Early Childhood

Preschool Screenings

The purpose of a preschool screening is to answer questions parents may have about their child’s development and to identify those children who may need preschool education services.  Screenings are completed by a team of professionals and takes about 45 minutes to an hour.  The screening process checks speech and language development, thinking and reasoning abilities, small and large muscle coordination, listening, vision and hearing skills, and other academic readiness skills.  A Parent Questionnaire is also completed during this time.  Children who exhibit significant delays at the preschool screening may be referred for additional evaluation.

 Requests for preschool screenings may be made by parents, relatives, physicians, day care centers, or other agencies.  No child is screened without parental permission.  Any child between the ages of 3 and 5 years who lives in one of our member districts may request a screening by calling the Early Childhood Office at 1-217-345-9119.

Preschool Round Up 2024

Project H.E.L.P. (Helping Educate Little People)

Project H.E.L.P. is a FREE Preschool for All program that is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education and administered by Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education.  The purpose is to provide high-quality preschool experiences to children between the ages of 3 to 5.  A preschool screening must be conducted to determine eligibility and first priority is given to those who are at-risk for academic failure.   Project H.E.L.P. classrooms are located in Altamont, Arthur, Atwood, Beecher City, Bethany, Casey, Charleston, Cowden, Cumberland, Effingham, Kansas, Lovington, Marshall, Neoga, Oakland, Paris #4, Stewardson-Strasburg, Sullivan, Villa Grove and Windsor.   

Click on the video to learn more about Preschool for All programs and feel free to call the Early Childhood Office with any questions you may have.  

Project HELP Sites

Teacher Links

Project HELP Parent Newsletters

Project HELP Parent Survey

Project H.E.L.P. values our partnership with our families in providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences.  We value your feedback and welcome your comments and suggestions pertaining to your experience with Project H.E.L.P.   Please click on this link to take our survey - https://goo.gl/forms/3jLOK9sYZb8NvT063

Early Childhood Dept.

5837 Park Drive 

Charleston, IL 61920 

Laura Shull

Assistant Director


Phone: 217.345.9119  

Fax: 217.348.7640

Map/Directions