I Flip”N” Learn Preschool will hold an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at its facility at 10350 Rising Court in Woodridge. Area residents with preschool age children are invited to attend the open house to view the gymnastics facility and preschool classroom, meet the teacher and learn more about the school’s curriculum.

The preschool offers what the name implies and more – combining the benefits of gymnastics with preschool academic curriculum goals created by the State of Illinois, all under the guidance of a certified elementary education teacher in a comprehensive gymnastics facility.

The preschool is the brainchild of former Lemont-Bromberek School District primary school teacher Julie Lingl, who brings to the program 13 years of experience in teaching both special-needs and gifted children in grades K-2, as well as specialized work with math, reading and writing curricula.

Lingl said she is excited to share her teaching expertise to help develop the minds and bodies of Lemont’s young students through I Flip “N” Learn.

“Brain research over the last 50 years, more particularly over the last 10 years, has demonstrated a direct mind/body connection,” Lingl said. “Children learn cognitive skills more effectively in an environment that includes the body as well as the mind. Studies show that children who have participated in movement education activities have longer attention spans, increased communication skills, general problem solving skills and improved self-esteem. My program combines this approach with my extensive teaching experience, offering a truly comprehensive development experience.”

I Flip “N” Learn, which shares space with I Flip “N” Dance, currently offers preschool enrichment classes for children ages 3 to 5, featuring 45 minutes of gymnastics and 75 minutes of academics. I Flip “N” Dance owner Jane Burke leads the gymnastics portion of the program, along with instruction by Lynch and an assistant, who is a retired teacher.

“With three adults in the room, there is a very low teacher-to-student ratio,” Lingl said. “If enrollment grows, we will add to the staff as needed.”

“We transform the dance room into a classroom,” Lingl added. “Children come once a week, [and] since they are already attending other preschools, my intention is to help children go beyond what is expected at their day to day school.”

Lingl said new eight-week sessions of enrichment classes will begin Jan. 7, but children may join at any time, with the price prorated to reflect the amount of weeks remaining in the program.

The owners are planning an addition to the building, which will be ready by summer or sooner, to house a full preschool program. The 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. sessions for both 3- and 4-year-olds are scheduled to begin in the fall.

“Since typically, preschool registration takes place in February, we need to get the enrollment process started even though construction of the new addition isn't complete,” Lingl said.

Where did the idea for Flip “N” Learn originate?

After District 113A budget cuts caused the elimination of her teaching job, Lingl said she began helping out at I Flip “N” Dance. She was inspired to open her own preschool after learning about an Indiana woman named Patty Komara, who originated the “gym and learn” philosophy.

“I casually mentioned an idea to start a program like the one in Indiana, and it has been snowballing since then,” Lingl said. “Jane Burke and I spent the day in Indiana with Patty Komara … and she helped us devise a plan to bring the idea to our area. Her suggestion was to start with enrichment classes and go from there. In my first eight-week session, I had 16 children enroll – and a group of parents who were thrilled about the idea.”

What are Flip “N” Learn’s goals?

According to the Flip “N” Learn handbook, the preschool’s overall goal is “to aid in the development of a physically, mentally and academically well-rounded child. When a child is given the opportunity to reach their full potential (both mind and body) at an early age, they have a critical jump start on a very successful academic and healthy life.”

The school’s academic curriculum goals are guided by the Early Childhood Initiative standards created by the State of Illinois.

For more information call 630-783-1231 or visit www.iflipndance.com.