Early Childhood
Early Childhood Program
Oak Terrace Elementary School
240 Prairie Avenue
Highwood, IL 60040
Phone: 224-765-3100
School Hours:
- Morning Classes: 8:40-11:10 a.m.
- Afternoon Classes: 12:47 p.m.-3:17 p.m.
- Early Release Days: No School
Check out the full Early Childhood calendar
Director of Early Childhood: Niki Scofield, nscofield@nssd112.org
Early Childhood Registration
District 112's Early Childhood Program at Oak Terrace is excited to welcome new and returning students for the 2024-2025 school year. If you have any questions about registration, please email parentportal@nssd112.org or call 225-765-3052.
Please Note:
- There is currently a waitlist for the morning Early Childhood dual language program.
- There is also a waitlist for the morning sessions of monolingual and dual language Early Childhood.
Transportation
Transportation is offered for students enrolled in the Early Childhood program. You can learn more during the registration process or by visiting our Transportation page.
Our Mission
The mission of the Early Childhood Program is to provide high quality education for preschool-age children through a nurturing, engaging, culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Our Beliefs
- We believe that children learn best through play. We believe everyone has the right and ability to learn.
- We believe in nurturing students to develop positive self-worth and confidence.
- We believe a culturally responsive environment supports student development and parent engagement.
- We believe that early childhood education provides the building blocks for creating life-long learners.
- We believe education is a partnership between home, school, and community.
- We believe in the importance of educating the whole child - intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and creative.
- We believe in utilizing evidence based methods and teaching.
- We believe that children flourish when instruction is engaging, hands-on, innovative, and fun.
Additional Information
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We do not enroll students in preschool that are of kindergarten age (five years old on or before 9/1/2024). District preschool spots will be reserved only for students that are of preschool age.
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Session Times:
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AM Session: 8:40-11:10 a.m.
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PM Session: 12:47-3:17 p.m.
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Individualized Learning Program (Special Education): School hours may vary based on student needs. Please contact the school for more information.
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Early Release: No Student Attendance
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We provide a healthy snack for all children in our half day programs. This snack varies, but always includes low fat milk, water, and a fruit or vegetable.
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If your child has food allergies, please alert the office immediately. You may also bring an alternative snack if needed due to allergies.
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If your address or phone number changes, please notify the office immediately. If you would like to make a change to your bussing, please fill out a transportation form and allow a week for processing.
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Children should come dressed to play outside and for the weather. Children do get dirty during active play, so please be aware of this when dressing your child.
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Please make sure that your child wears or brings gym shoes every day.
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All students should bring one change of clothes for school. In addition, children that are toilet training should bring the necessary supplies (diapers, etc).
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If your child is tuition funded, payment is quarterly and students cannot start each quarter until payment is received. You may choose to prepay for the quarter with monthly payments, but all payments must be received before the start of that quarter.
Early Childhood Screenings
North Shore School District 112 offers early childhood screenings to all children within District 112 boundaries. The screening is not a full and detailed evaluation of your child but a tool that provides a worthwhile diagnostic assessment of your child's development in the areas of motor, language, concepts and social-emotional development.
The early childhood screenings are for children between the ages of 3 and 5 years old and who are interested in our Early Childhood program. The developmental screening includes assessment in the areas of motor, language, concepts, and social-emotional development. The screening provides the early childhood team with valuable information to determine if a child’s skills are developing within typical range or further assessment is warranted.
- Apply for a screener (make sure to select "New Pre-K Screening")
- Once you have submitted a screener application, you will be notified by the Early Childhood department to complete registration.
2024-2025 Screener Dates
- Friday, September 20, 2024
- Friday, October 11, 2024
- Friday, November 22, 2024
- Friday, December 13, 2024
- Friday, January 17, 2025
- Friday, February 14, 2025
- Thursday, March 20, 2025
- Thursday, April 17, 2025
- Friday, May 23, 2025