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Child Care Directory
TRI-CITY PRESCHOOL AND CHILD RESOURCE GUIDE
Batavia-Geneva-St. Charles Branch American Association of University Women
AAUW MISSION STATEMENT
AAUW promotes equity for women, education and self-development over the lifespan, and positive societal change.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
In
principal and practice AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There shall
be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of
gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or
class. PRESCHOOL AND CHILD RESOURCE GUIDE
compiled and distributed as a community service by the Batavia-Geneva-St. Charles (Illinois) BranchAmerican Association of University Women
Publication of the Tri-City Preschool and Child Resource Guide was made possible through generous contributions by Weible-Cahill & AssociatesAn anonymous donor and by our advertisers.
September 2003
Table of Contents
How to Choose a Preschool or Day Care Center 5
Licensing and Accreditation 6
Child Care Facilities Batavia Nursery School 7 Bethany Day Care Center 8 Bethlehem Preschool Center 9 Bridges Montessori 10 EduCare of St. Charles 11 Faith Christian Beginner School 12 First Baptist Preschool 13 Grace Christian Academy 14 Hand in Hand Christian Preschool 15 Hosanna! Preschool 16 Immanuel Lutheran Preschool 17 Kids Connection, Inc. 18 Kinder Care Learning Center 19 The Learning Tree 20 Little Bit Country Preschool 21 Mansio-Mens Montessori 22 Montessori Academy 23 St. Mark's Nurturing Center 24 Swing Set Preschool 25
Park District Programs for Preschoolers 26 Library Services for Preschoolers 27 Children with Special Needs 28 General Information 28
How to Use This Guide
The information in this handbook about preschools, day-care centers and other resources for children was gathered through questionnaires distributed to each facility. (Not all centers in the TriCities area responded to our request for information.) We leave evaluation of the schools up to you, the parent or guardian. The Batavia-Geneva-St. Charles Branch of the AAUW makes no endorsement of any particular preschool, day-care center or other children's service or facility. We strongly recommend that you check with the facility in which you are interested to determine whether it meets your personal and state licensing requirements.
This directory does not list preschools or day care centers located in private residences. Contact the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to obtain a list of registered home preschools or day care centers in your area.
Information and fees are accurate as of May 2003. All area codes are 630 unless otherwise specified.
How to Choose a Day Care Center or Preschool
The elements of good day care include a licensed caregiver; a clean, safe setting; and suitable activities appropriate to your child's age and interests. Some questions that you might want to ask when choosing a day care center for your child include:
•What type of caregiver is good for your child? •Is the caregiver warm and loving toward children? •Is the caregiver well trained? •Does the caregiver encourage the child's interests and stimulate the child to explore and discover new things? •Does the caregiver have child-rearing attitudes and methods that are similar to yours?
•Is the setting suitable for your child? •Are the facilities safe and healthy? •Is the equipment appropriate for your child? •Are there few enough children involved to allow your child to receive individual attention? •Does the facility have an up-to-date license?
•Are there suitable activities for your child? •Does the center follow a schedule that meets young children’s needs for routine, yet is flexible enough to meet the needs of each child? •Are there opportunities to play quietly and actively, indoors and out? •Are materials and equipment available that help children learn new physical skills and control and exercise their muscles?
•Does the preschool follow an arts-and-crafts curriculum or is it more cognitive? •Which do you feel is best for your child?
•Is the center located in an area convenient to you, or is transportation available?
•What is the cost? How does it compare with other programs offering similar activities?
Licensing and Accreditation
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) establishes licensing standards for day and night care centers, as well as preschools. The Illinois DCFS also issues licensing standards for day and night care in private homes. These standards cover necessary records, required safety standards, number of children permitted, nutritional requirements, staff qualifications and required space.
The Summary of Licensing Standards is available on the DCFS website (www.state.il.us/dcfs) and from the Elgin DCFS office at 595 S. State Street (the intersection of Routes 31 and 20).
