Connecting Kids Half-Day Preschool

Our mission is to provide a developmentally based preschool program in a nurturing, language-rich environment. As a collaborative team of Early Childhood Specialists, we utilize a curriculum designed to teach to each child’s potential and work together to develop individualized programming. Our inclusive model promotes learning, acceptance, and self-esteem within a diverse population.       

Download the 2010-2011 Connecting Kids Registration Form here.         

Download the 2009-2010 Connecting Kids Calendar here.         

Pay your 2009-10 Tuition here.        

Download the 2009-2010 Supply List here.                 

Connecting Kids Program
Children 3-5 years of age
2 hours & 20 minutes a day
4 or 5 days a week (based on age)
2 Paraprofessionals per class
Student-teacher ratio of 1-4

Connecting Kids Team
Our team of professionals is comprised of Certified Early Childhood Teachers who lead each class, along with a Speech-Language Pathologist and Occupational Therapist who develop and facilitate weekly groups in their area of specialty. We practice an integrated team approach which involves collaborative assessment and planning for every child on a regular basis.

A Connecting Kids Day
Greet and Welcome
Fine motor/table time activity
Circle time/language group
Facilitated free play
Snack
Art project
Music/outdoor play
Farewell

An Inclusive Model
Connecting Kids is aligned with District 39’s philosophy of inclusion, whereby children with special needs are integrated, or included, in a classroom with typically developing children. Under this model, our program makes it possible for children with special needs to participate in all classroom activities, with modifications as needed. This enables typically developing children to be more accepting of people with disabilities and act as role models for the children with special needs. Additionally, all children benefit from being under the guidance of a team of Early Childhood Specialists.

The Curriculum
The curriculum is based on The Creative Curriculum. It focuses on the development of social competence, learning through play, fostering independence, self-confidence and self-esteem. The Creative Curriculum is aligned with the Illinois Early Learning Standards. Our thematically-based program exposes children to a variety of pre-acadmic skills and concepts.

District 39 Affiliation
Since Connecting Kids is part of Wilmette School District 39, and housed at Romona School, our children benefit from access to the school library, gym, and outdoor playground facilities. We have opportunities to participate in school assemblies and share stories, songs, and poems with our Romona School buddies. Enrollment in District 39’s Connecting Kids also allows for a seamless transition to Kindergarten for all children.

Collaboration
We believe that a viable program must reflect involvement, education and collaborative efforts from all team members, including families. Connecting Kids offers:
Daily notebook communication
Weekly classroom and speech-language updates
Detailed monthly Connecting Kids newsletter to address upcoming themes and important dates
In-class parent helpers, and family guest readers.

How Does Inclusion Work?
In order to achieve effective preschool integrated settings, our team is sensitive to the environment, materials and, most importantly, the child. As Early Childhood Specialists, we have a shared respect for each child. Our keen observational skills allow the team to monitor developmental progress and individual achievement. At Connecting Kids, the focus is on choice and autonomy in a child-oriented setting, full of interesting and functional materials.

Our program’s philosophy places emphasis on approaching each student, first and foremost, as a child. Additionally, we afford multiple opportunities to the children to make choices and initiate their own activities. Finally, our program is designed and equipped to meet individual needs across a diverse group of children while fostering cooperative interactions.

Connecting Kids Full-Day Preschool

For children who have significant delays in multiple domains a full day program is available in District 39. A special education classroom teacher provides instruction in the classroom, with assistance of classroom paraprofessionals. Related services, including speech and occupational therapy, also are provided.

For more information
about Connecting Kids,
please contact:
Julie Pease
Early Childhood Coordinator
Romona School
600 Romona Road
Wilmette, Illinois
847-256-0211
Ext. 6463

Or visit our website at
www.wilmette39.org/peds