Wheatland to house preschool classes

[204parent]

Wheatland to house preschool classes
February 15, 2007
By BRITT CARSON Staff Writer
This fall both Wheatland and Peterson elementary schools will open for business.

However, the student population at Wheatland will be a bit younger than usual. On Tuesday, the Indian Prairie School District 204 board approved using Wheatland to house several preschool classrooms and to serve as a storage facility.

"The biggest pressure we have right now is at the early childhood level," Superintendent Howie Crouse said. "The number of children we are required to serve is increasing, and we have to look for alternative space. We have maxed out the space here (at the District Education Center)."

The district runs Prairie Children Preschool, which serves the community and provides services for children with special needs.

However, housing preschoolers at Wheatland will only make a small dent in the demand for services, because the site will offer only four classrooms with about 15 students per class.

The board also approved moving storage operations from a building leased on Quincy Avenue to Wheatland. The savings on the lease would be about $300,000 over a two-year period, said Jay Strang, director of building operations.

Contact Britt Carson at [e-mail] or 630-416-5269.

[EagleDad]

Probably going to need some stools for the washrooms and water fountains.

Glad to see it being used for something.

[bob]

What?! Wheatland can be our third high school!

[Arch]

Saving money and using a building is so irresponsible!

The incumbents have to go!!!!

[blankcheck]

How many students does the preschool accomodate right now?

[gatormom]

blankcheck said:

How many students does the preschool accomodate right now?

From the Prairie Children Preschool web pages.

"Each classroom has 15 preschoolers staffed by one teacher with a 4 year degree in regular and special education, many also have obtained their masters degree. There are also two teacher aides in each room. Each class has a combination of three and four day children as well as a balance of boys and girls. Teacher to student ratio is 1:7. Continuity and longevity of staff is important in the preschool years. Prairie Children Preschool is proud of its’ tenured staff. Consistent with District 204’s philosophy, Prairie Children Preschool serves all children. Currently there are 28 classrooms with AM and PM sessions. Approximately 600 children are attending the Preschool. "

[title1parent]

There is usually a waiting list to get in, at least that is how it was when my kids went. So at least some more families will get to benefit from this great program. One of my son's preschool teachers is still there. She has been there 9 years.

[Arch]

Even a 1:7 ratio can be inadequate at times, since these usually are kids who need the extra individualized help and attention. Don't get me wrong, it's great that they have this. I just wish they'd put more into it throughout all of the school years.

[blankcheck]

OK- so now they are going to house 15 children in four classrooms. That is 60 children in the morning and 60 children in the afternoon. Thats a total of 120 children. If they are currently serving 600 (with a huge waiting list), where will the other 480 children currently being served go?

[bob]

It never said they would stop using our current pre-school.