Kaneland to open preschool classrooms to all students

Kaneland Unit District 302 will open its early childhood classrooms to all preschool-age students next school year, officials said.

Historically, the Early Childhood Center at Blackberry Creek Elementary School served students receiving special education services only. Starting next school year, the center will be opening up four sections for all 3- and 4-year-olds who will be taught by qualified early childhood teachers.

Blended Early Childhood will begin Aug. 29 and run through May 25, 2017. The program will run Monday through Thursday. There will be two morning sections (8:50 to 11:15 a.m.) and two afternoon sections (12:50 to 3:20 p.m.).

Parents are responsible for transporting students without special education needs.

The deadline to register for the program is April 21. If there are more applicants than space allows, a lottery will be held the week of April 25 to fill up to 40 spots for next year, and applicants will be notified of their status.

Officials anticipate tuition will be $250 monthly, with a one-time registration fee of $132. Payment must be received by May 13 to secure a spot.

For a registration form, visit kaneland.org. For more information, call Tressa Bird, special education coordinator, at (630) 365-1122, ext. 154, or email tressa.bird@kaneland.org, or Fran Eggleston, director of special services, at (630) 365-4117 or email francine.eggleston@kaneland.org.