Early Childhood Center

A clear educational philosophy is the compass that guides our daily interactions and curriculum development. Our approach is designed not just to foster learning, but to build a foundation of trust, creativity and self-esteem that will serve each child throughout their life. We believe deeply that play is the medium through which learning occurs. It is through play that children gain knowledge about the world, develop their innate creativity, build confidence in their abilities and form meaningful relationships with their peers and teachers.

• A Rich and Varied Curriculum: Our curriculum is designed to enrich every child’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth through hands-on activities in math, science, language, music, creative art and imaginative play.

• Teacher-Supported Exploration: Our experienced teachers act as facilitators, supporting active listening and encouraging children as they question concepts, test their theories and strive to master new ideas and skills.

• An Inclusive and Protective Environment: Our policies are designed to ensure no child is ever discouraged from participating in our program because of their or their family’s actual or perceived immigration status. This commitment to inclusivity is a cornerstone of our philosophy and is upheld by Illinois law.

• This philosophy of nurturing the whole child is inseparable from our commitment to partnering with the families who entrust us with their children's care.

Our strict privacy policy is rooted in the principles of the amended Child Care Act of 1969 and the Public Higher Education Act. As a licensed day care center and an integral part of a public higher education institution, the Oakton College Early Childhood Center will not disclose or threaten to disclose any information about a child's or family member's actual or perceived immigration or citizenship status, unless explicitly required by state or federal law.

Ensuring a Secure and Private Campus: In accordance with the amended Child Care Act of 1969, we have established clear protocols to protect the privacy and security of our children and families. The center will not consent to entry for immigration enforcement actions unless the agent provides valid identification and a valid judicial warrant, order or subpoena. This policy ensures our campus remains a safe and private environment for all.

Our procedures for emergencies are designed to provide seamless care and are guided by the provisions of the amended Child Care Act of 1969. Should a parent or guardian face an immigration enforcement action, our primary concern is the safe and stable care of your child. Our staff is trained to immediately use the child's emergency contact information to release the child to designated contacts or to an individual who presents a properly executed appointment of short-term guardian form.

Our dedicated educators are at the heart of upholding these values and delivering on our promises every day.

Our commitment to providing a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment is made possible by our exceptional staff and thoughtfully designed curriculum. Our center is staffed by experienced, degreed teachers who are experts in early childhood development and dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and education. They are not only experts in child development but are also thoroughly trained in our safety and privacy protocols to ensure every family's rights and dignity are protected. These professionals also play a vital role in the Oakton College community by supervising academic students from various disciplines as they gain practical experience.

Our curriculum is not only a roadmap for your child's learning but also a tool for our partnership with you. It provides key information and regular updates about your child’s developmental progress, fostering transparency and collaboration between home and school. We believe this partnership is essential to creating the best possible experience for your child, and we invite your family to become part of our carefully cultivated community.

Family involvement is at the core of our program’s success. We work in close partnership with families to provide an individualized and responsive experience for every child. We encourage your input, ask for your suggestions, and are committed to engaging in problem-solving together to meet your child's unique needs. Family members are always welcome in our center. We are proud to be a licensed, accredited and protective space where all children can learn, thrive and joyfully discover the world around them.