McHenry Times

Kristin Corriveau, executive director of Early Childhood Education of Community Unit School District 300, recently highlighted the details and programs for early childhood education in District 300 and the offerings of the deLacey Family Education Center.

The deLacey Family Education Center has an enrollment of 304 students from across District 300. Almost 140 of the students qualify as low income, 117 students qualify as disabled students and two students in enrollment at deLacey are considered homeless. District 300 serves over 23,000 students throughout 118 square miles.

"Looking specifically at deLacey, deLacey is the hub where all early childhood begins. This is the initial point of contact for all families coming into our programs. All screening is conducted at deLacey, as well as all evaluations, transitions from early intervention and birth to three programming," Corriveau said at the June 6 District 300 Board of Education meeting. "All classrooms run both AM and PM sections. We are both blended, meaning general education and special education, combined classrooms and self-contained classrooms, as well as the new deaf and hard of hearing program for preschool housed at deLacey."

Corriveau said their services actually begin in pregnancy.

"Our birth to three program is a hidden gem that we are trying to spread the word about," Corriveau said. "This is a grant funded program that follows the parents as teachers curriculum. We’ve created the slogan 'parenting is hard work, let us be your partner.' Our parent educators do home visits, support families with individual and family goals and work with parents to hone their parenting skills. Every month our team hosts a literacy night for families."

The deLacey Center offers free services to all qualifying families within the boundaries of District 300. Services include developmental screenings for any child ages 2 months to 32 months, teen parenting program and home visiting program for qualified families. The early intervention programs and birth to three programs are also free of charge. Children may begin the preschool programs after their third birthday.