Oakton's Early Childhood Center to hold open house
The Oakton Community College Early Childhood Education Center will be holding an open house for its half-day and full-day preschool programs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, in rooms C151 and C152 at the Skokie campus, 7701 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie.
The preschool program serves children between the ages of 2 and 5, and the center is now enrolling students for its current half-day program, as well as programs beginning on Monday, Aug. 20.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the center, meet the preschool teachers and learn about Oakton's innovative curriculum at the open house. Families enrolling children during the open house will receive a discount on registration fees.
"We are pleased to offer prospective families the opportunity to explore Oakton's award-winning Early Childhood Education Center during our Jan. 27 open house," says director Monique Hudson.
"Parents and children will have the chance to meet our experienced teachers, learn about our teaching methods and see for themselves the spacious classrooms and excellent learning environment."
Oakton's Early Childhood Education Center operates as a lab school where early childhood education students gain valuable, hands-on experience working at the award-winning center. In addition, Oakton psychology and nursing students have the opportunity to conduct weekly observations at the facility.
Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and approved by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Oakton's Skokie Early Childhood Education Center in 2017 received the highest designation given by ExceleRate Illinois, the state's quality rating and improvement system for early learning and development providers.
The Gold Circle of Quality demonstrates the center's continuous commitment to the families and children it serves.
"The Gold Circle of Quality affirms the quality of Oakton's childhood education program over many years," says Paula Luszcz, chair, Early Childhood Education.
"We're pleased and proud to provide a lab environment for Oakton students that also fosters the love of learning and helps prepare children for life-long success."
ExceleRate Illinois Professional Development officials said the Gold Circle of Quality is given to a center after a rigorous process by an independent assessor who evaluates its environment, curriculum, teacher qualifications, and family involvement.
The state organization evaluates centers that serve children ages 5 and younger on how facilities assist in the intellectual, social, physical, and emotional development of young children.
The center also has been recognized for sustainability with the Eco-Healthy Child Care® designation. Eco-Healthy Child Care is a national program that partners with child care professionals to eliminate or reduce environmental health hazards found within or around child care facilities.
For information about the open house or the Oakton Early Childhood Education Center, contact Hudson at (847) 635-1441 or mhudson@oakton.edu.