The Batavia Public Schools Board of Education heard an update on the district's newly opened Early Childhood Center at Alice Gustafson Elementary, which opened this school year to serve 3- and 4-year-old children. Paulette Ali, early childhood coordinator and assistant principal, described enrollment, classroom structure and supports for young learners.

The new early childhood wing welcomed 142 three- and four-year-olds in a mixed-age program, Ali said. "Yesterday, we opened our doors and welcomed a hundred and 42 3 and 4 year olds into our early childhood wing," she told the board.

Why it matters: The center is part of the district's early-education strategy to identify and support children at risk of entering kindergarten with developmental delays and to provide blended classrooms that serve both community children and students with individualized education programs (IEPs).

Program details presented to the board showed the district now operates seven classrooms with morning and afternoon sessions, 11 blended sections that mix community students and students with identified needs, and three instructional classrooms for learners with more complex needs. The staff includes early childhood teachers endorsed in special education and English-language learning, three speech-language pathologists, a social worker, occupational and physical therapists, and paraprofessionals. Ali said classroom practice includes at least 45 minutes of free-choice experiences daily plus two large-group instructional periods focused on pre-literacy and pre-numeracy skills and language development. The district tracks growth with Teaching Strategies GOLD and communicates progress to families three times per year.

Ali described community outreach and supports tied to the center: monthly developmental screenings, a three-year partnership to offer screenings at Batavia Apartments, walk-in speech and language services for mild to moderate delays, and connections with the state's early intervention services so children transitioning from birth-to-3 programs do not experience gaps in services. The program also partners with Special Olympics Illinois for a spring culminating motor-skills event; Ali noted local police and a comfort dog have participated in celebrations.

Board members asked no formal questions about the presentation; Ali closed by noting the board's support. "Investing in early childhood education plants the seeds for lifelong growth, and the board of education's commitment to these learners transforms futures," she said.

The district did not present a separate budget change or board action tied to the center during the meeting; staff indicated the program is operating within the district's existing early-childhood resources.