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Cary School District 26

Engage, Empower, Excel

Early Childhood & Preschool

Early Childhood & Preschool

Our Early Childhood programs are designed to identify and support developmental needs at the earliest possible stage. We offer a range of services for our youngest learners (ages 3–5) to prepare them for a successful transition into Kindergarten.

Preschoolers Dancing

Preschool Screening

Cary 26 provides free developmental screenings for children ages 3 to 5 who reside within district boundaries. The screening checks for progress in communication, motor skills, and cognitive development. 

When: 09/04/26, 11/06/26, 01/15/27, and 03/12/27

What to Bring: Proof of residency and your child’s birth certificate. 

Schedule a screening

Blended Preschool

Housed at the Oak Knoll Early Childhood Center, our Blended Preschool program offers a rich, experiential learning environment designed to foster essential skill development in preschool-aged children.

  • Our curriculum aligns with the State’s Early Learning Standards and is tailored to meet each child’s age and developmental status. Each classroom brings together students from the District’s Early Childhood Special Education Program alongside typically developing peers from our community, creating a vibrant and inclusive learning experience.

    Program Details, Tuition & Staff (Click to expand)

    • Location: Oak Knoll Early Childhood Center (409 N. First Street, Cary, IL 60013)

    • Schedule: Available in morning (A.M.) and afternoon (P.M.) sessions. Each session is approximately 2.5 hours long.

    • Program Options & Tuition: Tuition is due on the first of every month and can be paid online via the District’s website.

      • 3-Day Program (Monday–Wednesday): $165.00 / month

      • 4-Day Program (Monday–Thursday): $190.00 / month

    Our Dedicated Staff

    Our classrooms are led by a teacher certified in both special education and early childhood education, supported by two certified paraprofessionals. Students also have access to a robust support team, including:

    • Speech/Language Pathologist

    • Occupational & Physical Therapists

    • Social Worker & School Psychologist

    • School Nurse

    Health Requirements: In accordance with State of Illinois requirements, all entering students must provide proof of a current physical exam and required immunizations.

  • Registration for the Blended Preschool Program opened on January 16, 2026. Please note that enrollment is limited and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

    How to Register:

    1. Download and complete the registration packet:

    Download Blended Preschool Registration Packet (English)

    Download the Blended Preschool Packet (Spanish)

    1. Gather required documents:

      • Completed registration packet

      • A copy of your child’s birth certificate

    2. Drop off paperwork to:

      • Oak Knoll Early Childhood Center

        409 N. First Street

        Cary, IL 60013

    Questions?

    If you have any further questions, please contact Nikki Turney at 224-357-5553.

ARISE & Preschool for ALL (PFA)

District 26 is proud to offer the At-Risk Pre-School Program (ARISE) and the Preschool for All (PFA) program, both located at the Oak Knoll Early Childhood Center.

  • These programs provide a high-quality preschool experience for children ages 3-5 who may qualify based on a variety of factors, including:

    • Economic need

    • Low performance on initial developmental screening

    • Primary language other than English

    • Chronic illness or health concerns

    • Cary Residents: Eligible to be screened for both ARISE and PFA programs.

    • Fox River Grove Residents: Eligible to be screened for the Preschool for All (PFA) program only.

      • Note: All other preschool screenings for Fox River Grove students should be directed to Fox River Grove School District 3 for eligibility and placement.

  • Screenings are held on the following Fridays:

    • August 7, 2026

    • October 2, 2026

    • December 4, 2026

    • February 5, 2027

  • To begin the process, please contact Nikki Turney. When reaching out, please provide your name, address, cell phone number, and your child’s name and date of birth.