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District 54's focus on early learners ensures student success

As a new school year begins, our employees are experiencing the same levels of excitement and anticipation as the students. We cannot wait to welcome back the first- through eighth-grade students, and to greet our new kindergarten and early childhood students.

In the past two years, District 54 has expanded the opportunities available to our youngest students with the goal of impacting their education for life.

In August 2014, we opened the Early Learning Center, which housed about 800 students. In August 2015, we will launch a free, full-day kindergarten program at 22 elementary schools.

These changes support our board goal of "Students who have attended District 54 schools for at least one year will be at grade level in reading and math upon entering third grade as measured by Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)".

Early education efforts also support the board goals of closing the achievement gap for all students and meeting individual student growth targets in reading and math.

Early Childhood Center

Last year, District 54 served 328 special education students ages 3 to 5 (as required by state law) and 471 at-risk students ages 3 to 5. Our program for at-risk students is funded with two Illinois State Board of Education grants.

Research consistently demonstrates that a high-quality education for children ages 3 to 5 results in a narrowing of the achievement gap, increased brain development, lower retention rates and special education placements, and an increased development of both academic and social skill acquisition for children. Although we have had early childhood programming for years, by housing our students at one school we have been able to provide a better experience for students. By locating all the early childhood staff at one center staff can now work together to plan curriculum, evaluate student learning and improve their instruction, which better serves students.

Our early childhood program may be a child's first experience with school and a parent's first experience having a child in school. With one center for early childhood classes, parents and students can establish relationships with staff. Knowing that the children are already at-risk for school failure or are in need of special education services makes our contact with parents critical to ensure the experience is positive.

Full-Day Kindergarten

Research also consistently indicates that students in a full-day kindergarten program achieve at higher levels academically than students in a half-day program. A full day of learning early in life can help improve a student's reading, writing and math skills and provide a strong foundation for future learning.

Research also supports social-emotional benefits from participating in a full-day kindergarten program. Students in full-day programs have more time to become acclimated with the school, staff and peers. They exhibit more independent learning, classroom involvement, productivity in work with peers and reflectiveness. They are also more likely to approach the teacher, and to express less withdrawal and shyness.

A longer school day will allow teachers more time to deliver instruction of the District 54 Essential Learning Outcomes. When teachers have more time to teach, they can provide acceleration opportunities for students. The full-day schedule will also provide students more time to allow for deeper understanding of the foundational skills, which will support success in first grade, second grade and beyond.

Students enrolled in the free, full-day program will also attend physical education, music and art classes, visit the learning center weekly, eat lunch and go outside for recess.

First Grade and Beyond

District 54 enhanced its early childhood and kindergarten programs in order to provide a solid foundation for our students. With these supports in place, children will be better prepared for success in first grade and beyond. However, acceleration supports are available to all students as they continue through our school district to ensure that any they attain grade-level proficiency.

We also thank the parents and community for their support in helping students meet their full potential. Please join me and the entire staff of District 54 in welcoming our students back to school. It's going to be another exciting year!

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