For the ninth year in a row, the Grove Children’s Preschool earned a Gold Rating from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). It is the highest honor that a preschool can receive.
“This achievement reaffirms Grove Children’s Preschool’s unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality education and nurturing environment for young learners,” said Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell.
The rating is developed using a set of standards that focus on early learning and development and places a high priority on instructional excellence, family services, staff qualifications, professional development and program administration. The evidence for the audit is obtained through monitoring visits conducted through National Louis University’s contract with ISBE. During these monitoring visits, assessors collect evidence using an environmental scale and compliance checklist developed by ISBE.
“Earning the Gold Star rating for nine years is a testament to the passion and hard work that defines our preschool staff,” said Preschool Coordinator Susan Dillon. “We are deeply committed to nurturing young learners, encouraging their curiosity and promoting social and emotional growth."
Grove Preschool is a unique program where children of different ages and ability levels come together to learn and grow every day. There are several components to the preschool program. Blended Classrooms consist of tuition students, at-risk students and those with special needs. Specialized programs serve students with more significant needs, including autism.
“I am so proud of how our staff goes above and beyond every day to create an atmosphere where children feel safe, valued and respected. This in turn empowers them to explore the world around them,” said Dillon. Dillon has been the preschool coordinator since August 2021. Prior to her tenure, Jackelyn Cadard oversaw the program, beginning as director in 2015-16 and as a preschool teacher in 2007.
The preschool is housed in two District 58 schools: Henry Puffer on the north side of Downers Grove at 2220 Haddow Ave. and Indian Trail on the south end of Downers Grove at 6235 Stonewall Ave. Enrollment numbers start the year at around 150 and grow to over 180 by the end of the year.
For more information, view the program here.