Kane County Reporter

At the June 14 meeting of Community Unit School District 300 school board, the board heard from Kristin Corriveau, the executive director of early childhood education, who described the importance of the DeLacey Family Education Center.

"deLacey is the hub where all early childhood begins," Corriveau said. "This is the initial point of contact for all families coming into our programs. All screening is conducted at deLacey, as well as all evaluations, transitions from early intervention, and birth-to-3 programming. All classrooms run both AM and PM sections. We are both blended, meaning general education and special education, combined classrooms and self-contained classrooms, as well as the new deaf and hard-of-hearing program for preschool housed at deLacey."

Corriveau described the birth-to-3 program as a "hidden gem."

"Our services actually begin in pregnancy with our birth-to-three programs and from there we offer preschool offerings from half day to full day to self-contained special education programming," Corriveau said. "Our birth-to-3 program is a hidden gem that we are trying to spread the word about. This is a grant-funded program that follows the parents as teachers curriculum. We've created the slogan 'parenting is hard work, let us be your partner.'"

Corriveau further stated, "Our parent educators do home visits, support families with individual and family goals, and work with parents to hone their parenting skills. Every month our team hosts a literacy night for families."

The deLacey Family Education Center has an enrollment of 304 students from across district 300. One hundred and thirty eight students are classified as low income, 117 students are disabled, and two students are considered homeless. District 300 serves over 23,000 students throughout 118 square miles.

The deLacey Family Education center offers free services to all qualifying families within the boundaries of district 300. Services include Developmental screenings for any child ages two months to 32 months, Teen parenting program, Home visiting program for qualified families. The early intervention programs and birth-to-three programs are also free of charge. Children may begin the preschool programs after their third birthday.