Pre-Kindergarten

Please note that the online link found on the D200 Registration page is for KINDERGARTEN registration. ALL families interested in PreK registration must apply via the application forms linked below and/or contact Verda Dierzen ELC directly at 815-338-8883 for the PreK screening and registration process. 

The 2024-25 application forms for tuition-based preschool and Dual Language preschool are linked in the sections below.

Our Program Includes:

• Teachers who hold Early Childhood and/or Early Childhood Special Education Degrees and Illinois Teaching Certificates including ESL endorsements and/or Bilingual endorsements;
• Classroom assistants who have a minimum of 30 hours of college credit;
• Class size ratio of 18 children to one teacher and associate;
• Curriculum aligned with District 200 and Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards;
• Easy transition from preschool to District 200 kindergarten program;
• Five-day per week program;
• Both morning and afternoon session availability;
• Bus transportation for tuition-based students is available for families at a fee.

The grant-funded PreK program, (also known as Preschool for All or PFA) serves children who, because of their home and community environment, are subject to language, economic and similar disadvantages, and who have been determined, through a screening process, to be at risk of academic failure.

Families who want to enroll their 3, 4 or 5-year-old in the tuition-free grant-funded preschool must first schedule a screening appointment to determine if their child is eligible. The process, which is free, assesses a child’s developmental skills, and identifies whether he or she would benefit from some early assistance prior to entering kindergarten. Eligible children may then be registered for preschool depending upon classroom availability.

Preschool screenings are conducted at the Verda Dierzen Early Learning Center.    

Come, Learn and Enjoy!  ¡Ven, Aprende y Diviértete!

Parent-Child Playgroup
Activities to help parents spend time with their children, for children to play with others, and for parents to meet and network. Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at Dean Street Elementary, Room 405.

Parent-Child Home Visits
Parent Educators will provide meaningful and practical activities for you and your child through regular personal visits.

Developmental Screenings
Free development screening is a valuable tool that can show you where your child is developmentally, and what milestones the child will be working on next.  Please see the Preschool Screening Dates for more information.

Parent-Child Family Nights
Spend a fun evening with your child each month where you play, learn and help keep your family strong.  Each month the parents will be provided with meaningful information on their child’s growth and development. We will talk about discipline issues, education, etc.  Following the parent meeting, we will have the families come together for a parent-child activity, along with a healthy snack.  Child care is provided.  

Parent Resource Library
Check out books on parenting, autism and early childhood topics such as:  developmental milestones, toilet training and behavioral concerns.  Library is currently held at Dean Street Elementary, Room 405.

If you are interested in any part of the program please contact:

Verda Dierzen Early Learning Center      
815-338-8883 

The Birth to 3 Program is a district-wide program, free to all D200 families. It offers support to families with children from birth to age 3, including developmental screenings, playgroups, family events, a teen parent program, and more. Formerly located at Verda Dierzen, the Birth to 3 Program is now housed at Greenwood Elementary School.  Please use the link below for more program information.

Celebrate Families: D200 Birth to 3 Program