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a Washington, D.C.-based organization of early childhood educators, administers a national, voluntary, professionally sponsored accreditation system. This system, the NAEYC Academy for Early Childhood Program Accreditation on the following criteria: interactions between teachers and children, curriculum, relationships between teachers and families, staff qualifications and professional development, administration, staffing, physical environment, health and safety, nutrition and food service, and evaluation. A complete description of the accreditation process can be found on their website at www.naeyc.org or by calling the NAEYC headquarters at (800)424-2460. Batavia Nursery School21 S. Batavia Avenue Batavia, IL 60510 879-1999 Directors: Pat Vidlak, Betsy Lewis
Goal: To provide a whole child developmental environment that promotes learning through social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and verbal experiences. Emphasis is on basic building blocks for reading readiness, which includes a strong phonetic approach including lots of hands-on experiences in math, science, and literature.
Type of Program: Preschool Age Levels: 3, 4, and pre-kindergarten Toilet training is required.
Days of week and hours: 3 year olds - T/TH 9:00-11:00 a.m. and 12:30-2:30 p.m. 4 year olds - M/W/F 9:00-11:15 a.m. or 12:30-2:45 p.m. Pre-kindergarten - M/T/W/Th 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Adult/child ratio: 1:10 Average class size: 10 Licensed capacity: 50 Parent involvement is not required.
Typical Daily Schedule: •Group time, which includes calendar, days of the week, theme of the day, letter of the day, number recognition, phonics, rhymes, and show and tell. •Craft or Painting •Free choice playtime •Songs •Snack •Story
Fees: (2003-2004) Admission fee $40.00 3-year-olds $100/month 4-year-olds $125/month Pre-kindergarten $170/month
Bethany Day Care Center8 S. Lincoln Batavia, IL 60510 879-0145 Director: Joan Roverud
Goal: To serve the community by providing quality child care for working parents. We are a small, private, not-for-profit DCFS-licensed, high quality center. Our purpose is to provide enriched, developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences for the preschool child. Religion is not taught.
Type of Program: Day care Age Levels: 3-5 Students are grouped by age. Toilet training is required.
Days of week and hours: M-F, 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Center is open year-round.
Adult/child ratio: 1:8 Average class size: 16 Licensed capacity: 47 Parent involvement is not required; parents help at parties.
Typical Daily Schedule: •Art •Music •Science •Math •Language development •Fine and large motor skills •Hot lunch •Outdoor play and social interaction •Rest period
Fees: $75 registration fee $150/week (includes morning preschool session, hot lunch, morning and afternoon snacks, day care)
Bethlehem Preschool Center1145 N. Fifth Avenue, Box 3850 St. Charles, IL 60174 584-6027 Director: Linda Cusack
Goal: Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church established Bethlehem Preschool Center in 1968. The purpose of Bethlehem Preschool Center is to provide a warm, physically safe atmosphere of love, concern, support, and acceptance for children. The basic motivation for this ministry to children is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. A seven-member board of dedicated Bethlehem Church members composes its policy-making body. This board is part of the ministry of Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church with the board chairperson serving on the congregational council. The preschool board supports and advises the director in this ministry. The director is a liaison between the preschool staff, the church staff, the congregational council, and the preschool board. The preschool board continually seeks to provide a well-rounded developmental program, which meets the physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual needs of each child. Christian values and lessons are woven throughout the curriculum. The school is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Type of Program: Half-day preschool and full-day day care Age Levels: 3, 4, and 5-year-olds Toilet training is required.
Days of week and hours: Child care: M-F, 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 3-year-olds: T-Th, 9-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3 p.m. 4-year-olds: M-W-F, 9-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3 p.m. Pre-K (5 by December 31): M,T,W,Th, 9-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3 p.m. Summer programs as demand warrants.
Adult/child ratio: 1:10 Average class size: 13 or 20 Licensed capacity: 93 Parent involvement is not required but is encouraged.
Fees: Preschool with child care: $145/week Two days/week preschool: $103/month Three days/week preschool: $130/month Four days/week preschool: $155/month
Bridges Montessori716 Oak Street St. Charles, IL 60174 (630) 513-9742 Directors: Jan Dangles and Val Pearson
Goal: Building a foundation for life-long learning. Our school is unique because we have a low teacher-child ratio, a highly professional staff, and we work closely with parents as partners in an atmosphere of respect. Religion is not taught.
