It is the goal of Project HELP to provide developmentally appropriate instruction within our classrooms to as many at-risk children as possible. Transition procedures allow for children and their families to learn and grow from their experiences in the Project HELP classroom and beyond.
Parents/guardians will be notified by their child's teacher regarding placement during the summer, prior to the start of the school year. Notification will be made as soon as Project H.E.L.P. receives confirmation of funding from the Illinois State Board of Education.
We strive to make transition from home to preschool a smooth and seamless process. The teacher will set up a home visit so that the teacher can meet the child and families in a setting that is familiar to the child. The teacher will leave a childrens book for the families to enjoy together in preparation for school. The families are then invited to an open house where children can meet new peers and explore the classroom.
Project H.E.L.P. works closely with other school districts and educational entities to ensure a smooth transition should a family move or make a placement change during the school year. Records can be requested directly through the Early Childhood Office at 844-999-9007. A drop form must be completed when a child leaves Project HELP. If the child moves into one of our other participating Project HELP districts, every effort will be made to enroll within that classroom, space provided. If the parents have questions about placement in another classroom direct them call the Early Childhood Office.
The Early Childhood Office will maintain a wait list for each participating district. Students will be enrolled as an available spot becomes open. When a spot does become available, the classroom teacher will be given a file for the next eligible child on the wait list. Three documented attempts must be made to contact the family before another file will be given to the teacher. These attempts must include phone calls, emails (if available), texts, and a letter sent to the parents. When the file is given to the teacher, contact with the family must be done so ASAP. Do not wait several days or a week before making contact. The spots that are initially saved at the beginning of the year will be filled by October.
Home-school connections are very important to the transition from preschool to Kindergarten. The child’s family provides the consistency and continuity for a young child to be successful. Making a change from one program to another can sometimes be difficult for a young child whether the transition is within the same building or in another location. In addition, going from a half-day program to a full-day Kindergarten program can be very tiring for young children. Therefore, it is extremely important for Project H.E.L.P. staff members to work with parents during the course of the school year to help them prepare for the transition to Kindergarten.
• Parents will receive a tip sheet containing ideas for transitioning their child into Kindergarten at the end of the school year.
• The teaching staff will partner with the family to make the transition as smooth as possible by connecting family members with the next program’s staff.
• Preschool staff will provide information about enrollment policies & procedures, program options, Kindergarten Open House dates and times. When possible the preschool staff will arrange for a Kindergarten classroom visit that includes the preschool children and parents.