- Illinois offers many ECE programs.children image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
Early childhood education (ECE) is a learning program developed generally for young children 3 and 4 years of age, but it can also accommodate children age 5 who may not yet be ready to begin school. ECE programs are designed to offer developmentally and age-appropriate education to prepare children for kindergarten and to provide them the best possible start in education. Preschool is the conventional term for ECE programs. In Illinois, there are publicly subsidized ECE programs available to children of low-income families, as well as private, community-based programs that are fee-based. Participation in ECE programs is voluntary. - For families electing to participate, the Preschool for All Children program is a state-supported ECE program whose goal is to serve all children ages 3 to 4. The program offers children and their families access to high-quality education services. The curriculum is geared to help children develop social, emotional and pre-academic skills to help them succeed later in life. These are half-day programs offered in school settings throughout the state.
- Under the Preschool for All Children program is another pre-k program specifically for children identified as at risk for academic failure. The program is funded by the federal Early Childhood Block Grant. It serves low-income children ages 3 to 5 who also meet other risk factors established by the state. It offers children developmentally appropriate educational services that are targeted to their specific needs. Tuition is based on ability to pay. This is a half-day program.
- For children ages 3 to 5 with special needs, Illinois public schools provide ECE programs developed specifically for them. These programs are a part of the special education continuum administered by the state public school system.
- Head Start is a national ECE program administered by state and community-based providers in Illinois. Head Start provides families of low income the ability to have their children participate in ECE programs and benefit from these educational opportunities. Tuition is subsidized for children of families who qualify. Head Start is a full-day program. It offers a standard curriculum intended to prepare children for school.
- There are a number of community- and faith-based ECE programs available to families throughout Illinois. Although there are no standard curriculum requirements for ECE programs that don't receive public funding, these programs provide another alternative for families. These programs vary in terms of cost, but most require full tuition from the parent or caregiver for participation. These programs can be either half day or full day.
previous post