY on the playground while parents pick up |