Preschool Pioneers

​Big steps toward preschool independence

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Preschool Pioneers is a three-day-per-week drop-off program designed to help young children build confidence, independence, and early school readiness in a warm and supportive environment.

Led by Ms. Stephanie, children will enjoy hands-on learning, social play, morning snack, story time, and guided group activities. Throughout the program, children will practice important preschool skills such as cooperative play, following routines and directions, expressive language, managing transitions, and becoming more comfortable participating independently in a classroom setting.

This program is designed for children 2.5 years old and up (born 9/1/2023 or later) and potty trained for a minimum of 30 days. 

Program date: January 6 – June 4, 2027
Days/Time: Monday, Wednesday & Friday  9:15 - 11:45AM
Tuition: $3,625 (5 months Jan - Jun: $725/month)

Maximum 12 children per class. 
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CLIck HERE TO REGISTER!

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Meet Miss Stephanie!

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​Stephanie Westergaard graduated from Indiana University in 2008 with a BA in Journalism. Her passion for early childhood development sparked when her son’s Twos Room closed for the COVID-19 pandemic, and she became more intentional about giving him opportunities to develop through experiential learning while at home, working full time as a Director of Operations. 

From 2022-2025, Stephanie joined her son and daughter in occupational therapy, speech therapy, and parent-child psychology play sessions under the direction of the renowned professionals at Evola Pediatric Therapy, Grove Communication Therapy, and Evergreen Pediatric Therapy. In addition, Stephanie partnered with the faculty at Black Bear Academy for training in PCIT; she utilizes this child-led approach and eliminates commands, questions, and demands on her students during free play.

​From May 2023-July 2024, she used her training in DIRFloortime® methodology for a Twos class that she taught in her home. Her knowledge of polyvagal theory à la Stephen Porges and Mona Delahooke also inform her teaching style. Stephanie has studied pediatric sleep needs with the consultants of Kelly Murray Sleep Consulting, and can troubleshoot sleep issues. 

She’s excited to share her philosophy of the benefits of child-led play, curiosity, and awe to Saint Luke Academy. Stephanie lives in Roscoe Village with her husband, Adam, and their children, Peter (8) and Alice (6).

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Cancellation Policy:  If you register and have to cancel prior to the session's start date, there will be a $100 cancellation fee per child.