It is the mission of Early Start Pre Kindergarten to provide a high quality, developmentally appropriate educational program that helps preschool children develop skills that will enable them to be successful in kindergarten and encourage them to become eager, life long learners.

Our philosophy is based on the belief that a child's learning is best accomplished through active, purposeful play. We believe that a positive self belief system is imperative to a child's successful entrance and continued learning in the school environment. We also believe that families are very important to the educational process. Parents and schools effectively serve children when they are partners in learning.

Enrollment in Early Start begins with a Developmental Screening. Preschool screening appointments are scheduled at the beginning of each month for that month's appointments.

To learn more about Preschool Screening, call the Early Start Program Office at the Early Learning Center, 217-525-3365.

Early Start classrooms at the ELC, Harvard Park, and McClernand are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. To learn more about NAEYC accreditation click on the NAEYC Accreditation tab.