Oakton’s Early Childhood Center hosts open house, April 29

The Center’s curriculum seeks to enrich each child's growth with activities ranging from math and science to music and art.
Des Plaines, Ill. (April 11, 2023) – Are you looking for high-quality care in an enriching environment for your preschool child? Check out the Oakton College Early Childhood Center at Oakton’s Skokie campus during an open house on Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., to learn about Oakton’s licensed and accredited preschool programs for children ages 3-5. Open house attendees will get a discount on the registration fee!

Drop by to hear about the innovative curriculum, meet experienced early childhood teachers and see the facilities.

“Because we are part of Oakton College, we have College resources available to us, including a nursing office, art studio and police station in addition to large classrooms with observation booths,” said Monique Hudson, Early Childhood Center manager. “The children in the program not only interact with our Early Childhood Education students, but we often have visitors like Oakton’s sustainability specialist and Oakton’s naturalist to enhance our curriculum.”

Licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Early Childhood Center is open to all children and their families. Oakton’s experienced, degreed teachers provide high-quality care and education for children.

“We work in partnership with parents and guardians to provide the most beneficial and individualized experience for each child. We encourage parents’ input, ask for suggestions and engage in problem-solving together,” said Hudson.

Family involvement is at the core of programs. The Center has received the Gold Circle of Quality each year since 2017, demonstrating its continuous commitment to the families and children it serves. The designation, given by ExceleRate Illinois, is the highest state quality rating and improvement system for early learning and development providers. The Center offers two programs.

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
The Owls Classroom
  • Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters
  • Half-day program during the summer, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. (with the option of two or four days per week)
Play is the medium through which learning occurs at the Center. The curriculum seeks to enrich each child's growth with activities ranging from math and science to music and art. It stresses active listening by teachers as children question concepts and strive to master ideas and information.

The Center features bright, spacious, well-designed classrooms and outdoor space and has access to all the resources offered by the College and the community and has been recognized for sustainability with the Eco-Healthy Child Care® (EHCC) designation. EHCC is a national program that partners with childcare professionals to eliminate or reduce environmental health hazards found within or around childcare facilities.

The open house will take place Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Oakton's Early Childhood Center, 7701 North Lincoln Ave., Skokie, Room C151-C157.

To register for the open house, please go to https://bit.ly/3m25caS. For more information about the Center, please visit www.oakton.edu/about/ece-centers.  For additional information about the open house or the Center, contact Hudson at 847.635.1441 or mhudson@oakton.edu.