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Westerholt Early Learning Center highlights literacy program, family engagement and new classroom technology
Summary
Westerholt Early Learning Center staff presented the center's strategic-goal work, including literacy 'learning boxes,' family events, smart-board installations and social-emotional strategies for preschoolers.
Westerholt Early Learning Center presented a strategic-goal monitoring report to the CCSD 62 Board on March 17, describing classroom approaches to early literacy, family engagement activities, staff supports and building resources that support full‑day preschool.
Presenting for the school, Dr. Allen (recorded as the speaker) described literacy-focused learning centers, a Learning Links lending collection with more than 200 literacy boxes for children ages 2–6, and family events such as Kindness Night. The center also highlighted classroom strategies for social-emotional learning, including a calming routine used districtwide referred to in the presentation as "Tucker Turtle."
Why it matters: Early-learning programs shape vocabulary and school readiness. The board heard how in‑school experiences, take-home literacy materials and family events work together to promote early literacy and family involvement.
Details from the presentation
• Literacy resources: The Learning Links collection includes more than 200 literacy boxes for borrowing; staff said families can check boxes out during extended building hours (the center is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.). The presenters said staff have added materials in languages other than English to support English-language learners.
• Classroom work and SEL: Presenters described hands-on measurement activities, circle time routines, problem-solving cards and use of "Tucker Turtle" breathing and calming strategies to support conflict resolution.
• Family and community events: Westerholt held a Kindness Night with readings and participation by the Des Plaines Fire Department, the Des Plaines Police Department and the Des Plaines Public Library (the library provided free books to participants). Teachers and staff described partnerships with local organizations and the food service vendor "Organic Life," which staff thanked for preparing child-appropriate portions.
• Staff supports: Presenters described team-building, monthly staff events and informal recognition efforts to support workforce morale.
Board questions and follow-up
Board members asked about Learning Links circulation and whether demand exceeded supply; presenters said the program is actively used, that staff are updating boxes and adding multilingual books, and that extended hours make borrowing feasible for working families. Presenters said staff and administration are exploring a registration process improvement to address early-morning lines for the center.
Next steps
School staff said they will continue to update literacy boxes, meet with principals and teacher teams about classroom needs, and coordinate with the district on registration improvements and outreach to families.
