Dear Valeska Hinton Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year at Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center!
Our mission is to ensure the development and full learning potential of each child through a safe, nurturing, child-centered environment!

We are honored that you have chosen to enroll your child at Valeska Hinton and value you as your child’s first and most important teacher. We look forward to partnering with you in your child’s education.

ATTENDANCE MATTERS! Regular attendance in preschool is critically important to help children develop skills to become successful life-long learners. Please make sure your child attends school daily and arrives on time, ready for the day’s fun and active learning experiences.

The best way to stay informed and connected is to make sure we have your updated contact information. I send home weekly announcements and important information through phone calls, texts, email, and posting on our school website at www.peoriapublicschools.org/valeskahinton.

I am truly dedicated to providing our children and our families with a strong foundation for successful, lifelong learning and believe each one of our students is unique and gifted! It is our goal to provide a learning environment that nurtures and supports the needs of all of our children and families at Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center!

If you ever have any questions, concerns, or celebrations to share, please contact us at the school. We are here to serve you and your family and look forward to a successful school year filled with connection, collaboration, and communication!

Your partner in education,

Katie Cobb, Principal

Dr. Molly Herman has 19 years of experience in the field of special education.  Her specialty areas include deaf education, early childhood education, and early intervention.  Before moving into special education administration, Molly was a self-contained Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) preschool teacher.  She earned her Bachelors in Deaf Education in 2005, Spoken Language and Listening Professional Certificate in 2007, Masters in Special Education in 2009, National Board Certificate in 2009, Director of Special Education Certificate in 2013, and Doctorate Degree in Special Education in 2018 all from Illinois State University.   

Molly currently works as a special education coordinator for the district in the areas of early childhood, some low incidence disabilities including DHH and low vision/blindness and specified special education support staff. 

Her passions include working with families, facilitating implementation of student IEP’s, and supporting teachers to establish effective classrooms of learning. 

Molly is married and enjoys watching her three children grow and learn!  

Please contact Dr. Herman with any questions or concerns!