Wilmette
Site Facts

3013 Illinois Road
Wilmette, IL 60091
847-256-6600

"We feel so fortunate to have our children in a caring and learning environment that encourages their development in every way. We've learned a lot from the teachers and find their approach complements our own. Each of our child's primary caregivers is consistent, caring, and responsive to their needs."
a Wilmette Parent

Established in 1984, in partnership with the Avoca School District, the center is located near Marie Murphy Junior High School on Illinois Road. This 16,000 sq. ft. renovated facility includes nine classrooms, a gymnasium, and a large playground. It has a licensed capacity of 134 children.

Accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has been maintained since 1992.

Healthy Steps-a national demonstration model of developmental care for infants and toddlers participated in by Advocate Lutheran General Hospital-is now being practiced at the site. Healthy Steps promotes the health and well-being of children age 0 to 3 by bringing health care professionals into closer relationships with parents using today's advanced knowledge of child development. Age-appropriate developmental screenings, use of anticipatory guidance, a host of informational materials, FAQ to ask pediatricians, developmentally timed parent-teacher conferences and parent support groups constitute the varied ways this infant/toddler program empowers parents to support their child's optimal development.

The summer camp program for preschoolers enrolled in the center program features field trips, swimming instructions and beach excursions, in addition to the regular educaring program of the school year. The full-day summer camp has proven to be a great transition for children entering kindergarten in the fall.

Optional program enhancements for preschoolers may include Yoga, clay classes, in-house and off-site field trips, and summer swim instruction.

Music programming by trained music teachers for infants and toddlers is popular as well as music and movement programming for preschoolers.

An extensive lending library, maintained by volunteer parents and teachers, includes an entire section on "Tender Topics" such as divorce, single parents, death, toilet learning, moving and relocation, etc. Began as an Excellence in Education grant award for innovative teaching projects, it has grown into a rich resource for parents and teachers.

An attractive teachers resource book nook has Russian nesting dolls, hand and finger puppets, felt board pieces and a Japanese Kamishibai portable storytelling theatre window which keep children enjoyably engaged in stories.