Programs
State and Federally-Funded Programs
Lake Shore Schools participate in state and federally-funded programs in order to provide high quality education for all children. They include Prevention Initiative, Early Head Start, Preschool For All and Head Start.
These programs are income-based and offered to families who may not have access to comprehensive early childhood programs. Our funded programs also offer support to families by providing free diapers, formula, and other needs.
Continuity of Care Model
Lake Shore Schools employs the continuity of care model for our EHS (Birth-3) classrooms as well as our HS (3-5/PreK) classrooms. Research shows that a continuity of care model can strengthen the relationship between teachers and children, by keeping them with the same caregivers for an extended length of time.
The continuity of care model can also strengthen the relationship between home and school, which in turn supports the learning and development of young children. The continuity of care model also helps to reduce the number of transitions a child occurs during the first few years of life, creating consistency and regulation for young children.
Curriculum
Lake Shore Schools implements and follows the Creative Curriculum for Preschool which promotes language, literacy, math, science, creative arts, social-emotional, physical health, and English Language development. Children receive a variety of learning experiences to foster their intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth. Children participate in daily indoor and outdoor play as well as field trips around the community.
Development of good health and nutritional habits, personal safety habits and self-help skills are also individualized. Lake Shore Schools’ classroom curriculum is designed to meet your child’s individual needs. Lake Shore Schools believes that children learn best through hands-on and center- based play activities. Center-based learning allows children to make decisions, explore independently, problem solve, and learn appropriate social skills.
Assessments and Screenings
Teachers observe and record information about children’s learning, document these observations, and provide information to parent(s)/guardian(s) about their child’s progress. Lake Shore Schools is mandated to provide health and education screenings to all children enrolled in a City of Chicago funded program. Lake Shore Schools is obligated to receive parental permission and inform parents prior to the screenings. To learn more, please see the summary of assessments and screenings here.
