Early Childhood
Central 301 Early Childhood Education
Our Early Childhood Education program is a supportive, engaging environment to help young learners thrive and grow.
2025-2026 Early Childhood Registration Information
Your child’s school is based on the attendance boundaries. Use the district map to identify your child’s school.
Securing a tuition spot is on a first come, first serve basis. Once the allotted spots are filled, a waitlist system will be implemented per building.
To secure a tuition spot, families must complete the following steps:
- Submit a request for a tuition spot via the links below:
- Howard B. Thomas Grade School / Lily Lake Grade School
- AM spots available. Waitlist only for PM
- Country Trails Elementary School
- AM & PM waitlist only
- Prairie View Grade School
- AM spots available. Waitlist only for PM
- You will be notified by our Early Childhood Team when you may move onto step 2. Please do not schedule an appointment with the District Registrar to enroll your student until directed to do so.
- Howard B. Thomas Grade School / Lily Lake Grade School
- Once directed to move on, complete registration at your serving school or the District Office.
- Submit the $250 deposit (applied to the first month’s tuition fee and non-refundable).
- Pay the $60 registration fee.
Please note: In order to secure a tuition spot, all steps must be completed within 3 weeks. If the steps are not completed within 3 weeks, the family will lose that spot and the next person on the waitlist will be notified.
Central Community Unit School District 301 has two (2) early childhood programs to meet the needs of our youngest students, ages 3 to 5.
Special Education
For students that 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 (blended program) and self-contained placement environment to meet their needs.
**Transportation is provided for ECSE students, and there is no tuition cost for this program. There is a $60 registration fee.
Blended Program
Students who do not qualify for special education services and who reside within Central 301 boundaries may be eligible to enroll in the Early Childhood Blended Program. Each blended classroom is composed of approximately five (5) students with IEPs and 10 students without IEPs.
**Tuition students must wear underwear (does not include pull-ups) and be toilet trained. 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.
Daily Schedule
| Blended Program | Age 3 | 5 Days Per Week | 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Blended Program | Age 4 | 5 Days Per Week | 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Self-Contained Program | 5 Days Per Week | 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM | |
| Self-Contained Program | 5 Days Per Week | 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM |
Program Information
Click here to view the Early Childhood Program Guide.
Screenings
During the preschool years, parents often wonder if their child’s development is typical of that seen in same-age peers. Developmental screenings are designed to address these concerns and help parents learn more about their child’s skills. District 301 offers free developmental screenings throughout the school year to assess young children’s skills.
Every potential early childhood student must have a developmental screening prior to being enrolled in our early childhood blended program.
The district uses an online screening tool called Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3 (ASQ-3). The ASQ-3 looks at the following areas:
- Communication
- Gross Motor
- Fine Motor
- Problem-solving
- Personal-social
Families are notified of the results of the ASQ-3 screening. Children whose screening information indicated an area(s) of concern may be referred to an in-person screening. Families are contacted to schedule the in-person screening. To request an Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3 (ASQ-3), please contact Nicki Coulter, Administrative Assistant, at (847) 464-5863.
Resources
Two Rivers Head Start Agency
This organization provides the Kindergarten readiness of young children aged 3-5 years and for income-eligible families in Kane and DeKalb counties.
United Way of Elgin
This organization provides resources for kindergarten readiness, financial stability, and children’s health. Take a moment and review their Kindergarten Readiness Calendar.
Day One Pact
This organization supports families with concerns about the development of their children under the age of three.
Kane County Regional Office of Education
The Kane County ROE provides a variety of resources and information about schools, community services, and other information for the county.
Gail Borden Public Library
The Gail Borden library offers a variety of resources, programs, and online tools for families.
Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school.
Taylor YMCA
The Taylor Family Branch YMCA is focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. There are many wonderful programs offered for children.
YWCA Elgin
The YWCA is a safe, nurturing hub of activity that brings together women, youth, and families of diverse backgrounds to a place that fosters growth, leadership, and prosperity.
National Military Family Association
This web site offers support for military families with special needs family members.
Easter Seals
Easter Seals provides information and resources for the first five years of child development.
Jan Brett
This beloved children’s book author’s website offers many free coloring pages, videos, and activities.
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
ISBE provides families with information about all facets of education in our state.
Autism Resources
Sesame Street and Autism
See Amazing in All Children offers families ways to manage common challenges, to simplify everyday activities, and to grow connections and support from family, friends, and community.
Autism Speaks
This organization provides resources, support, and information about autism.
National Autism Center
NAC provides information about the treatment of autism spectrum disorder and offers resources for families, practitioners, and communities.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC offers many links to help families with children or adult members who have Autism.
Two Rivers Head Start Agency
This organization provides the Kindergarten readiness of young children aged 3-5 years and for income-eligible families in Kane and DeKalb counties.