EC PROGRAM

The Early Childhood Program serves children, aged three to five, with
disabilities in the developmental areas of cognition, communication, and
social/emotional.  For four days per week the children participate in a
program that emphasizes learning through play.  The fifth day of each
week is devoted tot home visits, accessing community resources for the
families, student/family planning, and staff development.  Diagnostic
services are available through the SPEED referral system.

The Program is housed at Hickory Hill "Early Learning Center," which is
located in Park Forest.  Each classroom is staffed with a teacher
certified in a disability area(s), a licensed speech/language pathologist,
and an instructional aide as numbers of children warrant.  The child,
according to determined need, may also receive physical therapy,
occupational therapy, psychological services, social work services, or
health services. Inclusion opportunities are possible through cooperation
with Head Start programs and other community based preschool programs. If
a parent wishes their child to enroll  in a local preschool program, the
Early Childhood staff will offer technical assistance to the staff of the
preschool.

Family involvement is a key component of the Program.  A variety of
oppotunities are available to parents: i.e., classroom  participation,
field trips with the children, social events, and a parent/teacher group.
a Monthly newsletter keeps families abreast of program activities, as
well as providing timely informational articles.

The motto of the Program is
"Watch me Grow."