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Sunnybrook School District 171

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Pre-K

Our Mission for PreK

Our PreK program is designed to provide a nurturing and engaging environment where young learners can explore, grow, and develop essential skills. Through hands-on activities, creative play, and individualized support, we focus on building a strong foundation in early literacy, numeracy, social-emotional growth, and critical thinking. Our dedicated teachers work closely with families to ensure each child’s unique needs are met, preparing them for a successful transition into kindergarten and beyond.

Program Overview

Sunnybrook Preschool program serves students between 3 and 5 years old through a half day program. Students must attend a Preschool Screening and qualify for the program.

  • Morning Sessions: 8:40-11:10 a.m. (Arrival between 8:30-8:40)
  • Afternoon Sessions: 12 p.m.-2:30 p.m. (Arrival between 11:50-12)

The program is offered at Nathan Hale Elementary School. It follows the Sunnybrook 171 calendar and offers morning and afternoon sessions Monday through Friday.

A teacher and a young student interact in front of a large screen in a classroom.

Three children play with colorful blocks and shapes at a table in a classroom.

Blended Pre-Kindergarten Classrooms

These classrooms have a maximum of 20 students who are taught by at least two adults - one teacher and one paraprofessional. They include native English speakers, bilingual students, as well as students with and without disabilities. A Social Worker pushes into the classroom weekly for group Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons, and a Speech Therapist pushes into the classroom for a language lesson.

 

Self-Contained Special Education Classrooms

These classrooms have a maximum of 10 students, all with documented disabilities, who are taught by at least two adults -- one teacher and one paraprofessional.

 

Three young children play with colorful building toys at a table in a classroom.

Three children are engaged in a flower painting activity, using paint and natural materials.

Itinerant Services

Children come into Nathan Hale School for an appointment to be seen by a clinician licensed in an area in which the child qualifies for services. Examples include: speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social work.

 

Have your preschooler screened this year!

Sunnybrook 171 hosts several screenings for children from 3 to 5 years of age in the areas of vision, hearing, cognitive development, motor development, and language skills. Results are provided to the parent/guardian after the child has been screened by
trained educators.

In District 171, these screenings are the first step in identifying children for Sunnybrook 171 Preschool classes. You must live within Sunnybrook 171 boundaries to be scheduled, and the parent or legal guardian must give written permission for the child to be screened.
Sunnybrook District 171’s developmental screening dates for the 2024-2025 school year are as follows:

  • August 22 & 23, 2024
  • September 20, 2024
  • October 18, 2024
  • December 6, 2024
  • January 24, 2025
  • March 7, 2025

Call the Pupil Services office at (708)895-3053 to schedule an appointment.

Request a Screening

 

  • During a developmental screening, trained educators will examine your child in the areas of gross and fine motor development, concepts, language, and communication. A nurse will also screen your child's vision and hearing.

  • Yes, particularly if you have concerns. The screening provides an opportunity for you to learn more about your child.

  • Screening results will tell you how your child is developing. Depending on these results, your child may be eligible for Sunnybrook Preschool classes. You may also be given some suggestions for working with your child at home. These activities will help prepare your child for school.

  • Screening results that suggest “no concerns” are filed for the future, as this is a state funded, at-risk program. Children who score significantly below age level will be referred for more in-depth testing. This testing will reveal more information about your child’s needs. Testing is provided free of charge with parents’ permission and participation.

  • No, this screening is free and available to all children living within the District's boundaries. Verification of residency will be required before the child is screened.

  • The pre-k program is a 2 1⁄2 hour program. The morning session receives an onsite breakfast. The afternoon session receives an on-site lunch.

  • Students qualify for enrollment through procedures as outlined in the Illinois State Board of Education Preschool for All (PFA) grant process. Each student is given a total score as recorded on the weighted eligibility checklist.

    If the school program is at capacity, students who qualify for enrollment will be put on the waiting list. Spaces may be reserved for students who qualify for special education services coming in through Early Intervention or transferring from another district/program. Vacancies are filled based on weighted eligibility score, screening score and age. Students in homes with crisis status, (homeless, violence, etc), older students, and students with the highest at-risk total score are given priority. Extenuating circumstances may also be considered. Students who reside within Sunnybrook School District #171 boundaries are given first priority. As classroom vacancies become available, families on the waiting list are contacted to confirm if they are still interested in the available seat. All non-kindergarten-age students on the waiting list in the spring are given a classroom placement to begin the following school year.

Meet the PreK Teachers