Preschool for All

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

• Must complete a developmental screening and parent interview 

  • Screening held throughout the school year 

• Income is not a determination of eligibility for the program but must be provided as proof for state reporting. Programs must document each family’s proof of income upon entry to the program. This information remains in a child’s file and is confidential.  

• The Creative Curriculum is a research-based early childhood education program that focuses on fostering children’s development through a play-based and child-centered approach. It is designed to support children’s growth across several key domains – social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development. The Creative Curriculum provides teachers with a framework for creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences through in-depth study topics, fostering children’s curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills.  

• Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG)is the evidence-based assessment tool used by the Preschool for All programs. TSG supports program staff in understanding, tracking, and promoting children's development. This tool helps classroom staff make data-driven decisions and create individualized learning experiences. TSG supports developmentally appropriate practices, aligns with Illinois state standards and Creative Curriculum and provides continuous, meaningful feedback to ensure that each child receives the support they need to succeed in the early stages of their educational journey. 

• Assessment information is formally shared with families three times per year (November, February and May) through a narrative summary report. 

• In addition, students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will have tailored lessons and experiences targeting individual goals. Progress towards IEP goals is formally shared with families three times per year (November, February and May) through an IEP progress report.  

Program Components

• Classes composed of one Early Childhood dually certified teacher (general education and special education), two paraprofessionals and 17 students in an inclusive learning environment.  
   

• 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 Preschool for All classes on district half days of attendance 

• Parent Conferences once a year 

• Home Visits 

• Family Fun Nights and Parent Workshops 

• Parent Lending Library 

• Parents are responsible for their child’s transportation to and from school 

• 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. 

• 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 

• Parent Educator 

• There is no fee to attend the Preschool for All program. This program is funded through a competitive grant offered by the Illinois State Board of Education. 

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