Full Day Kindergarten
Please note: Children who will be 5 years old on or before September 1 are eligible to attend Kindergarten for the upcoming school year.
For Families in need of tuition assistance please complete: Full Day Kindergarten Reduced Tuition Application
Kindergarten Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the times of the Kindergarten Program?
A. M/T/Th/F - 9:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday – 9:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Q. Will the school district offer a half-day program?
A. Yes, a parent may elect to have their child go home at 11:45 a.m. (12:00 p.m. on Wednesday). However, we anticipate a small number of half-day students to be minimal with free FDK.
Q. Will my child be at an academic disadvantage if I choose to enroll them in the half-day program?
A. Whether parents elect the full-day or half-day program, every kindergarten student will receive the core kindergarten curriculum aligned to the state’s kindergarten learning standards. The learning standards mandate what every kindergarten student should know and be able to do by the end of the academic year, regardless of the program they attend.
Q. What is the difference between the half-day and full-day program?
A. Students in the full-day program will have additional time to delve deeper into core curriculum content and concepts as well as participate in enrichment activities.
Q. What are the main educational resources used in kindergarten?
A. Fundations Phonics, Wonders Reading, Fountas and Pinnell, Lexia Reading, Envision Math, IXL Math, Mystery Science, and Responsive Classroom.
Q. Will busing be provided to both half and full-day students?
A. Yes, transportation will be provided to both half and full-day students. Kindergarten students are not transported with students in grade 1-5.
Q. Do kindergarten students participate in the school lunch program?
A. Yes, full-day kindergarten students can participate in the school lunch program. Current pricing for a school lunch is $3.15 (This is the price for the 2023-2024 school year.) or students can bring a sack lunch from home.
Q. Are there before and after school options for kindergarten students?
A. Parents in need of before and after school care at their child’s school can contact Ivy League at 815-464-1265.
Q. What special education options are available for kindergarten?
A. District 118 provides a continuum of special education services based on a student’s needs. Questions regarding your child and special education service can be directed to Student Services at 708 761 5807.
Q. What if my child has limited English language development because we speak a different language at home?
A. Parents fill out a Home Language Survey during registration and if a “Yes” is answered to either one of the two questions, students will be screened for EL services. For Kindergarten students, screenings will take place at the end of the school year, summer and at the beginning of 2024-25 school year.
Q. What do I do if I have more questions pertaining to kindergarten?
A. Parents can contact their home school or the District 118 Central Office with the nature of their questions and you will be directed to the appropriate perso