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Urbana Early Childhood School

Stronger Together. Leading for the Future.

About UECS Home

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Urbana Early Childhood School

The Urbana Early Childhood School staff is committed to providing a quality, individualized learning program for eligible preschool children. The classroom activities focus on the child’s total development. We implement Creative Curriculum in every classroom and parents receive regular progress reports. Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports (PBIS) are promoted and practiced in our school.

Every classroom is made up of 3, 4, and 5 year old students who work and play in blended classrooms with students of all abilities. Typically, there are 15 students in each classroom with a classroom teacher and at least one teaching assistant. Other classroom support staff may include a speech therapist, a social worker, an occupational therapist, physical therapist, bilingual specialist, and a family coordinator. UECS children attend school 2 1/2 hours daily throughout the school year. The morning session is from 9-11:30 a.m. and the afternoon session is 1-3:30 p.m. Transportation is provided to most children.

 

Special Services and Screening

Special Services

In addition to early childhood teacher licensures, all of our classroom teachers also have endorsements in special education. Students with special education needs are assessed in a play-based setting by a multi-disciplinary team that may include the classroom teacher, a speech therapist, social worker, school psychologist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist. Individualized Educational Programs and services may be provided in the general classroom or in a private therapy area. Students whose first language is other than English receive services from teachers with ESL endorsements. Students whose native language is Spanish have an option to participate in our bilingual Spanish program. UECS acknowledges and respects students of all cultures and invites families to share their heritage with us.

Screening

All children aged 3-5 must be screened. Urbana School District 116 provides free developmental screening of children. The screening checks for speech and language development, thinking and reasoning abilities, small and large muscle coordination, listening, vision and hearing skills, and other academic readiness skills. The purpose of the screening is to answer questions parents may have about their child’s development and to identify those children who qualify for Preschool for All kindergarten readiness services. During the screening process, the child plays a series of games with the teacher, while the parent completes a short interview with our family coordinator. Screenings are conducted throughout the school year. Referrals may be made by parents, relatives, physicians, day care centers, or other agencies. All screenings are conducted with parent permission. Registration forms will be provided following screenings. There is no fee to register your child for UECS. For information about screening, please call UECS.