Early Childhood Center

Learning. Sharing. Exploring. Making Friends.

Looking for high-quality care in an enriching environment for your preschool child? Consider Oakton’s Early Childhood Center!

Licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), our Center is open to all children and their families. Our experienced, degreed teachers provide high-quality care and education for children ages 3-5 years. They work in close partnership with families and supervise student teachers in the ECE academic program as well.

We Believe in the Power of Play.

We believe that play is the medium through which learning occurs. It’s how children gain knowledge, develop creativity, build self-esteem, and form meaningful relationships.

Quality Care and Education

Our Curriculum
  • seeks to enrich the growth of each child with activities that range from math and science to music and art.
  • stresses active listening by teachers as children question concepts and strive to master ideas and information.
  • provides you with key information about your child’s development and progress.
Our Center

The Early Childhood Center features bright, spacious, well-designed classrooms and outdoor space–and have access to all of the resources the College and the community have to offer.

Working in Partnership with Families

Family involvement is at the core of our programs. We work in partnership with you to provide the most beneficial and individualized experience for your child.  We encourage your input, ask for your suggestions, and engage in problem-solving together. Family members are always welcome in our classes.

Enrollment Options

The Hawks Classroom

Monday through Friday*, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

  • Two, three, or five days per week during the fall and spring semesters
  • Two or four days per week option during the summer

Summer Program

A nine-week program that runs from Monday, June 3 - Thursday, August 1, 2024.

  • 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. (drop off by 9 a.m. and pick up after 3:30 p.m.)
  • M-Th $250 per week
  • T/Th or M/W $150 per week
    • Each option includes breakfast, lunch and a snack.

*Oakton is closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the summer.

For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Manager Monique Hudson at 847.635.1441 or mhudson@oakton.edu.

The Owls Classroom

Monday through Friday*, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters.

We are located at 7701 North Lincoln Ave., Skokie.

Summer Program

A nine-week program that runs from Monday, June 3 - Thursday, August 1, 2024. Part day options are available.

  • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • M - Th $1650 for 9 weeks
  • M/W $900 for 9 weeks
  • T/Th $900 for 9 weeks
    • Each option includes lunch.

*Oakton is closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the summer.

School Closings

Oakton's self-service emergency notification system, Alert!Oakton, enables College officials to send instant alerts directly to your personal email account or mobile phone via SMS text messages. You also can receive the alerts as a phone call to your home, office or cell phone.

Get more information about Alert!Oakton. Sign up at myOakton.edu.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are non-refundable. Fees are discounted for Oakton students and employees. The fees listed below show the discounted rates.

For information on past-due tuition and late pick-up fees, refer to the Family Handbook. 

Tuition and fees are non-refundable. Tuition is discounted 10% for siblings, as well as Oakton students and employees.

The Hawks Classroom

For information on past-due tuition and late pick-up fees, refer to the Family Handbook. 

  • The program starts on Aug. 19, 2024, and ends on May 22, 2025
  • 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. (drop off by 9 a.m., pick up after 3:30 p.m.)
  • M-F $305 per week
  • M/W/F $225 per week
  • T/Th $150 per week
    • includes breakfast, lunch and a snack
The Owls Classroom
  • The program starts on Aug. 19, 2024, and ends on May 22, 2025
  • M-F 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. $250 per week
    • includes breakfast, lunch and a snack

Registration Fees
  • Community - $175
  • Employees - $150
  • Oakton Students - $125
  • DHS - $125
Annual Re-Registration Fees
  • Community - $50
  • Employees - $25
  • Oakton Students - $25
  • DHS - $25
Materials Fees - (Community, Staff, Faculty, DHS)
  • Summer - $75
  • School Year - $125
  • Annual Technology Fee - $50

SGA Financial Assistance Scholarship

The Student Government Association (SGA) provides child care scholarships to Oakton students enrolled in the Early Childhood Demonstration Center.

For more information, contact Monique Hudson at 847. 635.1441 or mhudson@oakton.edu.

Action for Children

The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps parents that are in school or working pay for child care. 

Forms and Documents

Information on making Online Tuition, Check, and Cash Payments. (PDF) (344 KB)

Tuition Payment Information

Enrollment Information for the Hawk and Owl Classroom. (PDF) (89 KB)

Registration

The Early Childhood Education Center’s guidance and discipline policy (PDF) (139 KB) is based on the belief that young children must experience trust and respect in order to build essential lifelong social and emotional skills.

Guidance and Discipline Policy