COVID-19 Update
During this challenging time, Elm Tree Christian Child Care's focus is on supporting our families, our employees and the local community in which we operate. We have successfully worked to minimize disruptions caused by COVID-19 coronavirus, while at the same time acting responsibly to do what we can to prevent further spread of the virus. We will continue to closely monitor and assess the ever evolving situation and will be diligent about communicating on important issues. Masking is currently recommended upon entry to the building.
FOUNDED IN 1975
Elm Tree Christian Child Care Center is a non-profit child care center founded in 1975 and governed by a Board of Directors known as St. Paul Outreach.
The first official meeting of St. Paul Outreach Board of Directors was held on February 1, 1975. As a result of this meeting Elm Tree Christian Child Care Center opened its doors in September of the same year with 13 children enrolled. The Center quickly grew to capacity, 20 children, by the end of the second year of operation. In 1979 this board approved a Kindergarten classroom to be added and started with 13 children being served. In 1981 Day Care Sunday was established and the children and their families were welcomed to sing at the second service at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Our Center has changed over the years and we are the best we’ve ever been! Since opening we’ve served more than 1,000 children in the community.
ELM TREE CHRISTIAN CHILD CARE
Where Children Safely Grow, Learn and Play.
Elm Tree Christian Child Care Center accepts children between the ages 2 and 5 for participation in either our half day or full day program.
Our center is a non-profit agency licensed to operate by DCFS (Illinois Department of Child and Family Services).
We welcome ALL families regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Learning Through Play
WHAT IS PLAY BASED LEARNING?
Play is the cornerstone of our program, for play is the child’s work. According to NAEYC "play is an important part of children's learning and development." NAEYC also says the following "What kind of play helps children learn the best? Play that really engages children—play that they will focus on and stay with even when problems arise. This kind of play helps children develop their approaches to learning—in other words, the ways they respond to learning situations. Curiosity about the world, initiative and problem solving, and focused attention and persistence are just a few approaches to learning that children develop through play."
To learn more about play based learning, please visit NAEYC:
https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/10-things-every-parent-play
https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/support-learning-with-play
HOW DO WE FACILITATE LEARNING THROUGH PLAY?
At Elm Tree Christian Child Care Center we offer developmentally appropriate experiences throughout the day that allow the children to learn and grow in all areas of development through play. Our teachers are constantly observing each child to determine where they are at developmentally and they plan weekly topics of discussion based on the interests of the children along with activities and experiences to continue to challenge them.
Each classroom is equipped with different interest areas that allow the children to choose what they want to engage with on a daily basis. We also incorporate multi-cultural materials and activities to increase tolerance, understanding, and acceptance of individual differences. Above all, we offer a nurturing environment with positive teacher-child interactions that promote creativity, respect, and provide consistency.
ELM TREE CHRISTIAN CHILD CARE CENTER MISSION
We believe that children thrive in an environment which values their own uniqueness, while providing support and opportunities to grow emotionally, socially and creatively. By building on each child’s strengths, interests and curiosities, we guide each child to explore the world around them as well as develop new abilities and form close relationships.