Administrative Contact
Francesca Whitney
Early Childhood Coordinator
(847) 966-8600
Program Description
The Early Childhood program is committed to supporting children, ages 3-5, with low-incidence special needs and their families. Our mission is to implement individualized and developmentally appropriate practices to support the individual needs of every child as he or she grows to reach their full potential.
Our goal is to foster the growth and development of pre-academic and pro-social skills that will serve as the foundation for a successful elementary school experience. Our classrooms use evidenced based practices to provide individual, small group, and whole group instruction. The Early Childhood program aligns with the Illinois Learning Standards while utilizing “Creative Curriculum.” The program focuses on communication, social skills development, motor development, self-help skills, and academic readiness skills. The curriculum is aligned with our member districts Blended Early Childhood Programs, but modified to meet the individual needs of each child. Teachers adapt to the unique learning styles of each individual student by using a variety of instructional strategies. Teachers utilize a data-based decision making approach through progress monitoring and curriculum based assessment to guide instruction.
Team Approach
All IEP goals are worked on in a collaborative model. A multidisciplinary team develops goals, instructional strategies, and accommodations that will best meet the students’ needs.
Technology
NTDSE embraces the use of technology on a daily basis to enhance the curriculum and IEP goal instruction.
The following services are included as a part of your child’s program:
Adaptive Physical Education/Motor Group
Music Therapy
Instructional Coaches
Per a child’s Individualized Educational Program (IEP), he or she may receive one or more of the following services:
Speech/Language Therapy
Social Work
Assistive Technology
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Vision Itinerant