The four half-day PFA programs offer a Gold Rating high quality curriculum to 80 students identified as At-Risk per the State funded program guidelines. All students seeking placement in the program must be screened by LEASE (LaSalle/Putnam County Educational Alliance for Special Education). Dates are available throughout the school year and can be arranged by calling Maria Arredondo at 815-539-7362.

The LEASE staff complete a comprehensive age appropriate screener to identify developmental strengths and/or weaknesses. The following items are included in the screening: A Home Language Survey; Parent Interview Questions for pre-reading, math and social/emotional development skills; and the Brigance Screener which assesses Academic/Cognitive, Language, Physical Development, Language skills using various activities. In addition hearing and vision screeners are conducted. Scores are tallied and shared with parents and copied for the district. These scores determine whether a student has developmental delays for one or more of the various domains.

Students who fail the LEASE screening in any area are recommended for further Play Based Observational Screenings. After more data is collected and scores are analyzed, placement is determined.

Parents are encouraged to complete an application to identify other At-Risk factors for program placement. Priority is given to students age four or five who miss the kindergarten cut-off date.

Because all programs should be fully enrolled by October 15th, parents who wish to have students enrolled for the next academic year are strongly encouraged to schedule LEASE screening dates the in spring, summer, or early fall.