Now Enrolling preschool for 2025–2026

  Choosing a preschool is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your child—and we get it.

As a certified teacher and a mom of two very different learners, I couldn’t find a program that truly fit both of my children’s unique personalities. 

My son was obsessed with all things STEM but also naturally drawn to the open-ended creativity of the Reggio Emilia approach. My daughter, on the other hand, loved the independence and calm structure of Montessori—but also thrived in dramatic play and the whimsical, magical elements found in Waldorf education.

The problem? Most programs felt rigid. If we chose Montessori, we had to give up dramatic play. If we chose Reggio, we lost structured skill-building. And Montessori, for example, doesn’t even introduce fictional characters until much later—yet imagination is such an important part of childhood.

So I asked: “Why does it have to be either/or?”
What if we could blend the best parts of each philosophy—and follow what each child is naturally drawn to?
So we did just that.

I created Innovative Little Learners to be the kind of place I was searching for as a parent—while also giving myself the freedom to teach with passion, creativity, and intention, the way I always wished I could when I was teaching in the public school system.

With the support of my husband, a chief engineer who helps bring our most imaginative ideas to life through hands-on innovation, 3D printing, and STEM design, we’ve built something truly special:

✨ A place where every child is seen, heard, and deeply loved
✨ A place where learning feels like magic—not pressure
✨ A place where innovation meets imagination, and where no child has to fit into a box

Our thoughtfully designed space brings together the most respected early childhood philosophies—Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, STEM, and Forest School—into one warm, cohesive, child-led environment that honors the whole child.

Because your child deserves more than a method—they deserve a place where they truly belong.

 We're so much more than just Montessori.

At Innovative Little Learners, we don’t follow just one method—we thoughtfully blend the best of many.
While most programs stick to a single philosophy, we believe children deserve more.

Here, you’re not just paying for a Montessori education—you’re getting that and so much more in one magical, modern program.

Our Signature Blend Includes:

• 🌱 Montessori-Inspired Independence
  Self-chosen activities and authentic materials help children build confidence, focus, and real-life skills through purposeful, independent learning.
   
• 🎨 Reggio Emilia Project-Based Learning
  Open-ended provocations, loose parts, light exploration, and collaborative projects empower children to follow their curiosity and make meaning through hands-on discovery.
   
• 🔬 Daily STEM & Makerspace Exploration
  STEM isn't an "extra"—it's embedded in our daily play. From early science and engineering to age-appropriate coding and 3D printing, our Makerspace fosters innovation, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving.
   
• ✨ Waldorf-Inspired Rhythm & Magic
  We nurture imagination through storytelling, crafts, nature, and daily rhythms that support emotional well-being. Singing, dancing, and beauty are woven into our routines.
   
• 🌿 Forest School Adventures
  We believe not all classrooms have four walls. Children enjoy daily outdoor learning—mud kitchen play, potion mixing, nature walks, and full-body sensory exploration in the fresh air.
   
• ❤️ Social-Emotional Learning & Mindfulness
  Emotional regulation, empathy, confidence, and communication are intentionally supported through mindfulness activities, children's yoga, and daily relationship-building moments.
   

This isn’t just preschool—it’s a place where children are seen, heard, and loved. A place where learning feels like joy. A place where your child is free to explore, express, and grow into the creative, capable, confident person they’re meant to be.

  Small Group, Big Impact 

 We intentionally keep class sizes small so every child feels like they belong.
This isn’t just childcare—it’s a transformative early learning experience that nurtures the whole child.

Most programs charge extra for things like STEM, art, nature play, or social-emotional learning.

And traditional Montessori schools? They often charge $600–$900/month for a half-day—and still don’t include enrichment such as STEM Education.

At Innovative Little Learners, you get an entire Montessori classroom, plus so much more:

Start Date: September 3, 2025

• End Date: May 29, 2026
• Days: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
• Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
• Tuition:  $485/month (September–May)

📝 $100 registration fee holds your child’s spot and covers onboarding & materials.

 ✅ Included With Enrollment:  

• 🧩 Full Montessori 3-6 Work Area – With authentic Montessori materials and child-led learning

• 🔬 STEM & Robotics – Early coding, 3D printing, and engineering provocations

• 🌿 Forest School & Nature Play – Mud kitchens, potions, daily outdoor exploration

• 🎨 Creative Expression – Light exploration, loose parts play, and storytelling incorporating Reggio Emilia's approach
   
• 🧘‍♀️ Social-Emotional Learning – Mindfulness, emotional regulation, and kids yoga
   
• ✨ Pop-Up Events & Family Perks – Priority access, discounted or free tickets, and seasonal celebrations

LIMITED SPOTS REMAINING! REGISTER TODAY!

"A child's environment should feel like an extension of home—safe, warm, and intentionally prepared." —Dr. Maria Montessori
This is why our school is set in a loving home-based environment, gently guiding your child from home to their first school experience.

Located at 12 Midway Drive, Willowbrook Illinois, we have transformed our entire basement into a state of the art modern preschool we wish existed in more areas. Our outdoor environment has been transformed into a nature-based playground. 

Spots fills quickly each year. All children must be between the ages of 3–6 years old on or before September 1, 2025 and fully potty-trained.

1. Submit your non-refundable $100 registration fee (See Below).
2. Complete Registration paperwork no later than August 29, 2025
3. Tuition Fee will be billed monthly and due the 1st of each month.

