Overview

The Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Tot Program offers the ideal setting for toddlers to begin their transition from a home-concentrated environment to a school-based setting. Our program allows parents (or caregivers) the very special opportunity to accompany and shepherd their child through their first structured classroom experience, helping to foster the growth, independence, and social skills of their child.

Meeting twice weekly over the course of four 7 or 8 week sessions, our tots and caregivers partake in circle time, play time, snack, story time, music, gross motor exploration, dancing, and even Spanish language learning!  Our tots learn and grow through the perfect balance of organized activities and self-directed play, all in a warm, welcoming, and safe environment, prepared especially for them by our dedicated Tot Program teacher. 

Tot classes meet at the ICSJ North Park Campus in one of our fully self-contained and NAEYC accredited preschool classrooms. Participants also utilize our colorful and inviting North Park campus outdoor play lot when weather permits.

Faculty

The ICSJ Tot Program is led by seasoned teacher Maria Laura Diab. Earning her Early Childhood Education Degree from the Institute Sara Faisal in her home country of Argentina, Mrs. Diab has over 20 years of teaching experience in preschools in both Argentina and Chicago. Mrs. Diab is a fluent Spanish speaker and enjoys sharing her language with our youngest learners. She has a strong passion for educating young children with fun and engaging activities including singing, dancing, and acting! 

Class Size

The Tot Program serves a maximum of 10 students along with each child’s caregiver. The number of students in the class is intentionally small allowing our tots, their caregiver, and the teacher the opportunity to comfortably interact with one another throughout the duration of the class. The Tot Program is designed for one caregiver and their toddler. In the case of twin siblings, the 1:2 ratio of one caregiver to two children is acceptable. 

Parent/Caregiver Involvement

The caregiver accompanying his/her tot is an essential component to the success of our program. Each caregiver is asked to engage, encourage, and foster their child’s learning throughout the class, supervising and keeping the child safe at all times. As the toddlers begin to demonstrate independence and readiness, typically beginning in late spring, parents/caregivers will transition out of the classroom and into an adjacent room, allowing the child (and the parents!) to begin building necessary separation skills. 

Program Details

Applicants must reach two years of age by September 1, 2023

 

Session 1  October 2 - November 16   7 weeks/14 Classes  $575  Session 2  November 28 - February 1  8 weeks/16 Classes  $650  Session 3  February 6 - March 28  8 weeks/16 Classes  $650  Session 4  April 9 - May 30  8 weeks/16 Classes  $650

 

Registration and fee is for each session, individually.  You may register for all sessions at once, or separately. 

 

 

To Apply

Registration is offered on a first come - first serve basis and is limited to 10 students. Please submit the application linked below and we will be in touch regarding the next steps.