Board approves $83,500 contract with Gateway Family Services to support early learning

The Danville CCSD 118 board approved a one‑year contract with Gateway Family Services to provide supports for the district's early childhood program.

Chris Rice, director of early learning, described services that include a pre‑K retreat for staff, five hours of professional development, a series of instructional videos for morning routines and social‑skills lessons, and 10 hours of monthly consultation with pre‑K staff. Rice said the contract total is $83,500 and will be paid from grant funds: $48,500 from the Preschool for All program and $35,000 from the Preschool for All expansion grant.

Rice told the board the work is consistent with the mental health consultant requirements attached to those grants. Board members asked whether the contract cost is a district expense; Rice confirmed the services are fully grant funded.

Why it matters: The contract supports early childhood staff development and classroom tools that district staff said will directly affect daily routines and social‑skills instruction for the youngest students.

Next steps: The board approved the contract by roll call; staff will implement the services under the grant timetable.