BARLINA HOUSE PRESCHOOL

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy is to provide children opportunities to participate in activities that will develop them socially, emotionally and intellectually into self-assured children. Barlina House Preschool is a Crystal Lake Park District program and is licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Our instructors are Early Childhood Educators, AED/CPR and First Aid Certified.

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is in line with Illinois Early Learning Standards. Through play and a semi-structured schedule, the children will have opportunities to engage in language, literacy, math and science activities along with art, music and dramatic play for self-expression.

Parent Handbook

Curious about what a day at Barlina House Preschool looks like?

• 2026-2027 School Year

  Registration for the 2026-2027 school year now open. Click on the program code to link to online registration.
  Classes run Sept 2, 2026-May 22, 2027

  • If registering after Aug 1, registration needs to be made in person at the Crystal Lake Park District Administration Building.
  • A $50 non-refundable registration fee is due at the time of registration.
  • A 5% discount is offered for 2nd and 3rd child from same immediate family.
  • Children must be toilet-trained, no pull-ups allowed.
  • Placement available for 3-5 year olds and is based upon your child's age as of Sept 1.

  2026-2027 3-YEAR OLD CLASSES
  511311-01	Main Room	T/TH	9 AM-12 PM	Res: $197	N-Res: $242
  511311-02	Little Room	M/W/F	9 AM-12 PM	Res: $286	N-Res: $351
  511311-06	Little Room	T/TH	9 AM-12 PM	Res: $197	N-Res: $242
  2026-2027 4-YEAR OLD CLASSES
  511311-03	Upstairs	T/TH	9 AM-12 PM	Res: $197	N-Res: $242
  511311-04	Main Level	M/W/F	9 AM-12 PM	Res: $286	N-Res: $351
  511311-05	Upstairs	M/W/F	9 AM-12 PM	Res: $286	N-Res: $351
  511311-07	Upstairs	4 Days	9 AM-12 PM	Res: $373	N-Res: $467
  511311-08	Upstairs	5 Days	9 AM-12 PM	Res: $419	N-Res: $514
  2026-2027 3-5 YEAR OLD-AFTERNOONS
  511311-10	Main Room	Tu/Th	12:45-3:45 PM	Res: $188	N-Res: $233
  511311-11	Upstairs	M/W/F	12:45-3:45 PM	Res: $272	N-Res: $337

  Questions?
  

  how to pay online
  

  WS 2026 activity guide
  

• NEWSLETTER/CALENDAR
  2025-2026 Calendar
  Feb 2026 E-News
  Mar 2026 E-News
  Apr 2026 E-News
  May 2026 E-New

  E-newsletters are sent via email at the first of each month.

