Early Childhood
Overview
Orland School District 135 Early Childhood Program is a multi-aged preschool program that provides educational experiences for young children ages three to five years old that are residents of District 135. We have both a Preschool for All program, which is a grant funded program through the state of Illinois, as well as a specialized instruction program for students with identified disabilities that require specialized programming. Our program is designed to support learners who are considered to be at-risk for academic or social/emotional learning challenges or those who require special education services.
The Early Childhood Program emphasizes the process of learning through play in a child-led environment where we use their interests to teach skills. This approach allows for integrated learning and aligns with child development. The goal when creating a rich, engaging early childhood learning environment is to use developmentally appropriate practices. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), developmentally appropriate practice encompasses “...methods that promote each child’s optimal development and learning through a strengths-based, play-based approach to joyful, engaged learning”.
Children must be found eligible for the program through a screening process and cannot register without meeting eligibility requirements.
In addition to the preschool programs, we also offer walk-in speech services to students who qualify.
Location and Hours
All Early Childhood classes are located at Centennial School*. The program runs 5 days per week for 2.5 hours per day.
AM Session: 7:50-10:20
- Arrival: 7:40-7:50
- Dismissal: 10:10-10:20
PM Session: 11:00-1:30
- Arrival: 10:55-11:05
- Dismissal: 1:25-1:35
Enrollment in a particular session is based on availability.
*While the Early Childhood and Preschool For All program is housed at Centennial School, the school a student attends for Kindergarten is determined by their home address. Students who do not reside within Centennial's boundary will attend their home school or the designated school based on their special education services, as determined by the IEP team.
Classrooms
The program operates two primary instructional models:
- Blended Classrooms (Preschool for All)
- Average Class Size: 20 students
- Staff-to-Student Ratio: 3:20
- Includes students identified as at-risk and students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Supports the goals of Preschool for All (PFA) by integrating children with diverse abilities in a shared learning environment
- Promotes peer modeling, social-emotional development, and inclusive practices
- Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Classrooms
- Average Class Size: 10 students
- Staff-to-Student Ratio: 4:10
- Designed to serve students with more intensive or complex developmental needs
- Provides increased individualized instruction, therapy integration, and smaller group work
- Ensures alignment with IDEA mandates and ISBE’s goals for equitable access to early intervention
Screenings
Screenings are held 2-3 times per year and are based on availability for the program. To request a screening, parents can submit a form through this link. Parents will be notified of next steps when a screening date is scheduled. Part of the screening process includes a parent questionnaire, in-person assessment of the child’s skills, and family income documentation.
Curriculum and Services
Our preschool program utilizes Creative Curriculum, which is a research-based, whole child curriculum designed to help children in all areas of development and learning. This play-based program encourages investigative play to help children increase knowledge in developmental areas as well as develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Aligned to Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards, Creative Curriculum targets language, literacy, mathematics, social-emotional, physical, cognitive, social studies, science and technology, the arts, and English language acquisition.
We also have begun utilizing the Pyramid Model for social-emotional development. This model is a tiered system of support specifically designed for our early learners to help them develop appropriate and successful social-emotional skills in school.
As part of our preschool program, we have related service providers who work with each classroom to help support students in the areas of language/communication (speech pathologist), motor skills and sensory needs (occupational therapist), and social-emotional skills (social worker/counselor). These related service providers work directly with students on a weekly basis as well as in collaboration/consultation with classroom teachers and paraprofessionals to help create a rich learning environment for all students.
FAQ
What does "At Risk" mean?
“At Risk” refers to students who do not have a disability, but should be in a high-quality preschool program in order to prevent future academic, social-emotional, or behavioral concerns from developing. At risk factors can include child development, social/emotional skills, family history, environmental factors and health. Qualification for this type of programming is determined by participating in a developmental screening and by meeting specific criteria.
Do only District 135 children attend the program?
Yes. Only children who live within the District 135 school boundaries are eligible to attend the Early Childhood Program.
Can any child within the district boundaries attend the program?
Any child who lives within the District 135 school boundaries may be eligible for our programming. However, simply being a resident of the district does not result in automatically being eligible for the program. Children ages 3 to 5 who live in the district boundaries may attend the program either through qualifying through a developmental screening (at-risk programming), or by qualifying for special education services.
If my child receives outside services (i.e. speech, OT, etc.) aren’t they automatically eligible for the program?
Not necessarily. Eligibility for the program is based on a number of criteria, not only developmental factors. School-based services are different from clinic-based services which is why we complete a full and comprehensive screening for students.
My child’s sibling is currently (or was in the past) in the program. Will my child be automatically eligible?
No, all children have to qualify for the program separately and be screened. Having a sibling in the program currently or in the past does not guarantee your child will be eligible.
If my child is not eligible to attend preschool programming through the school district, what other options do I have for preschool programming?
Some families access preschool programming by enrolling their children in local park district preschool programs or in area faith-based preschool programs. Preschool is not mandatory, except for those children who require special education services. A list of local preschool programs can be found here.
Is transportation provided?
Transportation is only provided to students who qualify for this service. The majority of students do not receive transportation.
How do I know if I should be concerned about my child’s development?
Please remember that all children develop at different rates, and that there is a wide range of “typical development” at this age. Below is a link that will provide guidelines for you to consider regarding your child’s development. If you are not sure whether you should be concerned, please talk to your child’s pediatrician.
Please click here to see information on children’s developmental milestones.
What is the purpose of a screening?
The purpose of a screening is to identify children who may have a disability and/or are at risk for academic and/or social-emotional difficulties in the future.
When do screenings take place?
Screenings take place 2-3 times per year based on openings in the program. Parents who complete the screening request form will receive further information when the next screening has been established.
If I don’t have concerns about my child, what options do I have?
Parents can explore community-based preschool options. For a list of local preschool programs, click here.
Contact Information
For more information on our Early Childhood Program, please contact Stephanie Baltrusis, Special Education Coordinator.
(708) 364-3631