Darien Public Schools District 61 provides preschool programs specifically designed to meet the needs of children between the ages of three and five who have significant risk factors and/or special education needs.

Birth Through Three Screening

Darien 61 partners with Child and Family Connections (CFC) to provide Early Intervention (EI) services. If you have a child between the ages of birth to age three and have concerns about their development, you are encouraged to call Child and Family Connections (CFC) at 630-493-0400 or Mark DeLay School at 630-852-0200.  

Preschool Screening

Darien Public Schools District #61 offers developmental preschool screening for children between the ages of three through five that are suspected to have developmental delays or disabilities. Children are screened in five areas: vision, hearing, language development, fine and gross motor, and concept development. Children identified through the screening process may be referred for a full evaluation to determine special education eligibility and program needs. Children experiencing significant risk factors in their environment but not at risk for a disability may be eligible for the Preschool For All (PFA) blended preschool program.

Screening Dates for 2022-2023

The district will host two scheduled screening dates this year: 

• September 23, 2022

• January 13, 2023

Additional screenings will be conducted on a rolling basis.  Please call Mark DeLay at 630-852-0200 for a screening appointment. 

Early Childhood Special Education Preschool Program

The Early Childhood Special Education Preschool Program is designed for children, ages 3-5, who are residents of the school district and are not yet eligible to enter kindergarten. Each class has a maximum of 10 students identified as having special education needs. There is one certified Early Childhood Teacher and two classroom aides for each class. In addition, a speech therapist works within the classroom to assist the students with language development, an occupational therapist works on fine motor development, and a physical therapist addresses the area of gross motor skills. Additionally, an early childhood psychologist and social worker work within the classroom and are available to consult with families as needed. 

Eligibility is based upon either a referral for special education evaluation when it is believed the child may have a disability requiring special education services or as a result of screening completed at the school district indicating at-risk factors. 

The program operates five days a week with children either attending in the morning from 8:50a.m. to 11:20a.m. or in the afternoon from 12:15 p.m. to 2:45pm. The class follows the school schedule with regard to Teacher Institute Days and School Holidays. 

Preschool For All/ Blended/At Risk Preschool Program

Darien District #61 offers a Preschool For All/ Blended/At-risk Preschool Program for children, ages 3-5, who are residents of the school district and are not yet eligible to enter kindergarten. This program is funded through the Preschool for All Grant and is available to eligible families. Each class has a maximum of 20 students with no more than 6 of the students identified as having special education needs. There is one certified Early Childhood Teacher and two classroom aides for each class. In addition, a speech therapist works with the classroom to assist the students with language development, an occupational therapist works on fine motor development, and a physical therapist addresses the area of gross motor skills. Additionally, an early childhood psychologist and social worker work within the classroom and are available to consult with families as needed.

Eligibility is based upon either a referral for special education evaluation when it is believed the child may have a disability requiring special education services or as a result of screening completed at the school district indicating at-risk factors. The program is offered at Mark DeLay School and begins on the first day of scheduled classes.

The program operates five days a week with children either attending in the morning from 8:50 a.m. to 11:20a.m. or in the afternoon from 12:15p.m. to 2:45pm. The class follows the school schedule with regard to Teacher Institute Days and School Holidays. 

Please contact the Director of Special Services at the district office if you have any questions at 630-968-7505.