Preschool & Early Childhood Programs

Birth Through Two Program in Conjunction with our local State Agency, Child and Family Connections #15

Early Intervention (EI) is important when a developmental delay has been determined through an EI assessment. Research has demonstrated that Early Intervention for children who show signs of developmental delays with access to early interventions services early on promotes increased skill development. These developmental areas include: communication, pre-readiness skills and fine and gross motor skills. Early Intervention also provides parents with the behavioral strategies to meet their child’s emotional needs.

 

For more information contact Child and Family Connections #15 at 815-730-2617 or visit their website here.

 

Early Childhood Programs

 

This special education half-day program is designed for three to five year old children (birthday prior to September 1st of current school year) who have been identified with a special education disability (i.e. Developmental Delay, Speech or Language Impairment, Autism, Orthopedic Impairment, Vision Impairment, Hearing Impairment, Other Health Impaired, Intellectual Disability, and Emotional Disability). This program provides the educational goals, services, and placement recommended for the child through the development of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

 

Tuition-Based Preschool Program

Our half-day preschool program for three to five-year-olds provides students with developmentally appropriate early learning opportunities which will challenge them to grow and develop as learners while providing optimal preparation and readiness for the transition to kindergarten

The program is taught by Illinois State Board of Education licensed Early Childhood teachers with Special Education and English Language (EL) certifications using research-based curriculum and programs aligned to the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards.

2026-2027 School Year: 

• To attend preschool in the fall of 2026, students must be at least three (3) years old on or before September 1, 2026.
• Student Fees: $2735

For more information please read:

Tuition-Based Preschool Program Overview

Preschool Screenings

 

The Mary Drew Early Learning Center provides preschool screenings for children with potential delays or disabilities who are three years of age or older. The purpose of the screening is to share with parents their child’s developmental skills in the following areas: fine and gross motor, speech and language, cognition, and pre-readiness concepts. Results of the screening may also identify children who may need further evaluations if a disability is suspected.

 

2025-2026 Preschool Screening Dates