FOUNDED IN 1975
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Did you know Elm Tree Christian Child Care Center first opened its doors in 1975 as St. Paul Christian Daycare? What began with just 13 little ones and a big vision has grown into a vibrant, nurturing community that has served over 1,000 children in the last five decades!
Our roots run deep—planted by the heart and mission of St. Paul Outreach, with the first official board meeting held on February 1, 1975. By September of that year, the doors opened, and the laughter and love of children began to fill the halls. In just two short years, the center reached capacity, and in 1979, we added a kindergarten classroom to meet the growing needs of our community.
In 1981, a beautiful tradition began: Day Care Sunday, when our children and families were invited to sing during services at St. Paul Lutheran Church, a tradition that helped connect faith, family, and learning in a special way.
Today, Elm Tree Christian Child Care is stronger than ever—a place where children are loved, guided, and encouraged to grow in every way. We’re proud of where we’ve been, and even more excited for what’s ahead!
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🌟 Come celebrate this incredible journey with us at our 50th Anniversary Sock Hop & Classic Car Show—a throwback to the decade that inspired it all, and a tribute to the generations we've been blessed to serve. 🌟
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:
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https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/10-things-every-parent-play
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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.