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    Program Information

     

    The Rantoul City Schools Pre-K Program serves children who have a variety of needs, including those who would benefit from a preschool experience prior to beginning Kindergarten. It is our goal to meet the individual needs of each child enrolled, as well as providing opportunities for preschool-aged children to learn and grow to become independent, responsible and capable of reaching their full potential.

     

    There are 5 Pre-K classrooms located at Pleasant Acres Elementary School.  Four of the classrooms are “blended classes” that serve children with and without disabilities.  One classroom offers a Spanish-English Bilingual Program and English as a Second Language (ESL) support is provided for English Learners.  Children attend either a morning or afternoon session for 2 ½ hours.  Average class size is 15-16 students per session.  The program operates five days per week and follows the RCS #137 school calendar.  There is no cost to families and curb-to-curb transportation is provided within the school district boundaries.

     

    Classroom instruction is designed to target the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards.  Using a variety of curriculum strategies, licensed early childhood teachers provide children with opportunities to develop language, social-emotional, cognitive, and motor skills.  Conscious Discipline is the social-emotional practice that is implemented in each classroom.  Family involvement activities are planned throughout the school year.

     

    Special education services are determined through a diagnostic testing process.  A child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) outlines goals for the year and specifies the type and amount of services for which each child qualifies.  Program support staff includes a Speech and Language Therapist, Social Worker, Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Spanish Bilingual Teacher, English as a Second Language Teachers, and Family Educator.

     

    Who qualifies for the program?

    If you live in the Rantoul School District and your child is three- or four-years-old, please call 893-5154 to set up an appointment for a free developmental screening.  Your child will participate in language, cognitive, and motor activities during the screening process.  The accompanying parent or guardian will be asked to share developmental and family information.  The screening assessment process will determine if your child is eligible for the preschool program based on screening test results and/or social history information.  Families of children who qualify are required to provide income verification.