Busy Bee Children’s Center
Deeply invested in generations of families
The Busy Bee Children’s Center has been offering affordable high-quality early care and education to the Waukegan area since 1968. Beyond its physical presence in the community, many staff have celebrated over 10 years of employment here, and many parents of current students attended Busy Bee as children.
Personalized Learning
Busy Bee ensures children are taught kindergarten readiness and social and emotional skills that equip them for school progression. More than 90% of children attending Busy Bee programs meet developmental outcome goals. Many of Busy Bee’s teachers are bilingual in Spanish and English, so we can meet your child where they are and help them learn in a language they are most comfortable speaking.
Healthy Lifestyles
Busy Bee offers a Healthy Lifestyles curriculum, which emphasizes healthy eating and the importance of moving your body. We support the curriculum by offering family events such as health fairs, field days, and parent workshops. Busy Bee’s recreation areas include a spacious outdoor playground and an indoor gross motor room.
Parent & Family Engagement
We have an open-door policy, welcoming parents to visit the classroom any time the center is open. We also encourage parent involvement in ways such as:
- Family nights
- Field trips
- Home visits for children aged 3 to 5
- Parent/Teacher conferences
- Volunteer opportunities
- Lending library backpacks filled with children’s books, music, and parent resources
Head Start & Early Head Start
Head Start and Early Head Start programs are free, federally funded programs designed to promote school readiness for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from families that meet the federal poverty guidelines. Families also have to qualify for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). We can help with that process.
Early Head Start also provides home visiting for children birth to 3 years. Home visitors meet with families weekly and use the Parents as Teachers curriculum to provide parent education.
Preschool for All
Preschool for All (PFA) is a state-funded preschool program for children ages 3 – 4 and 5-year-olds ineligible for kindergarten. PFA focuses on providing high-quality educational programs for children considered at risk of academic failure. It also serves families of low to moderate income whose children are not considered to be at risk academically.
Programs Offered Here
Busy Bee Children’s Center
Overview
PROGRAMS
Infant
Toddler
Preschool
School Age
TEACHER-TO-CHILD RATIOS
1:4 Infant
1:5 Toddler
1:10 Preschool
1:15 School Age
ACCREDITATIONS/ LICENSES
Council on Accreditation
DCFS
Illinois ExceleRate Gold Circle of Quality
NAEYC
We work with the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to provide premier child care services at a reduced rate. Contact us for more information.
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what parents are saying
“I appreciate everything you all offer, from the compassionate staff to the resourceful teachers. Thank you…”
“The teachers are very helpful when I have questions or concerns about my child’s development. Personally, I think that the center is doing everything they can to meet my needs. I look forward to the family events because I can socialize too.”
“I love that my children attend Busy Bee’s. Everyone is very nice. Never rude! When I talk to teachers it feels like I’m talking to family. I thank Busy Bee’s for watching my kids.”
“I’ve had 3 kids go to OHU and I appreciate everything everyone does for my kids. I feel good when I leave there because I trust that my kids are in good hands.”
Our Team
Elizabeth Tuthill
Assistant Director
Joined 1986
The first five years are important in a child’s development. Working in early childhood education allows me to have an impact on children’s lives, their development in all areas, and to help them discover their strengths and support them through challenges.
Kay Smith, MHA
Child Development Director
Joined 2006
My passion is laying a foundation for our youngest learners and being able to help fill in the gaps for families that need that extra support. I work in the field of early care specifically for this reason. Teaching young children ‘how’ to think and not ‘what’ to think is a skill they can use for life.
Jacqueline Romero
Office Manager
Joined 2007
I love being able to help families get their children enrolled in daycare, starting with helping them apply for assistance and getting them all set up to get their child started as soon as possible.
Tracy Ames
Early Head Start Director
Joined 2015
Working with children and families is rewarding and fulfilling because I can see the impact I have on their development, lives, and well-being. I am able to teach them life lessons, skills, and knowledge, and witness their milestones and breakthroughs.
Adalisse Rivera
Family Support Specialist
Joined 2016
I enjoy working with the children and families in our program.
Tremesha Bey, MSW
Homebase Supervisor
Joined 2023
I love being able to help families reach their goals when it comes to the development of their child or their general family well-being. My motivation is my own child and knowing as a parent it takes a village to raise a child and having positive and consistent support is essential for child development.
Address
2115 Ernie Krueger Cir
Waukegan, IL 60087
Phone
847-245-6800
Business Hours
Weekdays - 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM