Central District 301 has two early childhood programs to meet the needs of our youngest students, ages 3 to 5.

For those who qualify, our Early Childhood Special Education program (ECSE) provides specially designed instruction that includes services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy as determined by the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). For this population we have a general education and self-contained placement environment to meet their needs.

For preschool-age children who do not qualify for special education services, we offer our Early Childhood Blended Program which takes place in our general education environment. For the 2018-2019 school year, there will be two EC classrooms at Howard B. Thomas Grade School, two EC classrooms at Country Trails Elementary School, and one EC classroom at Prairie View Grade School. Each classroom will provide a general education environment with the exception of one self-contained session at Howard B. Thomas.

Early Childhood Special Education

If you have concerns about your child’s development and you wish to have him/her screened for possible entry to the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program, please contact Mike Potsic at mike.potsic@central301.net or 847-464-5863 to set up a time for a screening.

The ECSE program meets 5 days a week for half day sessions. Transportation is provided for ECSE students and there is no tuition cost for this program. There is a $60 registration fee.

Early Childhood Blended Program

Students who do not qualify for special education services and who reside within District 301 boundaries may be eligible to enroll in the Early Childhood Blended Program. Each blended classroom is composed of approximately 5 students with IEPs and 10 students without IEPs. Each class meets 5 days a week, with the 3-year-old session from 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. and the 4-year-old session from 12:30 – 3:00 p.m. Students must be potty trained in order to participate in the program. There is an annual tuition fee of $2,000 per student (payable in eight monthly payments of $250) for the Blended Program and bus transportation is not provided. There is a $60 registration fee.

To apply for the 2018 – 2019 Blended Program, complete the application below and email it to mike.potsic@central301.net or mail it to the District Office. Applications are currently being accepted and openings will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. All prospective students must complete the screening process prior to enrollment.

Early Childhood Blended Program Application

Developmental Screening Dates

Every potential early childhood student must have a developmental screening prior to being enrolled in our early childhood program. Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, screenings will be held at multiple schools and will vary by date. Screening dates for the 2018-2019 school year will be added soon.