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Community of Learners Preschool Overview

About Our Program

Community of Learners is Lake Forest School District 67's early childhood preschool program for students ages 3-5 year-olds residing within the District 67 school boundaries.

Mission and Vision

Community of Learners provides a nurturing, inclusive environment that fosters development of the whole child. All children are engaged participants in their learning community, growing and achieving to their fullest potential. Students discover and explore their curiosities in order to drive their own learning.

The Program 

We utilize an inclusive learning environment comprising typically developing preschoolers and preschoolers receiving special education services through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This is also referred to as a blended model. In alignment with District 67’s philosophy of inclusion, special education and related services are provided within the general education classroom setting as much as possible. The Community of Learners uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool and thematic units are carried over in our different interest areas around the classroom. Students develop through play-based learning as well as teacher-led activities. Typically, developing peers benefit from being taught by experts, enjoy leadership opportunities, and learn within a small student-to-teacher ratio.

The Staff

Each class is co-taught by a teacher certified in Early Childhood Education and Special Education and a Speech-Language Pathologist. As all young children are growing in their communication skills, this structure allows all students to learn and grow in a language enriched environment, while providing some students with the supports they need to succeed. Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, and Physical Therapists all support the classes and individual students, allowing all students to learn from specialists in their field. Paraprofessionals support the classes as well, providing the opportunity for classes to enjoy a 5:1 student-to-staff ratio.

CLICK HERE TO MEET OUR TEAM 

District 67 Alignment and Engagement

The Community of Learners program is housed within District 67's Sheridan Elementary school. This provides unique opportunities for our students to align with District 67's calendar, activities, and curricula.

The Details

Community of Learners meets Monday-Friday for 2.5 hours. The AM program runs from 8:30 am -11:00 am and PM runs from 12:00 pm -2:30 pm.