The Chester Early Childhood Center opened on August 26. The new center features four full-day preschool classrooms and an Early Childhood Special Education classroom, which offers both morning and afternoon half-day sessions. The Pre-K at the center will be free to all families, with children receiving breakfast, lunch, and snack each day.
The Pre-K program has been operating in Chester for more than 30 years, and now, with this third school, enrollment will increase to 80 students, up from the original 55. The Early Childhood Center also houses the district’s early childhood offices (CECC). Families interested in enrolling their children in Pre-K are encouraged to call 618-822-0829 for a screening.
Principal Rachel Marshall, formerly a first-grade teacher, said she is thrilled to welcome both students and staff to the new building. “We had a very successful Open House Saturday, September 13,” Marshall said. “Everyone seemed to really enjoy the tours and the opportunity to see the facility up close and personal.”
The Chester Early Childhood Center is home to many familiar and new faces among the staff:
Principal: Rachel Marshall
Pre-K Coordinator: Melissa Davitz
Administrative Assistant: Rebecca Hanna
Preschool teachers: Becky Gielow, Caitlin Schwarz, Jenny Krantz, Lindsey Hargis, with student teacher Ellyce Blaizer
Cooks: Shane Martinez (Head Cook), Brandie Stefani, Michelle McConnell
Paraprofessionals: Brandy Gendron, Cassie Venus, Gina Hafertepe, Kim Gross, Kyra Heck, Mallory Leathers, Rachel Vasquez
Custodians: Debbie Jany (Head Custodian)
EC Special Education Teacher: Denise McClain
Birth to Three: Jada Berry (Chester and Ellis Grove), Melissa Duncan (Red Bud and Prairie du Rocher), Vicki Thompson (Sparta and Steeleville)
The center will host its first Family Fun Night on Thursday, October 16, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. in the parking lot in front of Memorial Hospital’s new clinic. The evening will feature a “Touch-a-Truck” event and a variety of attractions for children and families.
