Connect Academy Early Childhood: Now Open to Serve Children Ages 3-7

We are thrilled to announce the opening of Connect Academy Early Childhood, a specialized program designed to provide comprehensive support for children ages 3 to 7 with varying disabilities. Our mission is to create a nurturing and structured environment where every child can thrive, with programs that focus on early intervention, academic readiness, and social-emotional development. As part of the Connect Academy family, this new addition is dedicated to fostering the growth and success of young learners, helping them build the foundational skills they need for their future academic and personal achievements.

A Holistic Approach to Early Childhood Education

At Connect Academy Early Childhood, we recognize the unique needs of each child, and our programs are specifically designed to address their individual developmental stages. We take a holistic approach to education, integrating academic instruction with therapeutic interventions to support both cognitive and emotional growth.

Our curriculum is centered around research-based programs that are developmentally appropriate for young children. We utilize the Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum for Preschool, which is aligned with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards and the Illinois Kindergarten Early Learning Standards. This curriculum supports the development of essential pre-academic skills, including early literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving, while also fostering creativity and curiosity.

In addition to academic development, we place a strong emphasis on social and emotional learning (SEL). Our daily SEL program, Al's Pals, helps children develop essential life skills such as emotional regulation, social interaction, and self-awareness. This engaging, puppet-led curriculum teaches children how to cope with life's challenges in a positive and healthy manner, setting the stage for future success in school and beyond. Zones of Regulation will also be used to support students identify and manage their emotions. 

Therapeutic Interventions for Comprehensive Support

One of the key aspects that sets Connect Academy Early Childhood apart is our commitment to integrating therapeutic approaches into our daily routines. We offer specialized services such as Art Therapy, Music Therapy, and Physical Education, all of which provide children with creative and physical outlets to express their emotions and develop important motor skills. These therapies complement our academic and SEL programs, helping children to engage with learning in a way that is both meaningful and enjoyable.

Additionally, we have a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) on staff to support the younger student population in developing appropriate behavioral skills. This expertise is especially beneficial for students who may face challenges with self-regulation or social interactions, and it allows us to create individualized strategies that meet the unique needs of each child.

A Nurturing and Supportive Environment

At Connect Academy Early Childhood, we are proud of the warm and inclusive environment we have cultivated for our students. Our staff is made up of highly trained professionals who are passionate about early childhood education and dedicated to the success of every child. With small class sizes and a high teacher-to-student ratio, we are able to provide individualized attention and care to each student, ensuring that they feel supported and empowered as they grow.

We also prioritize collaboration with families and external experts to ensure that every child's needs are met. Our advisory board, made up of experts in special education, provides valuable insights that enhance our programs and contribute to the overall success of our students.

Join Us at Connect Academy Early Childhood

We are excited to embark on this new journey with our students and their families as we open the doors to Connect Academy Early Childhood. Our program is committed to providing a strong foundation for young learners, helping them to build the skills and confidence they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

​If you would like to learn more about our program or schedule a visit, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you into our community and supporting your child's educational journey.