The Mission Behind Alton's Early Childhood Center

From newborns to age 5, Alton schools offer early learning resources.

May 21, 2026 11:20 AM May 21, 2026 11:48 AM

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ALTON/GODFREY - The Early Childhood Center in the Alton Community Unit School District #11 has resources for all kids ages birth through 5.

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The center offers a preschool program for kids ages 3–5, but they also have in-home services for expectant parents, newborns and toddlers. Principal Cindy Schuenke noted that their goal is to support these families and prepare their children to enter kindergarten.

“We’re here just to support parents and families and make sure that all of our youngest learners get started on the right foot,” she said. “It’s just a phenomenal team of staff that are really motivated to serve children and support families and really help build that foundation for kids to be successful in school. That’s really what early childhood education is about: developing that strong foundation for lifelong learning.”

Schuenke explained that Alton’s early childhood programs recently reconvened at the Early Childhood Center in Godfrey, making for a more “cohesive” experience for kids and families.

As early childhood educators, they are interested in educating “the whole child,” including academic, cognitive, language, physical and social-emotional development. They are building a “foundation for learning,” but also teaching life skills like taking turns, being patient, showing kindness, and being a good friend.

“Nowadays, preschool is really what kindergarten used to be like,” Schuenke said. “It’s crucial that families be involved in that early childhood education and get their child into a program to help better prepare them for when they go to kindergarten.”

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With 14 classroom teachers, three home visitors, and many other staff members including social workers, occupational therapists and more, the Early Childhood Center is dedicated to helping young kids succeed. They can begin working with parents as soon as the parent learns they are expecting, and they offer in-home visits for kids ages birth–3.

The half-day preschool program is open to students as soon as they turn 3; it’s not uncommon for students to start at the Early Childhood Center on their 3rd birthday, as long as the program still has openings.

All students must undergo a screening process to determine what supports the child might need. The Early Childhood Center offers free developmental screenings for all kids, even if the family ultimately decides not to enroll their student in Alton’s program. Schuenke encourages parents to reach out about a month before the child turns 3.

“Starting ahead is what’s best, but obviously, it’s never too late to ever get it started,” she said.

The Early Childhood Center has received several recognitions for their work with young learners. They recently received a Gold Circle of Quality — the highest rating — from the state’s ExceleRate program, which recognizes Illinois schools that have exceeded 17 standards. Schuenke is proud of her staff and the work they do to support local kids and families.

“They work very hard, and we’re all very proud of that achievement,” she said. “It’s just something for families to know that our program does receive the highest honors, and so they would be sending their children to a program that only has the highest quality.”

For more information about the Early Childhood Center, including how to enroll your child, how to schedule a screening, or how to access the in-home resources, visit their official website.

This Featured Article is sponsored by Alton Community Unit School District #11. To get your business or organization featured on www.Riverbender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.

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