About the Early Childhood Center and District 99 Pre-K Program

The Early Childhood Center provides a child-centered and developmentally appropriate pre-k program. A combination of teacher-lead and student-lead learning experiences are provided every day.

The Early Childhood Center offers a full continuum of learning opportunities for students based on their individual needs.

For children who meet the criteria for Illinois' Preschool For All grant, they are placed in a pre-k classroom that ranges from 15-20 students. The majority of the students in this classroom are considered within the typical range of development or are such with a minor speech delay. 

For children who demonstrate additional support needs, or require special education services, these services are offered across the continuum of environments. The program offers supports based on student needs. Many of the children in the early childhood and pre-k programs receive their services through blended programs. The majority of the services in these programs are provided in general education programs.

For students needing more support, the early childhood and pre-k program offers a variety of special education support in self-contained classrooms. Opportunity for the children in these programs have typical experiences with children without special education support needs are a part of these programs as well. Children in this program are supported through a combination of the Preschool For All grant, Individuals With Disabilites Act (IDEA) Part B grant dollars, and local school funding.

District 99's program has recently received the Gold Circle of Excellence as part of State A Monitoring. It has also received positive reports for its inclusion of all students. 

Mission and Vision

Mission: To ensure high levels of learning for ALL students.

Vision: To be a state-wide renowned Pre-K school whose students continuously demonstrate high levels of learning and as a result are prepared for success at any school they choose to attend.

Collective Commitment/Agreement: If we are to be a state-wide renowned Pre-K school whose students continuously demonstrate high levels of learning, then we, as adults, will commit to our collective efficacy demonstrated by practicing effective and frequent collaboration.

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The 5Essentials were developed by the University of Chicago Urban Education Institute, in partnership with Chicago Public Schools. Past research has shown that schools strong on at least three of the five essentials are 10 times more likely to improve student learning than schools weak on three or more of the five essentials.

For 2022, Early Childhood Center is organized for improvement. To view more detailed results from the survey please click HERE