The Child Care Center at Northeastern Illinois University is committed to offering a nurturing environment and an excellent early childhood education to the children of the University's students, faculty, staff, and the neighboring community.
The Center is an essential component of the University, providing a laboratory setting for students to gain hands-on experience in working with young children through its Toddler, Preschool, and Pre-Kindergarten programs.
Philosophy
At The Center, we follow Piaget's teaching philosophy, which emphasizes that children learn best by doing and playing. We encourage children to engage in free play and planned individual and group activities that foster social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Our program provides children with many opportunities to play independently or with others. Throughout our readiness activities in Language Arts, Math, Science, Art, Music, and Movement (Exercise and Yoga), children are encouraged to explore, experiment, and work out solutions in their own unique ways.
Our Child Care Center features:
- Accreditation and licensure by the State of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
- Small class sizes and low teacher-to-child ratios
- Thematic and STEAM-based curriculum
- During rainy days, the indoor gym room is available for tricycle riding, climbing, and other movements.
- Plenty of outdoor areas are available for running as well as for practicing large motor skills.
- Passionate and experienced teachers
- A population richly diverse in ethnicity, culture, and language
