Early Childhood in the South Loop

By Helen Kaplow

The South Loop Elementary School's Early Childhood Center at 1915 S. Federal Street has spaces available for immediate enrollment. This tuition-based program of the Chicago Public Schools currently offers a full-day educational program for three and four-year-old children who live in the school's neighborhood and throughout the city. There is supervised learning and play daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

School Principal Tara Shelton says the pre-school has a fine arts emphasis, which is ideal for the South Loop location. "I love that we're here in the South Loop - so close to museums, parks, and an abundance of resources." Shelton says she values the relationship the school has established with neighborhood residents over the years. "Our community partnerships continue to strengthen and develop the school's instructional programs." In fact, the school's ballet program and chess program were both created by recommendations made by community members.

Shelton is also proud of the school's "Go Get Your Smock" art program, which integrates art into literacy learning. And these students are not only literate in English. They take classes in both Spanish and Mandarin Chinese each week. Yes, even the pre-school kids. Shelton says that this is the first year they have offered foreign language classes in the Early Childhood Center and the program has been a great success. "At that age, the children are like sponges. They learn so quickly. And we make it fun. The parents have been thrilled."

The small class sizes (with 20:3 student-adult ratio) must certainly contribute to the school's success. Plus, there are computers in every classroom. Children are served a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack daily. And the school helps learning continue at home with Virtual PreK, a resource for parents that connects the classroom, home, and community through hands-on activities.

Starting mid-June, there is also an eight-week Summer Program available. For more information, or to schedule a tour,
call 773-534-9066.