DePue offers pre-k outside of district

DEPUE — Because of the low enrollment of students from within the school district, DePue Unit School District 103 is offering to extend their services to neighboring communities. The pre-kindergarten program currently has spots available for the 2008-09 school year.

The goal is not to take children away from their home district’s pre-k program, but to assist crowded programs that are forced to put students on waiting lists. The district will not accept students who have the opportunity to stay in their home school district, because the staff believes that it is most beneficial for the students to stay in their home district, if possible. Also, out-of-district students attending the pre-k program in DePue would not have the right to enter kindergarten in the DePue district. Kindergarten must be attended in your home district.

The DePue district program provides developmentally appropriate experiences to children, ages 3-5, who need assistance in developing age appropriate skills prior to entering kindergarten. The district has two classrooms that offer half-day sessions, five days a week. Each classroom is staffed with a certified early childhood teacher. The district also has a bilingual aide, who speaks Spanish, in each room as well. Transportation can only be provided to students who are being transported to a residence within the DePue School District.

Children must be three years old by Jan. 5, 2009, and qualify for our program services. Eligibility is determined after the review of a developmental screening and information provided by a child’s parent or legal guardian. The additional required documentation for entrance includes the copy of a certified birth certificate, obtained from the courthouse, an income verification form, such as a paycheck stub, a current immunization record, a current physical and a lead screening report.

Anyone interested in the DePue pre-K program should contact the DePue Pre-K staff at (815) 915-7054.