Early Childhood Special Education

Children must be 3 to 5 years old, not age eligible for kindergarten (5 years old on or before September 1) 

Must have an identified disability

The Early Childhood Special Education classroom uses programming that is aligned with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards and designed to meet the needs of the individual students within the classroom setting.  

Authentic assessment and data is collected on each child’s individual strengths and areas of need. This data tool is used to inform and drive instruction within each classroom. Assessment information is shared with families three times per year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) through a progress report.  

Language and Literacy components emphasize the development of oral language, vocabulary, phonemic awareness, concepts of print and pre-reading skills. 

STEM components are experiential and hand-on in nature. 

Music, art, drama and imaginative play experiences, as well as health/wellness and fitness activities, are embedded into the daily program.  

Developmentally appropriate exposure to technology is incorporated into instruction. 

5 days per week/half day program  

• AM Session 9:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. 

• PM Session 1:00 p.m. - 3:40 p.m. (Wednesday 1:00 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.) 
   

Calendar closely aligned with District 7 Elementary program 

• Delayed start at the beginning of the year  

• No half day early childhood classes on district half days of attendance 

Parent Conferences that include progress reports 

Parent Orientation prior to start of program 

Home Visits 

Family Fun Nights and Parent Workshops 

Parent Lending Library ​​​​​​​

Door to door transportation is available for students with identified disabilities 

Drop-off for AM Session is 8:55 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. 

Drop-off for PM Session is 12:55 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

After 9:00 and 1:00, parents should park and walk their child into the school office. 

Parents will need to park and walk to the dismissal doors at 11:30 and 3:40 p.m. to pick up their children. ​​​​​​

Classrooms are staffed with one dually licensed teacher and two paraprofessionals 

Access to speech and language pathologist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist 

School Psychologist and Social Worker on site 

School nurse on site 

School Security Officer on site 

Family Resource Specialist​​​​​​

There is no fee for services provided in the Early Childhood Special Education classroom. 

A daily snack is provided for all children in the morning and afternoon sessions ​​​​​.