Elk Grove Township District 59 opens preschool to more children
Elk Grove Township Elementary School District 59 will be offering preschool classes for more students this year as part of a new program intended to reach children in need.
The program is designed to help 4-year-olds who don't qualify for state or federal grant funding but whose families may not be able to afford preschool. School officials say those children have fallen into an underserved middle ground.
"We know that there are kids out in our district that we haven't been able to reach yet," said Karen Starr, assistant superintendent of educational services. "There's always a need to reach students earlier - the earlier the better."
Research shows funding early education programs will save schools money in the long term, officials said. Starr said free preschool funded by a school district is uncommon.
The district will accept up to 80 children for half-day classes at Ridge Family Center for Learning, 650 Ridge Ave. in Elk Grove Village. The program has separate qualifications from preschool classes at the Early Learning Center, which serves at-risk and special education children, along with students who pay tuition.
The district will begin accepting applications Monday. Applications will help the district determine the child's level of need based on several factors, including family income, child welfare involvement, English language learning and parents' active duty military involvement.
A child must be 4 years old by Sept. 1 to qualify. Classes will begin July 26.
The district estimates salary and materials for the program will cost about $200,000 a year. The district will hire two teachers and two teacher assistants to staff the program. It also will provide transportation.
Families can apply at Ridge Family Center beginning next week from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. Applications are due May 26.
Applicants will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visit http://bit.ly/2prJJEA for more information.