D70 OKs New Early Childhood Program

Libertyville IL

28 September, 2021

6:44 AM

Description

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — Liberytville School District 70 will debut a new half-day blended early childhood program for general education and special education next school year, school officials said. The plan was revealed during a board of education meeting Monday night where school board members praised the new program, according to a news release from District 70. "I am very excited about this new opportunity for our youngest students and their families," said District 70 superintendent Matt Barbini. "Dr. (Chris) Otto (director of special services), Mrs. (Carrie) Modra (special services coordinator) and the rest of the Early Childhood team have done and continue to do great work for our preschool students and this is the next chapter." The new blended early childhood program will extend the continuum of placement options for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) now offered in District 70 and offer a tuition-based preschool program for residents of Libertyville for general education students, according to a news release from D70. Students with IEPs have been evaluated and typically need extra help in several areas such as speech and language and fine motor development. The program will be offered Monday through Thursday at Butterfield School, 1441 W. Lake St., Libertyville. There will be morning and afternoon sessions. School officials still need to discuss the costs for the program, according to the news release. D70's program will be taught by teachers with dual endorsement in early childhood and special education using a research-based curriculum. "The early childhood team has worked collaboratively over this past year and will continue to do so this year in preparation for the new program," said Carrie Modra, D70's special services coordinator. "Dr. Chris Otto (director of special services) and Supt. Dr. Barbini have provided continued support to make this vision a reality. I'm truly excited because this is a great opportunity for District 70 families who value inclusion and a connection with our schools." An open house is planned to run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 9, at Butterfield School, 1441 W. Lake St., Libertyville.