Type of program: Preschool, kindergarten, first through fifth Toilet training is not required.
Days of the week: M-F Open for three weeks in the summer.
Adult/child ration: 2:16 Average class size: 16 Parent involvement is not required.
Fees: $2600-$6300 per year. Call for more information.
EduCare of St. Charles4N705 School Road St. Charles, IL 60175 377-0890
Directors: Kimberly A. Perdue (Director/Owner) Doris G. Glowicki & Katherine Galaner (Co-Directors)
Goal: To provide a safe, health, and happy environment that parents can trust; to provide a secure environment so the children can learn together and build positive self-esteem. We are unique because we offer the EduTheme Program, security admittance, a better child/teacher ratio than that required by law, and an established, high-quality reputation in the community.
Type of program: Day care with preschool Age levels: 6 weeks-12 years old Toilet training is required for 3 and up.
Days of the week and hours: M-F 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. School is closed for eight holidays. Summer programs are available.
Adult/child ratio: infant 1:3; jr. toddlers 1:4 sr. toddlers 1:8; preschool 1:10 Average class size: infants 7; jr. toddlers 15 sr. toddlers 16; preschool 20 Licensed capacity: 96 Parent involvement not required but always welcome.
Typical daily schedule: Infants-per parents' request
Toddlers-Preschool: •Arrivals •Breakfast •Group time •Free choice time •Clean up •Outside •Lunch •Naps •Snack Fees: Available upon request. Faith Christian Beginner School1745 Kaneville Road Geneva, IL 60134 232-8533 Director: Sherry Anast
Goal: The development of spiritual, academic, social, and physical capabilities. Our school is unique because we teach phonetic reading, math, and social skills in a caring Christian environment. Sponsored by the Lutheran Church; church membership is not required. Christian faith is taught.
Type of Program: Nursery, Preschool, Kindergarten, Grades 1-2 Age Levels: 3 and up. Grouped by age. Toilet training is required.
Days of week and hours: Nursery (3 year olds) M, T/Th, or W/F. Preschool (4 year olds) M/W/F or T/Th Kindergarten M-F AM classes 8:30 -11:30; PM classes 12:15-3:15 School is closed summers and on snowdays and vacations.
Adult/child ratio: Nursery 1:8; Preschool 1:12; Kindergarten 1:15 Average class size: Nursery 8; Preschool 15; Kindergarten 15; Grades 1-2 20 Parent involvement is not required but is appreciated.
Typical daily schedule: • Opening/Bible story • Free play • Letter time (phonics) • Recess • Bathroom and snack • Free time • Number time • Art and music are integrated with Bible and letters • Individualized reading during free play •Monthly field trips
Fees: 1 day/week $46/month 2 days/week $106/month 3 days/week $159/month K-5 days/week $235/month Gr. 1-2 5days/week $360/month
First Baptist Preschool1125 W. Oak Street St. Charles, IL 60174 584-6768 Director: Bonnie Golz; Assistant Director: Susan Davie
Goal: First Baptist Preschool opened in September 1980 and is licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Our purpose is to provide a warm-loving Christian atmosphere for all children. We seek to meet the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of children in these formative years. Our program is designed for the personal growth of each individual child. Learning takes place through many play-based opportunities for problem solving and hands-only experiences. We are committed to the task of teaching, loving, and praying for your child.
Type of Program: Preschool and Kindergarten Age Levels: 3-5 year olds Preschool 1: Child must be toilet-trained and 3 years old by September 1 Preschool 2: Child must be 4 years old by September 1. Preschool/Pre-K: Child must be 5 years old by December 1 Kindergarten: Child must be 5 years old by December 1; birth certificate is required.
Days of week and hours: Preschool 1: M/W or T/Th: 9 -11:30 a.m. or M/W 12:30 -3 p.m. Preschool 2: M-F 9-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3 p.m. or Th/F 9 -11:30 a.m. Pre-K: M/T/W/TH: 12:30-3 p.m. Kindergarten: M-F: 9 a.m.-12 noon Calendar follows District #303 schedule.
