Early Childhood Education
Kindergarten Corner
This is an exciting time for Kindergarten in Illinois. The Illinois State Board of Education’s Strategic Plan includes Goal Initiatives directly addressing Kindergarten. The Kindergarten Early Learning Standards, this Kindergarten Corner website, Kindergarten Focus Groups, and the Governor’s proclamation for Kindergarten Day are just a part of the comprehensive plan for supporting teachers, administrators and parents of kindergarten children.
Listing of Full Day Kindergarten Programs 
Illinois Early Learning Standards for Kindergarten
The Illinois Early Learning Standards for Kindergarten were unveiled on Kindergarten Day, September 12, 2006. Hard copies of these standards can be obtained from attending one of the trainings on the Kindergarten standards. Kindergarten teachers are strongly encouraged to attend a training that is currently being sponsored through the local Regional Offices of Education. For teachers with Chicago Public Schools, information on training is available from the CPS Early Childhood office at (773) 553-1997. The training involves learning the history of the standards, why we have standards, exploration of how the standards should be used and on sharing the document with others such as families and community partners.
- Illinois Early Learning Standards for Kindergarten
- Kindergarten Benchmarks – Cards for Ring
- Participating Schools Districts and Programs
- Coming Soon – Additional Kindergarten Standards Trainings for the school year 2008-2009
Kindergarten Data
Illinois School Report Card 2006-2007 School Year |
|
| K-Schedule | Schools |
| All day | 1347 |
| Half day | 673 |
| All day and Half day | 234 |
| Total | 2254 |
| K-Enrollment | Numbers |
| All day enrollment | 83,425 |
| Half day enrollment | 64,015 |
| Total Kindergarten Enrollment | 147,440 |
Kindergarten Quiz
Kindergarten Chatter
Network with your colleagues on the new Kindergarten Chatter discussion board. Discuss current issues and practices concerning Kindergarten. Kindergarten Standards Field test participants are already registered to participate. Others may register by going to the Kindergarten Chatter site.
Resources
NAEYC Articles
- Why We Care About the K in K-12
- Top Ten Signs of a Good Kindergarten Classroom
- Kindergarten for Young Children with Disabilities
- Across the Nation - State Kindergarten Policies
