Children’s Center

We practice child-centered teaching and developmentally appropriate play, guided by our belief that ‘play is a child’s work.’

Who We Are

Mission & Values

The mission of Illinois Central College Children’s Center is to create a stimulating and nurturing environment where children of all abilities, regardless of socio-economic or cultural background, can grow and learn together in acceptance of one another.

This mission is carried out daily by highly trained staff, low teacher/child ratios, specialized curriculum, and experiences within a laboratory environment. We value the importance of play, character, commitment to the family and the community, respect for the individual, and celebrating our differences.

Philosophy

We believe that children of all abilities benefit from an inclusive environment that emphasizes acceptance of individual differences and ability levels. Inclusion facilitates developmental progress through role modeling of social, language, and physical skills.

Children in our program learn interpersonal skills, including self-confidence, acceptance, empathy, and communication. In our classroom, children relate and interact with peers in play and daily routines, engaging in experiences promoting self-help skills, self-control, and understanding.

Learn More

• Admissions Process

  Children are eligible for admission at the ages of two (24 months) thru five (before entering Kindergarten).

  The admission process begins with a tour of the school. Children of Employees and Students are enrolled on a first-come, first-serve basis, depending on availability in the most developmentally appropriate class. Families from the public are enrolled if open positions are available. Children are placed on an interest list if there is no availability in the most appropriate class.

  Spaces are filled from the interest list according to the following priority system:

  • Children of Illinois Central College Students & Employees
  • Siblings of currently enrolled children
  • Previous Children’s Center families
  • General Public

  Children must be able to benefit from participation in an inclusive group setting. If, after a tour and discussion of the child’s needs, it is determined that ICC Children’s Center is not a good fit for the child, ICC Children’s Center will attempt to give resources and information about other programs that may benefit the child and family.
• Registration

  After parents are notified of the admission date, you must complete the ICC Children’s Center Enrollment Application (found on our Brightwheel App) and pay the non-refundable registration fee.

  Before the first day a child attends school, the office must have in each child’s file:

  • A completed Enrollment Application.
  • A completed Schedule & Tuition Agreement
  • A signed Family Handbook Statement of Understanding.
  • A signed Policy & Procedure Release.
  • Completed medical action plan (if applicable)
  • Official Birth Certificate from County Health Department or Courthouse (copy will be made by center and original will be returned)
  • A health assessment by a licensed physician
  • A record of immunization or a completed exemption form

  PLEASE NOTE: We are required to have each of these forms in our files in order to maintain our license to operate. State law requires us to exclude from school any student whose files are incomplete until we have received their missing paperwork. We appreciate your cooperation.
• Our Classrooms

  We thoughtfully arrange classrooms to create a supportive and complementary learning environment. Below, you’ll find details on our classroom groupings:

  • Two’s Preschool: this room includes six children aged 24-36 months, one teacher, and one assistant.
  • Three’s Preschool: This room includes 14 children aged 36-48 months, two teachers, and one assistant.
  • Pre-K: this room includes 20 children aged 4-5 years, two teachers, and one assistant.
• Our Curriculum

  Our goal is to develop each child’s confidence, creativity, and life-long learning skills in our program. We use an emergent curriculum, prioritizing children’s interests, inquiries, and individuality. This approach fosters a deep sense of engagement and empowers young learners to take an active role in their educational journey.

  Emergent curriculum objectives for development and learning focus on all the most critical areas for success: social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. These objectives are built into every classroom activity, meaning the teacher helps your child develop skills and knowledge in these critical areas all day. Learn more about emergent curriculum.

  We use the Learning Beyond Paper curriculum to support our emergent curriculum practices. Learning Beyond (LB) Curriculum is a research-based, classroom-tested curriculum for infants to Pre-K 4. LB is designed to create learning opportunities for children through peer-based activities and intentional interactions with their teachers.

  Our teachers will use the curriculum, providing opportunities for differentiated instruction and social-emotional development. LB also focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). We use this curriculum for ideas and activities encompassing the topics and themes the children show interest in learning.
• Tuition & Fees

  We offer a standard and discounted tuition rates and fees. Learn more about our tuition and fees.
• Family Involvement

  We are eager to welcome your family into our program. Learn more about family involvement.
• National Accreditation

  We are applying to be accredited as a High Quality Early Childhood Program with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

  We are applying to be rated with the highest Gold Circle of Quality from ExceleRate Illinois – the Quality Rating Improvement Scale for the State of Illinois.

  About Accreditation

  NAEYC Accreditation of Programs for Young Children is the mark of quality in early childhood education.
  

  Accredited programs by the NAEYC have voluntarily undergone a comprehensive process of internal self-study, invited external professional review to verify compliance with the Academy’s Criteria for High Quality Early Childhood Programs — the ICC Children’s Center has been found to be in substantial compliance with the criteria.

  What you should look for in a High-Quality Early Childhood Program.

  Look for these qualities in a child care program:

  • Frequent, positive, and warm interactions among adults and children
  • Planned learning activities appropriate to children’s age and development, such as block building, painting, stories, dress-up, and active, outdoor play
  • Specially trained teachers
  • Enough adults to respond to individual children
  • Many, varied age-appropriate materials
  • A healthy and safe environment for children
  • Nutritious meals and/or snacks
  • Regular communication with parents who welcome visitors at all times
• Student Experiences & Employment

  Our Center welcomes students to gain valuable experience working with children in an educational and safe environment.  Current ICC students have the opportunity for classroom observation and part-time student employment.

  Students from a variety of programs can arrange to do their observations at ICC Children’s Center. Our staff supervises them and specifies the ages and developmental skills they are assessing for their assignments. Some courses have assigned activities that they will have children participate in under the supervision of Center staff. These activities are approved by their professor and Center management. 

  Student Employment

  We offer part-time employment options from Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Preference is given to Federal Work Study Qualified Students under minimal qualifications.  Student employees must be current ICC students.

  Keep an eye out for student employment opportunities by selecting the category Student Employment.

  Hours & Qualifications

  • Varies according to each student’s class schedule.
  • Employment hours are based on the student’s schedule and remain consistent throughout the semester.
  • Shifts may include working the same hours on an M/W/F schedule, a T/TH schedule, or an M-F schedule.
  • Since class obligations change from one semester to the next, work schedules may change on a semester basis.
  • The hours for student employees average from 8 to 20 hours per week.
  • Employment is open to any major, but majors relating to child development, early elementary education, nursing, or early childhood education are preferred. 

  Requirements

  • References (3 letters of reference).
  • Clearance on a criminal background check.
  • A medical physical verifying good health, including drug screening.
  • A negative TB test within the last year, proof of two MMR (over course of life), and 1 Tdap (in the last 7 days).
  • Required 20 hours of online training for DCFS assigned by Manager.