ABout us
OUR PHILOSOPHY
We believe that each child is a unique individual with special abilities and needs. Because children are growing and changing in many ways, they need an environment and experience that nourish them according to their level of development. We nurture the child’s self-image because the preschooler who feels self-worth, competence, and confidence becomes the eager and interested student in the school years. We believe children need adults who accept their individual personalities and respond to them in loving ways.
Because children learn best in their own special way, experiences in math, science, music, and pre-reading skills need to involve their bodies and senses and stimulate their curiosity. We believe children should be encouraged to create their own art work, play spaces, and games so they can develop a sense of self. We believe children need time and encouragement to play because through play, the young child learns to relate to others, solve problems, explore ideas, and control the environment. We believe the child should feel happy in the school, eager to come, and eager to learn, and eagerly awaited by staff.
Because children learn best in their own special way, experiences in math, science, music, and pre-reading skills need to involve their bodies and senses and stimulate their curiosity. We believe children should be encouraged to create their own art work, play spaces, and games so they can develop a sense of self. We believe children need time and encouragement to play because through play, the young child learns to relate to others, solve problems, explore ideas, and control the environment. We believe the child should feel happy in the school, eager to come, and eager to learn, and eagerly awaited by staff.
ADMINISTRATION
Kimberly Hare, Director
B.S. from Western Illinois University Graduate Work at National-Louis University Adjunct Instructor at Spoon River College National Administrator Credential Illinois Directors Credential II Early Childhood Education Credential V Infant-Toddler Credential IV School-Age Credential V Youth Development Credential II |
Amie Bartold, Asst Director B.A. from Western Illinois University Illinois Directors Credential I Early Childhood Education Credential IV Infant-Toddler Credential IV |
Krissy Hagen, Asst Director
A.A. from Spoon River College Illinois Directors Credential I Early Childhood Education Credential III Infant-Toddler Credential II |
TEACHING STAFF
Staff that work with children are expected to have appropriate education and professional training to work with children and families in their assigned age groups. Our staff members are highly trained skilled adults that meet DCFS requirements. Catch A Star educators:
- Have been fingerprinted and background checks cleared through the Sex Offender Registry, Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System, Illinois State Police, and FBI
- Train in-depth on child care and child-development milestones
- Are certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED
- Continually enhance their skills and knowledge through 20 hours of training each year
- May have a college education, Child Development Associate, Early Childhood Education Certificate, Gateways Early Childhood Education Credential, Gateways Infant-Toddler Credential, School-Age Credential, or an Illinois State Teaching Certificate