Why Preschool?

The preschool experience is critical, as it helps 3-5 year-old children who are not age-eligible for kindergarten (i.e., age 5 on or before September 1 of the school year in which the PFA/PFAE program is implemented) develop the academic and life skills that will carry them into adulthood. Preschool provides children with essential opportunities to learn and practice the social-emotional, problem-solving, and academic skills that they will use throughout their lives.

Our high-quality Early Childhood Programs…

  • Boost academic skills

  • Enhance language development

  • Fuel intellectual curiosity

  • Foster independence

  • Relationship-based approach to early learning

  • High quality, research-based, early childhood education

  • Supportive transition to kindergarten

  • Serves children of all abilities

  • Comprehensive supportive services for the whole family

  • Instill a love of lifelong learning

  • Offer full-day program and half-day programs

  • Bilingual classroom

The State Board of Education believes that the educational development and success of all Illinois children can be significantly enhanced when children participate in early childhood programs and services.  Lincoln School District 156 believes that preschool helps children develop the social, emotional and pre-academic skills needed to succeed in life and in future school endeavors. We provide developmentally appropriate experiences for preschool children and their families.

Program's Goal

Our program provides a safe, nurturing, multicultural preschool environment that supports the developmental and educational needs of children ages 3–5—including those at risk of academic or social challenges—through active learning, a language-rich Creative Curriculum, and Illinois Preschool for All programs.

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Program's Overview

Lincoln Elementary’s Preschool for All/PFAE program serves Illinois children ages 3–5 who are at risk of academic failure by providing a safe, multicultural, and developmentally appropriate learning environment using the Creative Curriculum, while actively engaging families through education, participation, and decision-making to support children’s readiness for kindergarten and overall development.

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Preschool Screenings

Lincoln School District 156 provides free preschool screenings throughout the year using the DIAL-4 assessment to identify children ages 3–5 who may need early intervention, special education services, or eligibility for the Preschool for All/PFAE program, helping ensure that at-risk children receive appropriate support as early as possible.

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