Here's your chance to get at-risk children off to a good start in school
Sometimes there are great opportunities that come along, but people aren't aware of them; so, they miss the chance to benefit from them. I hope the people who read this column today will see what a wonderful offer is being afforded to those who wish to make a lasting difference in the life of a child -- if not your own, then maybe that of a friend or relative.
Summit Schools Early Learning Center in Elgin has received funding from the Illinois State Board of Education to provide preschool classes for at-risk children, ages 3 to 5.
Summit will open two new class sessions of 20 children each. This program is provided free to families of children considered at risk, or income-eligible families with children who qualify for the program. It is open to all residents regardless of where they live.
"The logic behind the creation of this program is that if you can identify and work with youngsters who for some reason or another are in danger of failing in kindergarten, it will lessen the need for specialized services in grade school," said Karin Romano, director of Summit's early learning center. "Therefore, it will cut down on the need for additional funding for special education. It will also benefit the child immeasurably."
When asked what the qualifiers for families to participate in the program are, she said, "There are many factors that put a child at risk. There could be a developmental delay in fine motor and/or gross motor skills. There could be a delay in the child's cognitive, speech or social skills. There could be environmental factors, such as being the sibling of a child with special needs, being the child of teen parents, having multiple siblings, having a lack of communication in the English language, or even being homeless."
Summit Center offers two sessions of preschool for 3- to 5-year-olds, and five sessions for 2-year-olds.
This newly funded program is scheduled to begin in mid-November with openings for 20 children in the 9 to 11:30 a.m. session and 20 children in the 12:30 to 3 p.m. session.
Children will attend preschool five days a week. Summit School Early Learning Center is at 799 S. McLean Blvd. just south of Elgin Community College. Transportation is available on a limited basis.
To arrange a screening date for a child to participate in this program, or to get more information, call Karen Romano at (847) 488-9207. Screenings will involve evaluating the student's ability and level of development. It also will include input from the parent/guardian as to their perception of the child's developmental needs.
Summit Early Learning Center is a part of Summit Inc., which also includes Summit School.
Raceway Woods workday: This Saturday is the last volunteer workday of the year. Kath Ellinghausen of the Dundee Township Park District invites mothers, fathers, youngsters, Scout troops and students to come out to do some good at a Raceway Woods workday morning, enjoying the crisp outdoor air while making a difference in Carpentersville's most diverse natural area.
You will have the chance to help improve the hiking trails and restore the beauty of this area. Experience is not necessary, and tools, training --and snacks -- will be provided.
The volunteers meet at 9 a.m. at the Raceway Woods parking lot off Route 31, north of Spring Hill Mall, and just south of Gentle Breeze Road.
For details, call Ellinghausen at (847) 551-4310.