Waltham Elementary Preschool FAQ

• Our initial Community Engagement Meeting was held in July of 2022. After lengthy conversations regarding the early childhood education desert that we live in, the fact that we were unable to meet the educational needs of all our incoming 3 and 4 year old students, and an increased need of students with specialized services such as speech, occupational therapy and physical therapy, we prioritized a preschool program here at Waltham.
• After sharing this information with our staff at a Strategic Planning meeting, the concerns from staff echoed the importance of a preschool program due to the lack of continuity, services, and support for our youngest students.
• Despite our current space constraints, we believe this initiative is crucial for our community. Our district is short at least four classrooms; our preschool only uses one classroom.

• Cost to the District: The first year's cost to the district, including transportation, was substantial yet essential for the long-term benefits of our students. After completing a cost analysis, it was determined to be more cost effective to provide our own blended preschool program than to send our students out of district to meet their academic and related service needs as per their individualized education plans (IEP).
• Tuition-Based Program & Cost:
• In-district tuition $130/month per student
• Out-of-district tuition $180/month per student
• In-district students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) do not pay tuition as per state regulations in Illinois.
• We also are open to taking other school district's students with developmental needs based on their lack of programming. Those school districts would pay our district tuition for this program which is different than the "out-of-district" tuition amount.

• Underserved Students: Many students were underserved due to a lack of developmental preschool availability in our area. The district is responsible for educating all students aged 3-4 that qualify for developmental preschool that live within our school district boundaries, regardless of our program offerings.
• Prior to our preschool program, the district was fiscally responsible for all out-of-district placement, related services, and transportation.
• With the inception of our blended program, we are now able to meet the educational needs of all our preschool-aged students, regardless of their needs.
• Enrollment:
  • 2023/2024: 31 students
  • 2024/2025: Projected 33-35 students
• Preschool Desert: As per the state of Illinois, Waltham was identified as being in a preschool desert. Our program aims to fill this gap.

• Catching Needs Early: We are now able to identify and address student needs sooner, including speech, behavioral, and academic challenges.
• Continuity of Curriculum: Our preschool program provides the building blocks for a seamless and successful educational journey. We now have the ability to introduce vocabulary, routines, and the foundational language of our curriculum two years earlier.
• Strengthening Our Community: With students aged 3 to 14 under one roof, we foster a strong, cohesive community.
• Exemplar Education: Our preschool now becomes the foundation for the exemplar education that Waltham has always provided.

Join Us in Building a Strong Foundation for Our Youngest Learners!