• 	Donna MacCrindle Barlina House Preschool Director (4's M-W-Fr and T-Th, upstairs room) Hello, my name is Donna MacCrindle, but you can call me Mrs. Donna. I have been the Director at Barlina House Preschool for the past eight years. Barlina House Preschool is truly my second home. My passion is to teach young children to enjoy life through learning and playing. My first degree was in “Fashion Design” and then went back to school to complete my “Early Childhood Degree’. I have lived in Crystal Lake for 32 years with my husband, Don. We have three amazing grown children, two wonder daughters-in-law and six incredible grandchildren. I also have two dogs, golden lab named ‘Hook’ and a chocolate lab named ‘Maggie’. My other pet is a turtle that lives at school, his name is ‘Huddy Buddy’. Come and visit him! This will be the first year that I will not have a grandchild at school with me. I will miss them! You will see me in the community at sporting events watching all my grandchildren playing football, basketball, baseball, dancing and cheerleading. I do not miss any of the their events. I am also very active at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. I teach religious ed to children with special needs and have many other roles at my church. I am so excited to start another year and for you all to join our Barlina House Preschool family!
  	Holly Contreras Preschool Teacher (3's M-W-Fr and Tu-Th, small room) I have enjoyed working at Barlina House as a Teacher’s Assistant for the past three years. I worked in daycare for twelve years but have really found my stride with preschoolers. I can’t wait to start another year with these amazing children. My family and I have lived in Crystal Lake for the past sixteen years and love being a part of this community. My husband I have three children, ages 26, 21 and 15, and are kept busy with their school and sports activities. When I have free time I love to walk my dogs, read a book, or go for a swim. I love the warm atmosphere and loving environment at Barlina House and can’t wait for another full-filled year!
  	Lindsay Craig Preschool Aide (3's Tu-Th, Main Room and 4's M-W-F, Main Room) This is my first year at Barlina House Preschool. I am currently working towards getting my Early Childhood Certificate at McHenry County College. I have been working with young kids for over 25 years in various positions such as Crossing Guard at a local school, working in lunchrooms, and in various positions in daycare centers. I have volunteered at the schools my children have attended, and I have volunteered teaching Religious Education and Confirmation at my church. I have lived in Crystal Lake for 22 years and truly love being here. I am looking forward to working with all of the young children and seeing their growth over the next year.
  	Melissa Gray Teacher's Aide (3's Tu-Th, Main Room) Hi! I’m Melissa Gray, and I’m so happy to be your child’s Teacher’s Aide this year. I’m a mom of three and spent 19 years as a stay-at-home mom before returning to work in early childhood education. I’ve worked with preschoolers (including lots of energetic 3-year-olds!) and love helping little ones learn, play and feel confident in the classroom. I’m also taking classes at McHenry County College to keep growing my skills. I can’t wait to get to know your family and share a fun, caring year together!
  	Sherry Rasmussen Preschool Teacher (3's M-W-F, 3's Tu-Th, Small Room) I started working at Barlina House Preschool in 2020 as a Teacher’s Aide. I earned my teacher qualification this past year and I can’t wait to have my own classroom. I found my love of teaching while working with preschoolers and I love watching them turn into confident inquisitive learners. I was born and raised in Crystal Lake and I love being a part of this amazing community! When I’m not in the classroom you can find me reading a book or playing video games with my friends. I love to travel and take cruises with my family. I love working at Barlina House and I can’t wait to get started on another great school year!
  	Lane Richards Preschool Aide (4's M-W-F and 4's Tu-Th, Upstairs Room) This is my first official year with Barlina House as a preschool classroom aide, but I have been a substitute for the last two years and have loved every second of my time here. I have 4 years of experience in childcare with the Crystal Lake Park District and have been a resident of Crystal Lake my whole life. I love being physically active and playing games with kids such as tag or soccer. I look forward to developing a positive relationship with the children and families I work with!
  	Julia Wagner Preschool Assistant Teacher (4's M-W-F, Main Room and 3's Tu-Th, Main Room) This will be my first year as a classroom aide at Barlina House Preschool, but unofficially it is my fifth year at Barlina as my three children all attended preschool here. I attended Loyola University in Chicago and graduated in 2018. I am so thrilled to be able to work with such a wonderful group of women and get to be a small, but hopefully mighty, part of your children’s lives. I have lived in Crystal Lake all my life and my three children attend West Elementary School where I love to volunteer my time. I am the Vice President of the PTO at West which means that I get to be part of so many exciting events for all of the students there. I am also a Girl Scout Troop Leader for my daughter and her Brownie Troop. I have loved Barlina as a mom and am ecstatic about continuing with Barlina House in the classroom.

• Daily Schedule

  Here is a sample of what our day looks like at Barlina House Preschool

  PRINT SCHEDULE

  

   
• Explore with Barlina House Preschool

  Ages 3-5

  Come enjoy some fun at Barlina House this summer! We will have a mixture of fun activities and enjoy the outdoors every day. Field trips are included each session so the children can enjoy the other Park District facilities. Registration is due 5 days before the first class. Campers must be toilet trained.

  2026 Summer Adventure at Barlina
  311335-01	M-W	6/8-6/24	9:15 AM-11:30 AM	Res:$135 N-Res:$175
  311335-02	M-Th	6/8-6/25	9:15-11:30 AM	Res:$180 N-Res:$234
  311335-03	M-W	6/8-6/25	12:30-2:45 pm	Res: $180 N-Res: $234
  311335-04	M-W	7/6-7/22	9:15-11:30 AM	Res:$135 N-Res:$175
  311335-05	M-Th	7/6-7/23	9:15-11:30 AM	Res:$180 N-Res:$234
  311335-06	M-Th	7/6-7/23	12:30-2:45 pm	Res:$180 N-Res:$234

  Are you ready for kindergarten?

  Ages 4-6

  Come join us for a quick review before you start kindergarten this fall. We will be reviewing the alphabet numbers and many other kindergarten skills. This will help your child build confidence in themselves before starting school. Come have some fun with the Barlina Teachers!

  2026 Are You Ready for Kindergarten?
  320336-01	M-Th	7/27-7/30	9 AM-12 PM	Res:$100 N-Res: $130