Staff:
Dr. Sue Ellen Girard, Administrative Director
Mrs. Amy Heusinkveld, Principal
Mrs. Anji Garza, Coordinator of Elementary Programs & Services
Mrs. Jenni Williams, Teacher
Mrs. Kristi Emerson, Classroom Aide
Mrs. Dusty Knaggs, Classroom Aide (a.m.)
Mrs. Carla Connelly, Speech/Language Therapist

Program Description:
The Morrison Early Learning Program is a high quality preschool program which uses the High Scope Preschool curriculum; developmentally appropriate guidelines established by the National Association of Educating Young Children (NAEYC); and the Illinois Early Learning Standards.

Morrison Early Learning Program is held at Northside Elementary School. The early learning program is funded by a grant through the state of Illinois. The program meets Monday through Friday and has approximately 20 children ages 3-5.

Two sessions are offered through out the course of the week. The morning session is held from 8:10 until 10:40 a.m. each day. The afternoon session is held from 12:55 until 2:55 p.m. each day.

Parental involvement, through a parent contract, is a key component of the early learning program.


Student Screening & Selection Process:
In order to qualify for the Morrison Early Learning Program, parents must register for and complete a preschool screening held in the spring and/or the fall of each school year. Once a child has been selected for the program, they automatically qualify for the next school year. Often times, the number of students exceeds the number of available slots in the preschool program. In this case, students are placed on a waiting list and will be contacted if an opening occurs.

Screening dates for the 2008-09 school year will be held on the following dates:
Date                                        Time                                Location
Tuesday, February 17th            8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.        Morrison Preschool
Wednesday, February 25th      2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.         Northside Elementary
Wednesday, March 4th            8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.       Morrison Day Care
Wednesday, March 4th            1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.         Morrison Preschool
Friday, March 20th                  12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.       Morrison Preschool
Wednesday, March 25th          2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.         Northside Elementary

Look for more information on these screening dates in January 2009.  


Curriculum:
The High Scope Preschool curriculum is used in the Morrison Early Learning Program. High Scope is an "active learning" educational approach. Active learning means that students have direct, hands-on experiences with people, objects, events, and ideas. Children take the first step in the learning process by making choices and following through on their plans and decisions. In active learning settings, adults expand children's thinking with diverse materials and nurturing interactions. There are ten key learning experiences in the High Scope curriculum, including:

• Creative Representation
• Language & Literacy
• Initiative and Social Relations
• Movement
• Music
• Classification
• Seriation
• Numbers
• Space
• Time

Assessment:
Learning is assessed by using the "Work Sampling Illinois System." The Work Sampling System will assess children's skills, knowledge, behavior, and accomplishments. Developmental guidelines and checklists are utilized throughout the course of the program. Student work is also collected and a summary report is completed to share with each parent.

Parent Contract:
Learning for children is a partnership between the parent/family and the classroom. A parent contract is established at the first home visit of the year. There are many different ways for parents to become involved in their child's schooling. At least six interactions are required throughout the school year.

Daily Schedule:
8:10 a.m./12:25 p.m.   Arrival Time/Circle Time
8:30 a.m./12:40 p.m.   Small Group Time (Activity A/Activity B)
9:05 a.m./1:20 p.m.     Individual Plan-Workstations
9:35 a.m./1:45 p.m.     Clean-Up
9:45 a.m./1:55 p.m.     Large/Gross Motor Activity OR Music
10:05 a.m./2:15 p.m.   Personal Hygiene/Hand washing
10:15 a.m./2:25 p.m.   Snack
10:30 a.m./2:45 p.m.   Prepare for Departure
10:40 a.m./2:55 p.m.   Depart

Snack:
A light snack will be provided for each day. Parents will need to send $1.25 each week for milk. Milk is $.25 each day. If a child has lactose intolerance, a doctor's note is needed. Orange juice is substituted.

Transportation:
The grant does not allow a lot of funding for transportation. Ideally, the parent or daycare provider will be able to pick the child up after the program each day. Transportation will be attempted for those who cannot make accommodations via the bus company that the school has contracted.

Attendance:
Attendance each day is necessary for the success of the program. If your child is ill or unable to attend school, please notify Mrs. Cathy Benoit, Northside School secretary, at (815) 772-2153.

More Information:
For more information on this program, please contact any of the following individuals at Northside Elementary School at (815) 772-2153:
    Mrs. Amy Heusinkveld, Principal
    Mrs. Anji Garza, Coordinator of Elementary Programs & Services
    Mrs. Jenni Williams, Teacher




 

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