Dear Valeska Hinton Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the 2023-24 school year at Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center!

We are honored that you have chosen to enroll your child in our school. Our mission is to ensure the development and full learning potential of each child through a safe, nurturing, child-centered environment! At Valeska Hinton, we value you as your child’s first and most important teacher and look forward to partnering with you in your child’s education!

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, email, and posting on our school website at www.peoriapublicschools.org/valeskahinton.

Finally, I am an administrator that is truly dedicated to providing our children and our families with a strong foundation for successful, lifelong learning! Each one of our students is unique and gifted and 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 18 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 are working with families, facilitating implementation of student IEP’s, and supporting teachers to establish effective classrooms of learning.  She is married and enjoys watching her three children grow and learn!  

Please contact Dr. Herman with any questions or concerns!