Adult/child ratio: 1:8 Average class size: 16 Licensed capacity: 78 Parent involvement is not required but is encouraged.
Typical daily schedule: •Circle time •Choice Time •Snack •Individual or Small Groups •Physical activity
Fees: Non-refundable $50 registration deposit Two day program: $100/month Three day program: $130/month Four day program: $150/month Kindergarten: $200/month
Grace Christian Academy33W835 Cherry Lane Geneva, IL 60134 208-1000 Director: Cindy Fisher
Goal: To provide Christian academic excellence using the A Beka curriculum. The staff is made up of Christian, caring teachers, most of whom have college degrees and teaching experience. The academy is affiliated with the Grace Christian Fellowship and the Church of God. Nondenominational religion is taught.
Type of program: Preschool and elementary grades K-6, before and after school program for students.
Days of the week and hours: M-F 7:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Elementary school 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Preschool Two through five full days per week, 7:15 a.m.-5:45 p.m.
Adult/child ratio: 1:10 Average class size: 15 School capacity: 100
Typical daily schedule • Circle time (Bible story, Pledge of Allegiance, finger play, colors and shapes) •Snack time •Gym time and outside activities •Academic curriculum (phonics, reading, numbers) •Lunch •Nap time •Art activities •Free play
Fees: Full day, 5 days/week $153 week
Hand In Hand Christian Preschool2300 South Street Geneva, IL 60134 208-4903 Director: Nancy Taylor
Goal: To enhance each child's well-being and self-esteem while stimulating mental growth. Children participate in a well-rounded, flexible program designed for their total development and filled with a variety of experiences. The teaching staff strives to teach the values of the Christian faith to the children through guided conversations, spontaneous teachable moments, Bible stories, and songs.
Type of program: Preschool Age level: 3-6 Toilet training is required.
Days of the week and hours: M/W/F 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.-3 p.m. September-May.
Adult/child ratio: 1:12 or 1:14 Average class size: 12 or 14 Licensed capacity: 140 Parental involvement is not required, but is welcome.
Typical daily schedule: •Stories and devotion •Science and music •Large muscle/gym activities •Dramatic play •Art and table activities •Snack time/cooking projects •Spanish class •Special events/field trips
Fees: Registration fee $50 3 year olds (2 days/week) $110/month 4 year olds (3 days/week) $150/month 5 year olds (3 days/week) $150/month
Hosanna! Preschool39W130 Crane Road St. Charles, IL 60175 584-1575 Director: Linda Horneck
Goal: To provide a stimulating learning environment through creative experiences that enhance self-esteem and promote spiritual, emotional, social, cognitive, and physical growth and development. Parents and families are an integral part of our program and are valued members of their child's education. Hosanna! Preschool is affiliated with Hosanna! Lutheran Church. Church membership is not required. A warm, loving Christian atmosphere is prevalent through the center. The preschool is nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Type of Program: Preschool Age Levels: 3 - 5 Children are grouped by developmental age. Toilet training is required.
Days of week and hours: 2,3,4 day programs, 9-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3 p.m. are offered weekly. The preschool follows the District #300 calendar for vacations, holidays, and snow days.
Adult/child ratio: 1/10* Average class size: 10 Licensed capacity: 20 *There is also an aide who works between the three classrooms. Parent involvement is not required but is encouraged and welcome.
Typical daily schedule: •Planned self-selected interest areas and free play (includes art, science, manipulatives, blocks, dramatic play. •Large muscle activity •Snack •Field trips: Trips are planned to various points of interest and visits from resource persons are welcome.
Fees: $50 non-refundable registration fee. 2 days/week-$95/month, 3days/week-$135/month, 4 days/week-$165/month Hosanna! members receive a $5 per month reduction in price.
Immanuel Lutheran Preschool950 Hart Road Batavia, IL 60510 406-0157 Director: Glenn A. Steinbrenner
Goal: To provide developmentally appropriate activities that will enable the child to develop at his or her own rate, build a healthy self-concept, and gain a love for learning while he or she experiences God's unconditional love and forgiveness. Students learn through play and hands-on experiences. We support the parent/guardian as the primary teacher, and we provide a loving Christian environment for growth. We are part of a Lutheran grade school, accredited by National Lutheran Schools Accreditation, and recognized as a non-public school by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Type of Program: Toddler/Parent, Preschool, Kindergarten through Grade 8. Age levels: 2 and up. Toilet training required for preschool and up.