The early years aren’t just important—they’re everything.

Did you know that by the time your child turns five, 90% of their brain is already developed? That means every story you read, every question they ask, and every hands-on experience they explore is literally shaping the way they think, feel, and learn for life.

At Innovative Little Learners, we don’t take that lightly. We’re here to make the most of this powerful window of growth—because research shows that the right kind of early education changes everything.

• Your child’s brain is forming over 1 million new neural connections per second in the early years (Harvard University). Every moment matters.
   
• Kids who attend high-quality preschool programs have stronger language, math, and problem-solving skills, and do better in school long term (NIEER).
   
• Emotional skills matter too—early social-emotional learning helps kids become more confident, resilient, and empathetic (Harvard Center on the Developing Child).
   
• And get this: economist Dr. James Heckman found that every $1 spent on quality early education can return up to $13 in long-term life benefits.
   

It means we don’t just “babysit” or “prep for kindergarten.”

We guide children through brain-boosting, heart-centered learning:
🔬 Exploring STEM through real experiments
🌿 Building resilience through nature and forest school
🎨 Creating freely with art, storytelling, and imagination
🤖 Learning 3D printing, early robotics, and design thinking
🧘‍♀️ Developing mindfulness, confidence, and self-regulation

All while being loved, supported, and seen for who they truly are.

It’s the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, confidence, and capability.

Limited Spots Available for Fall 2025

We are passionate about keeping our groups small to maximize learning so Spots Are Limited—and are filling up quickly.

Only a FEW SPOTS REMAINING!

 Click the Registration Link.
Once you register, you’ll receive a welcome email with next steps, a supplies list, handbook, and your official start date.

• Q: Can I tour before enrolling?
  A: Absolutely—tours are relaxed, informal, and tailored to your schedule. We plan to have an open house the week of July 21, so feel free to come to our open house.
   
• Q: What if my plans change later?
  A: Our $100 registration fee secures your spot. If your situation changes, reach out—often we can shift your child's start date or place them on a waitlist.
   
• Q: Is my child age-eligible?
  A: We welcome children ages 3–6 who are potty-trained, with flexibility based on developmental readiness.

• Q: My child is too young for this year, but do you offer wait lists for future school years?
  A: Yes! We’re already welcoming families onto our interest list for future enrollment. If your child isn’t quite old enough yet but you’re considering Innovative Little Learners in the coming years, we’d love to add you. There’s no fee to join the list—just send us your name, your child’s name and birthdate, and your preferred start year. This helps us plan ahead and gives you priority when spots open!

Contact Us Anytime
Message on Instagram or Facebook

Email: innovativelittlelearners@gmail.com

"Our son had Megan as his Kindergarten Teacher and she has made a lasting impact on him.  He was a young kindergartener due to his late summer birthday and I was worried that we were sending him too soon. Even in her first year of teaching, Megan was so kind and compassionate toward our son and myself that I know she’s the reason that we made it through that first year of school. Regardless of the number of questions I had, she was so patient and caring. She took the time to talk to me and reassure me or send me updates/pictures throughout the day. She really focused her energy on her students and sharing her love of learning with them. Her love for teaching and the children is evident in everything she does. She was so instrumental in getting him set for loving learning that we keep her posted on him to this day and he’s almost ready to head off to college!  I have not seen another teacher like her in today’s school system – her love for teaching and the children is evident in everything she does.  I would tell anyone who is considering sending their children to Megan for teaching – do it! You will not regret the decision to have Megan as your child’s teacher. She’s one-of-a-kind and one of the most amazing women I have had the pleasure of knowing.” --Jennifer Smith, Parent of Former Student

"I absolutely LOVE Innovative Little Learners and so does my son! I would highly recommend to anyone. Megan does a great job engaging with the kids in both a fun and educational way. You can tell she is really passionate about teaching and that she loves working with kids. My son did not want to leave!"--Lisa Rudisel, Parent of Student

"Miss Megan, from Innovative Little Learners, was one of the best teachers my daughter has ever had. She truly was constantly innovating to teach the kids in fun and memorable ways. She ignited a passion in my daughter for reading that has continued throughout her high school years where she has excelled in literature. During that Kindergarten year with Miss Megan my daughter was ending treatment for cancer. Miss Megan went out of her way to educate the kids on germs to help keep our daughter healthy at a time when she was still receiving daily chemo. We were really thankful not only for her expertise as a teacher but also her empathy for our daughter at what was an incredibly difficult time in our lives. She is truly one of the best educators out there!"--Nichole Brooks, Parent of Former Student

 "Miss. Boege (when I had her) was seriously such an amazing teacher. She was my first teacher, as I had her when I was in Kindergarten and now I’m almost done with high school. Not only myself, but my mom also loved her. She never failed to go above and beyond to make everyone in the class love school. To anyone looking into this, I 110% recommend her over anyone/anywhere else! She always has great ideas that are so fun and engaging that truly benefits kid’s learning. She definitely impacted my look on learning when I was younger because there wasn’t a day I didn’t want to go back to class. I remember all the different fun things we did; especially the treasure chest we got to pick from and the super fun reading corner! Seeing all the posts about Innovative Little Learners, she has found so many interesting ways to make learning fun for little kids (makes me wish I could go). I can easily say she made a huge impact on me and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to have her as my teacher."--Taylin Phillips, Former Student