At-Risk Early Childhood Program

 

District 115's Early Childhood program was established to provide early learners with a program to meet their needs and prepare them for their K-12 education. The Early Childhood program is located at two grade school buildings. The Early Childhood program is home to Preschool At-Risk and Special Education students. Children are placed in one of the three classroom settings that include at-risk, blended, and instructional, based on their individual needs.

Each school year, a set amount of classes are offered. Class schedules are five days a week. Sessions are held from 8:35 to 11:05 a.m. and 12:30 to 3:05 p.m. Each classroom consists of a certified teacher and a classroom assistant, with many classrooms being assigned additional teaching assistants to help meet the needs of the children. The program is also served by a nurse, social worker, psychologist, speech and language pathologist, and occupational and physical therapist.

In order to participate in the Early Childhood program, children must be eligible for the program based on the district preschool screenings that are offered throughout the year. Preschool screenings are conducted by a team of educators and specialists who make up the Assessment Team. This team will also conduct a comprehensive evaluation of a child should that child be suspected of a disability. If a child is not suspected of a disability, that child will be referred to the at-risk portion of the program. Screenings take place throughout both the summer and the school year.

In the Early Childhood program, children enjoy a balance of indoor and outdoor activities each day. There are many opportunities for each child to gain new knowledge, create, explore, and peak their curiosity of the world around them. The units that students study throughout the year are chosen by the students’ interests and include activities such as circle time, large motor activities, outdoor exploration, dramatic play, math, art, blocks, science and discovery, cooking, literacy centers, and sensory time.

Questions regarding the Early Childhood program should be directed to Amy M. Schultz, Early Childhood Coordinator at amschultz@y115.org or 630-553-2841.