Downers Grove Grade School District 58 is pleased to announce the appointment of Jackelyn Cadard to the District’s special programs coordinator position. Cadard, who currently serves as the Grove Children’s Preschool coordinator, will begin her new role immediately.
“Mrs. Cadard is an exemplary District 58 employee and has excelled throughout her time with District 58 and Grove Children’s Preschool. Through her leadership, Grove Children’s Preschool has earned back-to-back gold ratings -- the highest rating -- on the State’s preschool audit and has continually demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the academic and social-emotional wellbeing of the students, families and staff whom she serves,” said Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell. “I am very excited that she will continue to serve District 58 as special programs coordinator, and I am confident that she will continue to make a positive impact on our community.”
In her new role, Cadard will follow District 58’s students with special needs and their families beyond the preschool years to further impact and support programming for older children. She will directly supervise the District’s four Developmental Learning Program (DLP) classrooms at Hillcrest and O’Neill as well as the three Reaching Independence through Structured Education (RISE) Program classes at Indian Trail and the opening of the fourth classroom in its new Pierce Downer location.
“The interview teams, which were comprised of a broad representation from both the DLP and RISE programs, were especially impressed with her passion for working with students with disabilities and their families, her vision for continuing to develop and strengthen specialized programs, and her track record as a dynamic leader in our district,” said Assistant Superintendent for Special Services Jessica Stewart.
Cadard has served as the Grove Children’s Preschool coordinator from 2015 to the present and as a Grove Children’s Preschool teacher from 2007-2015. She received her educational specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from National-Louis University. She also earned her master's degree in Special Education from National-Louis University and her bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Illinois. She is currently a doctoral student at National-Louis University in Educational Leadership.
“District 58 is an incredible community, and I have proudly served our preschool program for the past 14 years,” Cadard said. “I am so excited for the opportunity to continue supporting District 58 students with special needs throughout their entire grade school experience. I also look forward to partnering with families and working side-by-side with our phenomenal staff.”
Media inquiries and requests for more information may be directed to Megan Hewitt, community relations coordinator, at 630-719-5805 or mhewitt@dg58.org.