Days of week and hours: Varies by program. Please call for details.
Adult/child ratio: Toddler/Parent: 12 parents/toddlers Preschool 3's: 16 students Preschool 4's: 18 students Kindergarten and Grade School: 25 students Parent involvement is encouraged but not required.
Typical daily preschool schedule: •Learning Centers •Circle Time •Large motor development •Language experiences (with hands-on learning)
Fees: Registration Fee Annual Tuition Toddler/Parent $60 $300 Two-Day Program $75 $1,025 Three-Day Program $75 $1,400 Four-Day Program $75 $1,625 Kindergarten $125 $1,875 Kindergarten PLUS $125 $2,575 Grade School $225 $3,250
Kids Connection, Inc.40W304 LaFox RoadSt. Charles, IL 60175587-9400 www.kidsconnection.info Director: Renee Gust Facility opening Fall 2003
Goal: Kids Connection, Inc. provides the highest quality preschool and activity programs for participants of ages birth through teens, as well as adult programs. Our goal is to provide programs to help children develop socially, cognitively, emotionally, physically, culturally, and morally through play, art, music and other modes of creative activities, thus, the motto for Kids Connection, Inc. “Connecting Kids Through Play.”
Type of Programs: Preschool and activity programs for ages birth to teen and workshops/seminars for children and adults. Year-round programs include: creative arts, music, story times and more Age level: All ages. Toilet training is not required prior to enrollment. Early childhood development varies for each child and the toilet learning experience is incorporated into the curriculum.
Days of the week and hours: Preschool M/W/F, a.m. and p.m. Activity programs varied days and evenings, weekends Summer preschool programs
Adult/child ratio:2s 1:7, 3s 1:9, PreK 1:10 Average class size: Activity Programs-8, Preschool: 2s:16, 3s-20, PreK-20 Licensed capacity: 50 We encourage parent/guardian involvement but it is only required for age specific Activity Programs.
Typical daily schedule (preschool): •Free Play •Circle times •Learning Center Discoveries (language/reading readiness, math/sequencing, computer, science exploration, music/movement, dramatic play, small motor/manipulatives, sand/water table, arts and creativity, large motor), •Potty Time Fees: Activity Programs average $9/week (6-8 weeks long) Preschool (paid bi-monthly) one day/week 2 payments of $43 Two days/week 2 payments of $83; Three days/week 2 payments of $117
Kinder Care Learning Center1875 Prairie Street St. Charles, IL 60174 584-2333 Director: Janice Schillaci Assistant Director: Johanna Hatchett
Goal: To provide opportunities to grow and develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Our school is unique because we offer an all-day day care and preschool for children as young as six-weeks-old. The school includes unique programs designed for every age group. We cater to working parents as well as homemakers who are interested in a preschool for their children. The Kinder Care Center is NAEYC-accredited and has many long-term employees. The school is not affiliated with any church; religion is not taught.
Type of Program: Preschool, preschool, day care, before and after school care Age Levels: 6 weeks to 12 years Toilet training is not required.
Days of week and hours: M-F 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Summer camp for toddlers to 12 year olds, closed on some snowdays, open vacations, closed on major holidays.
Adult/child ratio: Infants: 1:4; Toddler: 1:5; 2-year-olds: 1:8; 3- and 4-year-olds 1:10; 5 and up: 1:20. Average class size: 12 Licensed capacity: 95 Parent involvement is not required.
Typical daily schedule: •6:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Breakfast, interest centers, program lessons •9:30 a.m. Snack •9:45 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Outside time, interest centers, program lessons •11:30-2:30 p.m. Lunch, nap time •2:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Reading, puzzles •3:00 p.m. Snack •3:15 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Variations of above activities Fees: Varies with program; call for information. The Learning TreeON399 Old Kirk RoadGeneva, IL 60134 232-0907 Director: Patricia Buer |