Lisle preschool to honor retiring teacher

Lisle Park District's Gentle Learning Preschool will honor Mary Brock for 21 years of service at an open house retirement celebration from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Recreation Center, 1925 Ohio St. in Lisle.

Brock began her career with the park district as an instructor to various early childhood classes, eventually becoming a teacher at Gentle Learning Preschool, where she has taught for the past 18 years.

During that time, she has touched the lives of hundreds of children. Any parent, student or colleague who has experienced the pleasure of working with Brock during her tenure at the district is welcome to attend the open house.

In September 2014, the district presented Brock with an award for her dedication, hard work and excellent service as a teacher at Gentle Learning Preschool. Cheryl Patterson, the park district's recreation program manager who oversees the preschool, praised Brock's efforts.

"Twenty years of Lisle children have been affected by her creativity and dedication to the Lisle Park District and the Gentle Learning Preschool program," Patterson said.

The Gentle Learning Preschool staff is committed to the philosophy of children learning through play. Play is regarded by early childhood specialists as the child's principal means of expression, problem-solving and developing social skills. The preschool recognizes the value of providing a developmentally appropriate curriculum for young children.

Based on children's intellectual, social and physical needs, the curriculum is designed to encourage child-initiated learning activities, preparing them for later academic success.

To learn more about the Gentle Learning Preschool, visit gentlelearningpreschool.org or call (630) 964-3410 to schedule a tour of the facility. Fall classes begin Aug. 31.