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Preschool Programs at PBL

Early childhood development is an integral part of the educational experience at PBL.  The PREP and Special Education programs are available to students who live in the area.  To learn more about the Preschool Special Education Program click here otherwise learn more about PREP on this page.

What is PREP?

PREP means Preschool Readiness Education for Parents and children

School districts in Ford and Iroquois counties have joined together to offer free preschool opportunities to eligible children and their families.  Many young children in Illinois are not ready for kindergarten, even though they are old enough to go.  Illinois has seen this problem and has provided funds to help find and then to serve these children and families.

PREP is our counties’ preschool program.  Classroom activities, field trips, family learning opportunities, and home visits are provided.  PREP offers things all children need as well as help in those areas your child needs.

Why does PREP do things this way?

PREP teachers have some beliefs we share.
We believe that you and your child are:
- important
- valuable
- capable
- doing the best you can

YOU are your child’s first and most important teacher.

YOU know your child best.

YOU can help your child learn more, faster.

YOU can help your child believe he/she can be successful.

YOUR CHILD learns by:
- hands-on experiences
- playing
- moving
- exploring

But I’m not a teacher!

Yes, you are.  Children learn to speak when they hear parents talk.  Children learn to listen when their parents listen to them.  Children learn how to eat, how to dress, how to act because their parents teach them.  With PREP you will learn more ways to teach your child.

What do I have to do?

You will be asked to sign a parent–teacher agreement.  This will help you know exactly what you can expect. 

PREP requires that:

Provide your child with physical examination, immunization, and lead screening

Have home visits and do parent and child activities

Help in classroom or on field trips

Attend parent-teacher conferences, and several evening activities

Do suggested activities with you child

Donate nutritious snacks

Arrange transportation for your child

What will the teacher do?

The teacher will also sign the parent-teacher agreement.  You will know exactly what to expect from her. 

Sadly, some families do hurtful things to their children.  PREP teachers are required to report suspected child abuse.  This is the law.

If you are unhappy with a PREP teacher, please

- tell her as soon as possible
- call her principal if you and the teacher can not work out the problem.  

O.K. where do I begin?

You have already done a lot:

- You brought your child to screening
- You agreed to enroll in PREP
- You are home today for a visit!

By now, you know that you will:

- Help with classroom activities
- Donate nutritious snacks
- Be home for home visits
- Come to school for various activities

Some parents like to do more:

- give someone a ride to school
- cut out things or get materials ready for art projects
- donate items needed
- make things like puppets or bean bags
- arrange a field trip
- read a story, lead games or music at school
- organize something special
- your own new ideas.

When will all this happen?

During the year, the PREP teachers will give you a calendar to let you know dates.  PREP follows the school calendar for holidays.  Teachers will need to cancel some classes for training.

What happens if my child and I have to miss?

Some good reasons for calling the teacher to say your child will be absent or you can’t have a home visit are:

- Hospitalization
- Serious illness or injury
- Something  “catching” such as the flu
- Child has a fever
- Death in the family
- Temporary family situations
- Bad weather were I live

The teacher will explain the attendance requirements.

Before enrolling in the PREP program, each child is required to go through a free developmental screening.   At the screening, a child’s hearing, vision, speech, and developmental skills are checked.  An exit conference is held with each parent to review the results of the screening.  The screenings are held in September and April.  A developmental screening may be arranged on an individual basis through out the school year by calling school.