Horace Mann Early Learning Center and the Early Childhood Programs are a part of the Rock Island-Milan School District 41 and HMELC is the early childhood “hub” of programs and services. There are three programs within the early childhood programs here in the school district: Head Start, Preschool for All (PFA) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE).
Nicole Berry
Director of Early Childhood Programs
Nicole Berry became the Director of Early Childhood Programs of the Rock Island-Milan School District in July 2007. Nicole has been an educator since 1998, working as a Special Education Teacher and a Special Education Coordinator PK-12 in several different Illinois and Iowa districts before coming to RIMSD. Nicole earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from DePaul University in Chicago, IL, her first Master’s in Special Education and Literacy from DePaul University, and a second Master’s in Educational Administration from Aurora University in Aurora, IL.
Nicole is passionate about early intervention and its essential role in a child’s development throughout life. Nicole oversees three early childhood programs in eight buildings and over 90 staff. She is proud of the work she and her early childhood team do to serve at-risk children and their families throughout the Rock Island Milan School District community.
Nicole resides in Blue Grass, Iowa, with her husband, Casey, and their very spoiled German Shepherd, Titan, along with two exotic birds, Carmen and Kiwi. She enjoys spending time outside of work with her husband, daughter, and close family and friends. Nicole’s hobbies include reading, traveling, and watching Law and Order: SVU and Dateline.
