A place where learning & fun go hand-in-hand
The Kishwaukee College Early Learning Center (ELC) provides high-quality early childhood care and education for one through five-year-old children and their families. We believe that young children grow, learn, and develop in an environment where they feel safe, secure, and loved. We believe that a child’s first school experience sets the stage for all later learning; therefore we strive to make your child’s experience with our school a positive one.
The ELC has achieved Gold Circle of Quality rating in the ExceleRate Illinois Quality Rating and Improvement System administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services. The Gold Circle of Quality recognizes programs that meet or go beyond the highest quality goals. Gold Circle programs have met the highest quality standards in three areas: learning environment and teaching quality; administrative standards; and staff training and education. Programs are actively engaged in continuous quality improvement.
We provide care for children between the ages of one and five. Students attending our program are children of Kishwaukee College students & staff as well as community residents. Families DO NOT have to be affiliated with Kishwaukee College to use our program. (More than one-half of our families are “community” families.) Part-time and full-time enrollment is offered to meet your family’s needs.
Our daily schedule consists of: Child Choice Time at Interest Centers, Activity Times, Meal Times, Bathroom Breaks, Afternoon Rest Time, Group Times, and Outdoor Play. We provide both spontaneous and planned learning experiences that focus on the total development of each child — helping children to grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically.
In addition to daily conversations, the staff communicates with families using our parent engagement app. Reminders, updates and need-to-know information are given to parents in letters or emails.
| Rate Description | 1-Year Room | 2-Year Room | 3-5 Year Room |
| Full-Day (5 days a week) |
$68.00/day | $56.00/day | $50.00/day |
| Full-Day (1-4 days a week) |
$70.00/day | $58.00/day | $52.00/day |
| Hourly (3-4.75 hours per day) |
$14.50/hour | $13.00/hour | $11.50/hour |
| $50 enrollment fee for new families billed at time of enrollment | |||
Our Teaching Team includes dedicated, professionally trained and experienced teachers who use their talents to provide interesting learning experiences in our classrooms and on our playground. Our Lead Staff members each hold an Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education. With a low child to adult ratio, we are able to provide individualized care and education for the children attending our school. To remain knowledgeable of current approaches in early childhood education, our staff members participate in a minimum of twenty hours of professional development each year. All Lead Teachers and the Director are certified in Pediatric CPR/AED and First Aid.
| NAME | TITLE |
|---|---|
| Maria Lombardo |
Director
|
| Charlotte McGraw | Assistant Director & Lead Teacher |
| Sandy Gould | Lead Teacher |
| Solveig Hopkins |
Lead Teacher
|
| Colette Mabrey | Lead Teacher |
| Sarah Wilcox | Lead Teacher |
The ELC is also nationally accredited by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs. Accredited programs exemplify excellence in the care and education of young children.
The ELC is licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services, a participant in the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program, and a member of Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C).
Linda Mason served 26 years on the Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees and has dedicated many years of volunteer work to the local community. Kishwaukee College recognized Mason and her service with the John C. Roberts Community Service Award on Saturday at Kish's Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony.
Read MoreKishwaukee College Radiologic Technology students were honored during a pinning ceremony on Thursday, May 15, at the College. Kish recognized 12 students for completing the Radiologic Technology program and presented each graduate with a special pin before family and friends during the ceremony.
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