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St. John's Center for Early Learning has been
serving the communities of Flossmoor, Homewood, Glenwood, Olympia
Fields, Hazel Crest, Orland Park, Chicago Heights, Crete and
Country Club Hills for 20 years, providing an early childhood
program for children 2-1/2 to 6 years old. Recently the Center
has expanded its service to include two-years olds, which is
now the fastest-growing group of entrants at the school.
The Center is governed by a board of six members of St.
John's and the Center's director. St. John's Vestry Representative
for Outreach serves as the Board's liaison to the Vestry.
There are 10 staff members and a Treasurer.
The curriculum provides an atmosphere that encourages the
social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth and development
of each child. Continuing programs in the school include
the book fair, Let's Do Lunch, and the Flossmoor Public Library
reading circles. The Center offers Spanish as an enrichment
class for all 4 and 5 year olds. Children's Chapel is also
offered.
Field trips are an integral part of the St. John's Center's
curriculum. Past field trips have included travels to Round
Barn Farm, the Flossmoor Fire Department, local productions
of plays such as "Winnie the Pooh" and "Hansel
and Gretel", Exploration Station, Governor's State University
and the Lincoln Park Zoo.
The Center also provides children and their families with
an opportunity to help raise resources for local social service
agencies. Activities have included a "Hop-A-Thon" and
a giving program in support of the Rich Township Food Pantry.
Parental involvement is encouraged in the Center's programs.
The parents assist in parties, accompany children on field
trips, participate in classroom activities, help with a project
or give a classroom presentation about their job in the work
place. It is the belief of the staff that parental participation
in the Center's programs makes for a better school. Parent-teacher
conferences and open houses are very well attended and provide
the perfect opportunity for children to show off their work.
The summer camp is a yearly program and begins the first
week in June for 2 weeks.
The staff believes that a child's work is play and within
that framework, children should love one another and treat
each other as they, themselves, would like to be treated. |
