Grass Lake School District 36 and Emmons School District 33 have joined forces to bring high-quality, accessible Pre-K education to more families in our community. This exciting partnership made possible through the Pre-K for All (PFA) grant, is helping expand early learning opportunities for students in both districts, particularly those who may not have had access to a structured Pre-K program before.
Why This Matters
For years, Grass Lake has offered a Pre-K program serving children ages 3 and up. However, due to limited resources, some students with specialized needs had to seek services outside the district. Emmons, on the other hand, was designated a “preschool desert” with no public Pre-K options available and only private preschools as alternatives.
Recognizing the need for expanded early learning opportunities, Emmons Superintendent Dr. Janean Friedman and Grass Lake Superintendent Dr. Newby joined forces in order to make learning for all early learners a possibility. After months of collaboration, planning, and a successful grant application, the Grass Lake/Emmons Pre-K for All program officially launched for the 2024-2025 school year.
Growing Enrollment & Strong Foundations
The program has already seen strong enrollment, with nearly 40 students participating in morning and afternoon sessions. In addition to academic readiness, the Pre-K curriculum focuses on social-emotional development, classroom expectations, and foundational skills that set children up for success in kindergarten and beyond.
Thanks to the Pre-K for All grant, the program ensures that students have dedicated resources, access to specialized support services, and a structured approach to early learning. The curriculum follows the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS) and incorporates play-based learning, structured routines, and hands-on activities to nurture each child’s growth.
Transportation & Family Engagement
To support families, the Pre-K program includes dedicated transportation, separate from K-8 bus routes. This service ensures safe and convenient access for all students, with an added stop at a local daycare facility in the middle of the day.
Building strong family-school partnerships is also a priority. In January, GLS and Emmons hosted a Pre-K Coffee Talk, where parents had the opportunity to connect, ask questions, and learn more about the program. More engagement events, including screenings for prospective students, are scheduled throughout the year.
Looking Ahead
As the Pre-K for All program continues to evolve, both districts are committed to enhancing support services, refining instructional strategies, and strengthening family involvement. Upcoming Pre-K screenings in April will help ensure more children have the opportunity to benefit from this valuable program.
Grass Lake and Emmons are proud to be working together to provide a strong foundation for early learners, making high-quality education accessible to all. This partnership is more than just a shared program, it’s an investment in our community’s future.
