District 115's Early Childhood program provides early learners with a program to meet their needs and prepare them for their K-12 education. Children are placed in one of the three classroom settings that include at-risk, blended, and structured classrooms based on their individual needs.

Each school year, a set amount of classes are offered. All class schedules are five days a week. Sessions are held from 8:45 to 11:15 a.m. and 12:30 to 3:00 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 supported by a school nurse, social worker, psychologist, speech and language pathologists, and occupational and physical therapists.

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 also conducts 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, and explore. 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 Ext. 4705