12-Weeks/2 Hours Weekly
Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist--North Door
1025 N. Smith St., North Entrance, Palatine, IL 60067 · Get directions12 sessions from Fri, Sep 11, 2026 [Show]
Add-on services available at checkout
Ages 3-4
12 weeks + Orientation Day (First AND Second Quarter; 2 hours each Friday)
Give your little learner a joyful introduction to group learning in a relaxed homeschool environment!
Harmony “Busy Bees” is a once-a-week parent-and-child enrichment program designed especially for curious three- and four-year-olds. Each class blends stories, music, movement, art, sensory exploration, dramatic play, and hands-on discovery into a fun morning you'll both look forward to each week.
Rather than a traditional preschool, this is an enrichment experience where children learn alongside a trusted parent or caregiver while building confidence, friendships, and early classroom routines.
An experienced early childhood educator leads every activity, allowing parents to enjoy meaningful time with their child while watching them grow socially, creatively, and emotionally.
Your experienced leaders are Jenny Comello, a children's librarian, and Michelle McNulty, an early-childhood educator. Both are homeschooling parents and Harmony members, too!
Each class includes:
• Welcome circle and greeting song
• Open-ended learning stations
• Interactive story time
• Music and movement
• Process-based art or hands-on exploration
• Snack (brought from home) break
• Choice centers and imaginative play
• Closing circle and goodbye song
Throughout the year we'll explore exciting themes like animals, seasons, transportation, community helpers, nature, colors, weather, and more.
Who: Children ages 3–4 with a parent or caregiver
When: Fridays, 10:00–11:50 AM
Session I: September 11th through December 11th, 2026 (Registration opens Aug. 1)
Session II: January 29 - May 7, 2027 (Registration opens in October)
Format: Four six-week themed quarters (24 classes total)
Tuition: $250 per semester (materials included)
Siblings: Siblings under 3 are welcome to attend alongside their older enrolled sibling with this caveat: Our primary goal is to create an environment where the preschoolers can stay engaged and thrive. If a toddler/infant’s needs or behavior were to begin to interfere with the group’s activity, we would simply ask that the parent step into the lobby with them until they’re ready to rejoin the group (with the preschooler hopefully staying in the room to continue engaging in the activity!). This shared understanding will keep the learning environment enjoyable for everyone while allowing yonder siblings to participate when and where they can. A supplemental fee for younger siblings of $30 is required for extra “consumable” materials so they can participate freely, etc. (This is purchased as an “add-on” when registering.)
Parents remain with their child throughout each class, offering encouragement, support, and a reassuring presence as needed. Some children will eagerly jump into every activity, while others may prefer to watch before joining in. Both approaches are perfectly welcome. Our goal is to create joyful early learning experiences while gently nurturing each child's confidence, curiosity, and growing independence.
To help everyone feel comfortable and prepared, we invite all Busy Bees families to join us for a shortened Busy Bees Welcome Day on Friday, September 4 at 10:00 a.m. This relaxed meet-and-greet gives children the opportunity to explore the classroom, meet their leaders, and make a few new friends before the excitement of the first day.
Welcome Day is also a chance for parents to connect with the leaders, learn what to expect throughout the year, and discover simple ways to support their child's experience as their parent-guide. Together, we'll create a warm, encouraging environment where both children and parents can thrive.
Enrollment is for the semester, allowing children to develop friendships, become comfortable with familiar routines, and experience each seasonal theme together.
Membership Requirement
Annual membership dues are required, covering expenses such as group insurance, administrative costs, & supplies. Preschool families have two options for membership depending on the degree of participation they are interested in beyond preschool:
$105/household annually enabling participation in all Harmony events such as CREW, Family Events, Nature Hikes, Excursions, etc.
$25/household annually (available only to preschool families) limited to preschool participation only. (Can be changed at any time.)