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School District 123 Early Learning Program

Our Vision is to provide a high-quality preschool education for all children in an inclusive community where each child and family belongs and flourishes.

Our preschool classrooms serve a mixture of students of various ages and abilities. Services such as speech and occupational therapy are provided within the classroom for eligible students. Research has shown that both children with disabilities and children who are typically developing benefit from inclusive settings.

If you have any questions about the process outlined below, contact a member of the Early Childhood Department directly:

Click here to email Erica Parus or call (708) 952-4390

Click here to email Jennifer Taff or call (708) 423-8363

Prospective Families

Registration for School Disrtrict 123 Early Learning is an ongoing process. In order to attend the School Disrtrict 123 Early Learning Program, you must be a resident of School District 123, and we recommend all children are screened starting at 2 years 6 months of age. 

If interested in the Early Learning Program, please complete the following steps:
*If you don’t have computer access, feel free to stop by the district office or your school’s main office as we can assist you with your online enrollment

Step 1:  Please complete a new student application in Skyward here

Step 2:  Please follow the instructions in the email sent and provide birth certificate, residency, health forms and proof of income.

Step 3:  Once all required documents are received, you will receive a link to an online screening (see below).

Prior to enrollment, all families must submit your child’s original birth certificate, Proof of Residency, a school physical,  and income verification documents. All of these documents can be submitted by EMAIL TO REGISTRATION@D123.ORG or you can make an appointment online by clicking here, or calling 708-857-5020.

If your child is determined eligible for our program, based on availability, he or she will either be placed immediately or put on an enrollment waiting list. The waiting list is based on weighted eligibility criteria and student needs. Spaces are limited!

Classroom Offerings

School District 123 Early Learning Program utilizes a state criteria checklist to determine eligibility for the program. Upon completion of the screening process, a variety of options are available based on the results of the screening. Some options may include:  

  • A child maybe placed in a preschool program if eligibility requirements are met (or placed on the waiting list if the program is at capacity)
  • Referred for further evaluations
  • Referred to community preschools if they do not qualify for the program

Our programs offer diversity of experience and knowledge in pre literacy, mathematics, science, social emotional development and social skills experiences through learning centers, field experience and hands-on activities. Music and movement are important for the development of the whole child and their self-esteem. 

Creative Curriculum

The Illinois Early Learning and Developmental Standards provide the framework for instruction within the early childhood program.  School District 123 adopted the Creative Curriculum which is aligned to the Illinois Standards and outlines specific learning targets for three and four year old children.  Concepts and skills related to language arts, math, science, physical growth, health and social-emotional milestones are developed through instructional units.  Children will acquire these skills through a balance of teacher-directed and child-initiated learning opportunities.  Children are taught in small groups, large groups and individualized settings which promote independence, problem solving, cooperative learning and self-confidence.

Progress through the curriculum is monitored in order to ensure that all children are learning and acquiring skills/concepts being taught.  A checklist from the Creative Curriculum is used to gauge each child's progress.  Information from the checklists is reviewed by staff and used to guide instructional planning within the classroom. 
 

This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.