Aurora Early Learning Center fosters respect, love of education

The new Aurora Early Learning Center is home to chairs small enough to seat 6-month-olds, computer desks meant for preschoolers and plenty of multicultural dolls and books, but nothing to restrict a child's free motion inside a classroom.

The lack of constraints is part of the educational philosophy of One Hope United, the nonprofit that runs the child-care center.

So are the rules that everyone must wash their hands upon entering a classroom, wear clean booties or socks but no shoes when traipsing around a room for toddlers or babies, and treat every child — even the smallest infant — as if he or she knows what's going on and deserves respect.

“It's all part of the healthy lifestyles education,” said Kate Currin, communications director for One Hope United.

The facility aims to start kids early on the path to leading active, healthy and creative lives, said Erika Garcia, the center's assistant director. An early start can get children used to the academic environment and prepare them for a lifetime of learning, she said.

“We hope that if they start in preschool and they get a good education, they're going to complete high school,” Garcia said.

The Aurora Early Learning Center opened Sept. 7 at 525 College Ave., where its staff of 28 teachers and administrators can provide care for about 200 children from 6 weeks to 12 years old. The center will be open year-round. And while some spots still are available, they are filling fast, Garcia said.

Most of the facility is dedicated to children between 6 weeks and 5 years, with one classroom providing after-school care for older students.

The center is open to serving anyone in the Aurora community who needs child care, Garcia said, and staff are available to help coordinate payment assistance for low-income parents.

But as slots fill up, “the priority goes to the low-income families that need help,” Currin said.

Making care available for low-income parents who otherwise may not be able to afford it contributes to One Hope United's goal of improving communities by improving the education of their residents, Currin said.

Teachers who are on the lookout for signs of malnutrition, child abuse or other problems also contribute to the community-strengthening mission.

“The teachers and staff are trained to help see if there's another problem in the family,” Currin said.

Although the new facility is designed for youngsters, adults can learn a thing or two at the Aurora Early Learning Center as well. And that's exactly how staff members want it.

A community room contains computers where Internet access is always free, allowing parents to check their email, research housing or food assistance, or search for jobs while their children are being cared for.

And the center is looking to coordinate with nonprofits housed in the nearby Fred Rodgers Community Center to provide courses on topics such as how to handle temper tantrums or children with separation anxiety, Garcia said.

“The best way to help a child,” Garcia said, “is to help the entire family.”

For details or to register a child, call (630) 256-7700 or email aurora@onehopeunited.org.