Early Childhood
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District 308 is committed to delivering an early childhood program that provides quality educational experiences for young children. Our programs are based on the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards (click here for website) which promote the child's emotional, physical, social and developmental readiness needs.
Children are eligible for the Early Childhood program through three different paths: Preschool for All, Special Education, and Tuition Preschool. All programs take place at Brokaw Early Learning Center, Lakewood Creek Elementary School, Wolf's Crossing Elementary School, or Long Beach Elementary School.
Students experience creative curriculum, a scientifically researched-based pre-kindergarten curriculum. The philosophy of this curriculum is learning through play. Teachers utilize direct instruction and at least one hour of student-directed play at learning centers. Teachers assess a student's progress and note a student's interests in order to tailor learning activities so that they meet the needs of all students.
Programs are offered in half-day sessions, Monday through Friday. Students attend the first session from 8:00am-10:30am, or the second session from 11:45am-2:15pm. Preschool students follow the district calendar, except students do not attend on any shortened attendance days. -
Children 3-5 years of age who meet eligibility requirements, may attend this free preschool program. This program, provided through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education, serves children of families who meet eligibility requirements using state outlined At Risk factors. Families must have certain identified risk factors that have been determined to potentially impact academic success. Additional children may be served in the program based on federal income guidelines.
The first step toward accessing the free Preschool for All Program is to schedule your child for a preschool screening. Preschool For All paperwork will be provided for parents to complete at the screening. Paperwork and screening results will be reviewed to determine eligibility.
Parents interested in scheduling a preschool screening should contact (630) 551-9613.
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Children 3-5 years of age who have an identified special education eligibility and who have an IEP that requires a more intense level of programming are enrolled as early childhood special education students.
Blended Classroom
Children may be placed within a blended preschool classroom containing a maximum of 10 regular education students and 6 special needs/instructional level students. These students do not require a more restricted or self-contained level of service and will have the opportunity to learn from peers within the classroom.
Hearing Impaired Classroom
This classroom is for children with an identified hearing impairment. Services provided allow children to learn vocabulary, language, and listening skills in a class devoted to students with hearing impairments. A range of services is provided depending on the child’s individual needs.
Instructional Classroom
Children who demonstrate more intensive instructional needs may be placed within an instructional preschool classroom. This classroom has all students with IEP’s and provides direct, specialized instruction in a small group setting. This level of service may be recommended for some children with multiple service needs or some children who have been identified with autism. It is the goal of this program to provide opportunities for the children to transition out of the self-contained classroom and participate with regular education peers once this is deemed beneficial by the educational team. Children may be transitioned out of this program fully once their needs no longer require this intense level of service.
STARS Classroom
This classroom houses our Skills Training and Autism Related Services program (STARS). This classroom has all students with IEP’s and provides direct, specialized instruction in a small group setting. This program includes both a 2 1/2 hour and 5 hour session depending on a child's educational needs. This level of service may be recommended for some children with multiple service needs or children who have been identified with autism. It is the goal of this program to provide opportunities for the children to transition out of the self-contained classroom and participate with regular education peers once this is deemed beneficial by the educational team. Children may be transitioned out of this program fully once their needs no longer require this intense level of service.
Resource Services
Children may be eligible to receive single or multiple resource level services as identified on an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Services may include: physical therapy, occupational therapy, vision services, hearing services, social work services, or speech therapy.
Note: Children may be enrolled as a tuition paying preschool student and receive resource services either during their preschool time with written parent permission or at a separate time.
The Walk In Speech program has scheduled small group sessions daily. Students typically attend Walk In Speech once or twice per week for 60 minute sessions.
Parents interested in screening their children should contact Mary Kay at (630) 551-9613.
