By Larissa Chinwah
For the first time in more than 40 years, students at the Summit Early Learning Center will share the same space as students at the Summit School.
The Elgin-based programs are now both housed in the building the Summit School has occupied for about five years at 331 W. River Road.
"This allows us to share resources and keep everyone in one building," said Karen Romano, director of the early education program.
Those resources include a school nurse, intervention staff and janitorial services.
To make space, the Summit School shifted classrooms and underwent a $90,000 remodel, which included an accessible playground. The grant funding for the playground came from Hanover Township Mental Health Board, Elgin Financial Services, the American Honda Foundation and the Summit Foundation.
"We feel this is a better utilization of the facility and will provide a better transition for students who will possibly need additional services once they leave preschool program," said Robert Hansen, president and chief executive officer of Summit School Inc. "And it makes sense for financial reasons because we don't have to continue paying rent at the other location."
The early learning program, which serves at-risk preschool students, moved from its original location on Route 72 in East Dundee in early August.
It now has a self-contained space on the second floor, as well as a classroom with an observation room for parents on the first floor.
"It is much bigger than our other space and kids seem to like it," said Sofia Forke, a preschool teacher. "They are getting into a routine fairly quickly and it has been a nice adjustment."
The Summit School and early learning programs serve 40 school districts in 10 counties.
