The Early Childhood Education Lab Pre-Schools offers an opportunity for three and four year old students to learn social, academic and motor skills in an inclusive learning environment. Under the supervision of certified and experienced teachers, high school students from 18 area schools observe and work with children. This serves as a training experience for high school juniors and seniors who are interested in preparing for a career working with young children.

Learn more about our Dual Credit Early Childhood Education Program

Instructors

Mrs. Kiefer - High School Program
Mrs. Galka - Early Learning Program

Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Tyus

Pre-School Activities

Arrival / Free Play
Directed Large Motor Activities
Music & Fingerplays
Taste Time for Children
Art
Story
Field trips

Class Sessions & Calendar

Pre-school classes meet on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and can register to attend either in the morning or in the afternoon session. Students arrive for the morning session at 8:35 a.m. and depart at 10:35 a.m. Afternoon students arrive at 12:10 p.m. and depart at 2:10 p.m. Transportation must be arranged by the parent or guardian for each child to and from pre-school. The preschool calendar begins in early or mid-September and ends in the latter part of May. Specific dates are given to parents at the enrollment orientation. Pre-school class will follow the Decatur Public School's Calendar for days off for teacher in-service days, snow days, and vacation days. All parents receive a monthly calendar with the themes and important dates for that month.

Costs & Fee Agreement

A $25.00 registration fee is required on the day of registration. The Instructional Materials fee is $125.00 per year, payable in September. This amount will cover art materials, food and drink for the taste time experience. All checks are payable to the Heartland Technical Academy.

Location

The Tech Preschool is located in the former Richland Community College wing of Hope Academy.   Parents will find the Tech Preschool entrance off Sangamon Street on the southeast side of the Hope Academy campus.   

Health Policies

The State of Illinois requires that each child be examined by a physician and a report be on file for the children attending school. A medical report (physical, immunizations, dental and lead screening) must be on file in our office BEFORE the child can start school in the fall. Your child is also required to have a dental examination with a report on file in our office.