Valley View superintendent previews new early childhood special-education program, schedules community outreach

Valley View CUSD 365U Superintendent Dr. Wood told the board on Jan. 27 that construction at the James Mitcham Early Childhood Center satellite campus in Bolingbrook is making “good progress” and that the district will host a community outreach and inclusion event to introduce a new preschool program for students with special needs.

Dr. Wood said the planned program will provide special-education services in preschool — a model she described as a “gold standard” partnership among the district, local early-childcare providers and legislators. She said the program was developed with support from state lawmakers named in the meeting as Sen. Capel and Rep. Manley, and that the district had invited daycare providers across the community to attend the outreach event. The event was announced in the meeting as taking place “tomorrow night between 7 and 9” relative to the Jan. 27 meeting.

Why it matters: The district serves roughly 15,000 students and describes itself as one of the most diverse in the state. Offering integrated preschool special-education services at an early-childhood center could expand access to specialized services and strengthen partnerships with local childcare providers.

Details from the meeting: Dr. Wood used photos to show progress at the satellite campus and said the district is planning for the coming school year while continuing current-year programs. She asked community providers to attend the outreach session, which the district framed as an opportunity to learn how daycare centers and the district can partner to provide preschool special-education services in a community setting.

Student-led leadership programs: Dr. Wood also highlighted a recent teen leadership conference organized by students from Romeoville and Bolingbrook High Schools, and invited two student facilitators to describe the student-run event. Elanie Trejo and Sienna Grant told the board the conference included small-group activities, large-group leadership games and guest speakers; they said the program drew a diverse mix of school clubs and is intended to continue with another session in two to three months.

What’s next: The district said it will implement the preschool special-education program at the Early Childhood Center once partnerships and supports are in place; Dr. Wood encouraged community providers to attend the outreach session to learn about collaboration opportunities.