District 97 Accepting Applications for Two Early Childhood Blended Classrooms

District 97 is now accepting applications for the two early childhood blended classrooms we are offering at Whittier Elementary School next year. We are seeking 20 general education students (10 per classroom) who:

  • Will be between the ages of 3 and 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2019
  • Demonstrate age-appropriate language and social skills
  • Are Oak Park residents
  • Are not enrolled in a preschool program

There will also be five students in each classroom who will have Individualized Education Plans (IEP). These students will be selected for enrollment in the classrooms based on the recommendations of their IEP teams.

While the classrooms will be housed at Whittier, this opportunity is available to all Oak Park families. Those who are selected to be part of these classrooms will be charged a one-time school fee of $29, and will be required to complete the district’s registration process.

Below is additional information about our blended classrooms. If you are interested in this opportunity and your child meets the requirements listed above, we ask that you please fill out the attached application. Once the application is complete, we will contact you to schedule a developmental screening for your child.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact Michele Suedbeck at 708-524-3030.

Blended Early Childhood Application for 2019-20

Background information about District 97’s blended classrooms

Our blended classrooms feature an inclusive environment where students with and without disabilities learn alongside each other. The students in these classrooms benefit from access to a variety of instructional practices that support their education, and exposure to researched-based curricula (e.g., Handwriting Without Tears, Creative Curriculum, and Second Step) that aid their learning, play and social-emotional development.

Blended classrooms are taught by a certified teacher who has an ELL (English Language Learner) endorsement and is licensed to teach both special and general education students. In addition to the teacher, the classrooms are staffed by two teaching assistants, and are supported by related service professionals (speech-language pathologist, social worker, and occupational therapist) who provide consultation and lead group lessons.

There will be a morning and afternoon section for each classroom, and the school day will be as follows:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday

8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The blended classrooms will follow the school calendar for District 97, which can be accessed by visiting https://www.op97.org/school-calendars