Kewanee has a need for more spaces for preschool kids, and Abilities Plus is meeting that need.

Beginning when school starts in the fall, Abilities Plus will offer morning and afternoon sessions for youngsters 3 to 5 years old.

Kim Walker, executive director of Abilities Plus, said the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) determined that Kewanee was a “preschool desert” — meaning that the preschool programs offered by local school districts don’t have enough spaces for all of the kids who need to attend.

The ISBE had grant funds available, Walker said, and Abilities Plus applied for the funds and received them.

The agency has hired a director/teacher and a paraprofessional for the preschool program, she said.

The morning session will run from 8-10:30 a.m. and the afternoon session will be from noon to 2:30 p.m. Both will be held Mondays through Fridays at the Abilities Plus facility at 1100 N. East St.

Walker said screening sessions will be held on three consecutive Mondays, June 24, July 1 and 8. Parents may phone Abilities Plus at (309) 852-4626 to set up appointments for screenings.