Pre-school for All.

The Great Explorer’s Early Childhood Program serves preschool-aged children (ages 3–5) who qualify based on developmental screening or evaluation, in alignment with the State of Illinois' Preschool for All guidelines at Grass Lake School in collaboration with Emmons School District.

Please note:

• The program does not offer open enrollment.
• Children who are kindergarten-eligible are not eligible for this preschool program.
  
  

The program is designed to meet the requirements set by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) for Preschool for All and to support students who qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Program Details

• The preschool operates 5 days a week, for a total of 12.5 hours a week.
• Two sessions (AM and PM) are offered.
• A snack is provided daily in all classrooms.

Implements The Creative Curriculum for Preschool. The curriculum is designed to build each child’s confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills through hands-on, project-based learning and focused, daily opportunities to build essential foundational skills in literacy and math.

Enrollment and Screening

All children attending or receiving services through the program must first complete a developmental screening and/or special education evaluation (as deemed appropriate).

The screening process is intended to:

• Identify children who may be at-risk and would benefit from participation in a high-quality early childhood program.

• Determine if a child may need further evaluation for special education services.
  
  Screenings are conducted on an ongoing basis throughout the school year.
  Please note: Kindergarten-age students are not eligible for screening.

If you are interested in having your child participate in the Great Explorers Pre-K Program, please click this link to request a developmental screening, and someone will contact you within 3 school days.