THE EARLY CONNECTIONS PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

 The Early Connections Preschool Program is funded by the Early Childhood Block Grant of the State of Illinois.  This program serve 3- to -5 year old eligible students whose families qualify as defined in the District 84 Early Childhood Block Grant eligibility statement.

The Educational Program

 The Early Connections Preschool Program provides young children with a high-quality preschool educational experience. 

• The program meets five days a week.

• The program is half-day and meets a minimum of two and a half hours each day.

• The classroom is stocked with developmentally appropriate materials, supplies, and equipment.

• Children are read to each day.

• The schedule provides a balance of:  teacher-directed and meaningful child-initiated activities; active and quiet activities; independent and guided activities; large- and small-group, and individual activities.

• There is a maximum of twenty students per class.

• The program has a lending library for parents and students.

• The program has a newsletter.

• Home visits are scheduled annually.

• Family activities such as workshops, field trips and child/parent events are provided.

• Staff partner with parents to promote the social/emotional and overall development of children.

• Parenting skills are promoted and supported through workshops and conferences.

• The classroom teacher holds an Early Childhood Certificate from the State of Illinois.

• The program assists children in making the transition into kindergarten.

• Services and activities provided are coordinated with other programs in the same operation area that are concerned with education, welfare, health, and safety needs of young children and their families (e.g., LASEC, Early Intervention, Law enforcement, Fire Safety...)

The Staff

The class is staffed by a highly trained and qualified state-certified teacher.  The program also has two full-time teaching assistants and a part time bi-lingual parent facilitator.

Program Eligibility

 A screening process for the Early Connections Program is coordinated through the parent facilitator.  Interested families may contact the parent facilitator at Pietrini School at 847-455-7960.

 A scheduled appointment must be made for a personal interview at which time proof of residency within District 84 boundaries will be determined.  In addition, the family will complete the District 84 Early Childhood Block Grant eligibility form with the parent facilitator.

Once the family criteria for eligibility in the program has been met, an appointment is made for the child to take the DIAL-3screening test.  This is a testing instrument which helps to determine any areas of potential delay that the child may have.  The child is tested in the three areas:  motor, concepts, and language.

Early Childhood Program Philosophy and Curriculum

To learn more about the Early Childhood Program Philosophy and Curriculum, please click here!

Leyden Area Special Education Cooperative

The early childhood program is part of the Leyden Area Special Education Cooperative and is located at Pietrini Elementary School.  To learn more about the Leyden Area Special Education Cooperative, please visit their website:  http://www.lasecfp.k12.il.us