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Early Childhood Program

Knowing that children progress at different rates and at different times, being in a multi-age classroom allows students opportunities to develop many important social-emotional skills, including confidence, cooperation, leadership and a sense of uniqueness. Our programs offer a blended model of learning to help children learn and grow from one another. 

Our program was recently given the Gold Circle of Quality by ExceleRate Illinois. Read more here!  

Registration Requirements:

  • Proof of residency - only District 401 residents are eligible

  • New applicants will be scheduled for a developmental screening prior to the child starting. Parents will be contacted by a member of the diagnostic team to schedule the screening

  • In addition to the completed registration form and proof of residency, a copy of the original birth certificate and immunization records are required

Handbook

Click the link to our parent handbook to learn more about pre-kindergarten as well as the hours for the 2024-25 school year.

Curriculum

  • Creative Curriculum, which is a research-based and developmentally appropriate curriculum that is aligned with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards

  • Research-based curriculum helps children gain the range of skills they need to be successful in kindergarten

  • Students dive deeply into topics of interest through monthly units of study

  • Play-based environment supports children in developing their language, pre-academic, play, learn-to-learn, motor and social and emotional skills

  • Children are encouraged to become independent through developing their self-help and self-regulation skills

  • Music, art and physical education/movement are featured daily

  • Teachers conduct ongoing assessments to monitor student progress

  • Teachers are highly qualified with certification in early childhood, special education and teaching children learning English

  • In addition to the teacher, there are specialists (speech pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist and social worker) providing instruction and support in every classroom 

  • Monthly parent education workshops are offered that relate to different aspects of child development

    • Previous topics include: play with purpose, vocabulary development, stress reduction, summer activities, and community resources

Contact Information

All preschool students in District 401 attend John Mills Elementary. District 401's Student Services Department is in charge of preschool instruction and programming.

If you are interested in enrolling your 3- or 4-year-old in our preschool program, contact Pre-K secretary Leslie Laureano at:

  • Email: laureanol@epcusd401.org
  • Phone: 708-583-6285

Dr. Stephanie Daly is Director for Student Services. Mr. Frank Kuzniewski is the principal of John Mills.

They can be reached via email at the following addresses:

  • Dr. Stephanie Daly | dalys@epcusd401.org
  • Mr. Frank Kuzniewski | kuzniewskif@epcusd401.org

In addition, the student services secretary can be reached with questions at 708-583-5850.