McLean County Unit District No. 5
 

Children First At Risk Pre-Kindergarten Program

Available for students ages 3 to 5
Transportation Provided
**Eligibility Based on Need**

For more information about the Children First Pre-K Program, please contact
Kris Pennington at Eugene Field Special Services Center at (309) 452-0746.

McLean County Unit District No. 5
 

For more information about the program please choose a link below:

Program Purpose  
 		 Program Staff and Information

Upcoming Events  
 		 Links for Parents and Kids

Parent Reference Library
 		 Pre-K Parent Handbook

Building Readers and Firm, Fair & Consistent Newsletters
 

 

Unit 5 offers a fun and exciting Pre-Kindergarten program for qualifying students ages three to five. This program is available free of charge to eligible students living within District boundaries. Pre-K staff determines eligibility and student acceptance into the program. Placement is based on student need.

Purpose:

The purpose of the "Children First" program is to provide a stimulating and nurturing environment for young children. Students are given the chance to become successful and build self-confidence. This program is designed to increase student opportunities and help prepare for future achievements.

 
Screening:

Pre-K staff determines eligibility through a screening process conducted by the Pre-K teacher or in conjunction with the Unit 5 Special Services Program. To find out about an upcoming screening date, or to get more information please call Wendy Iverson 452-0746.

 
Screening Eligibility:

To participate in a Pre-K screening, children must:

  • Be between the ages of three and five (by September 1)
  • Live within the McLean County Unit No. 5 school district
    •
Attendance:

Daily attendance by students is very important for academic and social growth. Student attendance is as follows:

  • Students attend Pre-K Monday through Friday during the school year.
  • Students attend either a morning session or an afternoon session.
  • There are four Pre-K sites in the district. Students are assigned a site depending on residency.
  • Bus transportation is provided for all children in the program.
Student Learning Goals:
  • Learn how to play and work with others.
  • Acquire and use language for communicating thoughts and feelings.
  • Learn to feel confident and good about themselves.
  • Develop skills and knowledge needed for learning.
  • Love school and learning.
Instructional Strategies:

The McLean County Unit No. 5 Children’s First Pre-K Program practices the The Creative Curriculum. The Creative Curriculum is an environmentally based, active learning curriculum in which children learn important skills and content and develop social competence.  It shows teachers how to work with children at different developmental levels, how to adapt the environment to make it increasingly challenging, and how to involve parents in taking an active role in the program.  The Creative Curriculum is also aligned with the Illinois Early Learning State Standards.  Not only is every aspect of The Creative Curriculum based on sound developmental theory and evidence-based research, but numerous research studies have been conducted to validate its effectiveness. 

            The learning environment is the structure of the classroom that sets the context for teaching and learning. It establishes a classroom structure that includes the daily routine and schedule, choice times, a small- and large-group time. It also creates a classroom community that promotes positive relationships and where children make friends and learn social problem-solving skills.

Classroom interest areas, which provide a setting for children to learn academic content and apply skills, may include some of the following:

    Blocks

 Dramatic Play

Toys and Games

Art

Library

Discovery

Sand and Water

Music and Movement

Cooking

Computers

To learn more about The Creative Curriculum go to http://www.teachingstrategies.com/page/preschool.cfm

 

 

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