Our School

D70 Little Sprouts is rooted in the Libertyville School District 70 Early Childhood Learning Program, which has been around for decades. At the time, early childhood addressed the needs of District 70 students who needed extra help with a variety of developmental issues, including speech, fine motor skills, etc., with teachers who are licensed in teaching special education. 

District 70’s early childhood program still believes in fostering the development of the whole child through positive social interaction, meaningful play and family collaboration. 

As the program was developed and enhanced, it became a preschool and was called Little Learners in 2021-22 as a tuition-based service. The new program saw a mixture of general education and special education students all learning together. 

Preschool is where the youngest students develop their knowledge of letters, numbers and colors; learn to take turns; and make new friends. It’s also where children get their first taste of public education and begin to build their perspectives on school. Attending a high-quality preschool not only prepares children to succeed in kindergarten; it also helps shape their self-confidence and their attitude about learning.

Preschool sets the stage for lifelong growth and development. Ample research shows it is the best investment one can make in a child’s future. 

The District 70 preschool provides preschool services to community learners and eligible students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) ages 3-5 years who live within Libertyville School District 70.  The program is located at Butterfield School.  

In 2023, with a new coordinator on board, the program was refreshed with the new name "D70 Little Sprouts" and actively marketed as a preschool within the Libertyville school district boundaries. The program grew in the first year and will begin the 2023-24 school year with four classrooms. The program will expand even further for the 2024-25 school year. 

For 2024-25, a non-refundable deposit of $285 is required at the time of registration, which takes place through the new student registration process in District 70. Tuition will be $2,850. A screening also is held to assist with classroom placement. Monthly payment plans and financial aid are available. 

D70 Little Sprouts Preschool classrooms are staffed by lead teachers who are certified in early childhood, special education, and English Learners (EL), for students who do not speak English as a native language. 

In addition, the program is supported by a school psychologist, social worker, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologists and paraeducators. Vision and Hearing Itinerant support also is available for eligible students.  

The interdisciplinary team allows staff professionals to support students in a way that addresses the whole child.

Itinerant Services

Itinerant services are offered for eligible children ages 3-5 years of age in the areas of speech-language and/or occupational therapy who demonstrate a delay but do not qualify for the preschool program.  

Eligibility for Preschool or Itinerant Services

• Screening Process
  • District 70 offers preschool screenings for children 3 to 5 years old. The developmental screening includes assessment in the areas of motor, language, and social-emotional development. The screening provides the early childhood team with valuable information to determine if a child’s skills are developing within the typical range or if further assessment is warranted.
  • Screenings are held at Butterfield School 1441 Lake St Libertyville.

  • Developmental areas screened include: 
    o   Communication: Receptive and expressive language skills,
    o   Gross Motor: Use of large muscles for sitting, walking, etc.,
    o   Fine Motor: Hand and finger movement and coordination,
    o   Problem-Solving: Ability to play with toys and solve problems,
    o   And personal-social: Self-help skills and interaction with others.

  • Screening dates
• Evaluation
  • If an evaluation is recommended, the early childhood team will obtain parental consent and follow evaluation and eligibility procedures required by state and federal law.
  • Information about District 70's Special Education Services.
  • For more information, contact Mary Tyree, administrative assistant in the Special Services Dept., 847-247-2694, mtyree@d70schools.org 

During winter months, D70 is prepared for potential snow remote learning days. 

During emergency snow days, preschool students will receive asynchronous learning activities in a paper packet to complete remotely at home. 

Please check your child's backpack for the remote learning packets that will be sent home ahead of time. Please store the packets in a secure place and refer to them during remote learning days. The packets include activities that span a variety of instruction students receive in preschool classes.

In addition, during remote learning days, the preschool staff will be available during regular school hours for “office hours” to meet with families in a virtual meeting or via email. 

This information also can be found under Academics, under eLearning.