What parents should know about Preschool For All:
Preschool For All is an exciting initiative to make voluntary preschool available to all 3 and 4 year olds. That means that as a parent, you decide what early learning experiences are best for your child. By fostering social, emotional and thinking skills, Preschool For All helps prepare children for kindergarten and their school career.
Preschool For All is a high quality Early Childhood Education Program for children 3 and 4 years old. Preschool For All programs operate on a school calendar, the same as your local school district. Classes are 2.5 hours long, 5 days a week.
What does Preschool For All cost?
Preschool For All programs are funded by the Illinois State Board of Education to provide a half day preschool program at no cost to parents. Parents obtain free school by applying to providers. Families who qualify are entered into the program.
The State Board does not provide funds directly to parents. Parents who need additional child care may extend their child’s day using their own funds or a child care subsidy if they qualify.
How do I know if my child is eligible?
All children are eligible, but it will take time to build up to meet expected demand. Initially, availability will vary based on academic and financial criteria. During the expansion, at-risk children will get first priority, followed by children from families making up to four times the federal poverty level, or $80,000 for a family of four.
Your children will benefit from this program in several important ways:
· Teaching staff is certified in Early Childhood Education
· Children are screened for early detection of any developmental delays.
· Curriculum is planned based on Illinois Early Learning Standards and Creative Curriculum.
(This means that your child will be working on skills relevant to their age and development.)
· Children will be given opportunities to explore and gain knowledge through active play.
· Small group times are part of the daily routine to give more individual attention to each child.
· A Parent Coordinator is available to parents for additional resources as well as to plan Parent Events, Field Trips and coordinate parent involvement opportunities.
· A Mental Health consultant is also available to collaborate and support teachers and families.
For more information, please contact:
Kimberly Choate
Preschool For All Teacher
and Parent Coordinator
The Village Children’s Academy
11 E. Ogden Avenue
Westmont, IL 60559
(630) 964-9811
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