WAUKEGAN EARLY LEARNING CENTER

“You guys are doing a great job. My daughter likes coming here. Her teachers have taught her a lot of new things. Thank you, greatly appreciated.” – Parent

The Waukegan Early Learning Center located in the Waukegan Baptist Bible Church, was acquired from the YMCA in 2013 and has been serving families in Waukegan Township with the highest quality Early Head Start education and care since 2002.

Individualized Learning
The center partners with the Ounce of Prevention Fund to provide Early Head Start services, both center based and home based, for children 6 weeks to 3 years. The Early Head Start model provides a nurturing environment that supports the healthy growth and development of each child in the context of the child’s family, culture and community. Children with special needs are welcome!

In the center based program, teachers utilize the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers and Twos which provides a unique “learn by doing” approach that allows children to explore and understand the world around them. The home based program includes a weekly 90 minute home visit as well as socialization activities that provide opportunities for children and parents to meet and engage in a variety of learning experiences. Parent Educators utilize the Parents as Teachers Curriculum to partner with parents in helping their children grow up healthy, safe and ready to learn.

Parent & Family Engagement
Families are a vital part the program at Waukegan Early Learning Center and we encourage parent involvement in the classroom, during home visits and during center activities. Our open-door policy welcomes parents to share their time and talents with us. Home visits and parent-teacher conferences provide opportunities for families to discuss their child’s individual needs and to help set goals for their child. Monthly parent meetings and workshops on topics such as managing stress, positive guidance or picky eaters and family-friendly parent-child activities are a regular part of our program.

We Accept Child Care Subsidies!
Through the CCAP program, we work with families to provide premier child care services at a reduced rate depending on income and additional criteria. For additional information visit our page on the Child Care Assistance Program. To find out if your family meets the criteria for a child care subsidy, contact our center director.

View our COVID-19 Health & Safety Procedures

What The Parents Are Saying

“The center does a great job with the children. My child has been here less than one year and I am amazed at the amount of things he has learned. Thank you for your work!!”

“In my view you have a good system of education and care. I could not ask for more, many thanks!

“Personally, I like this daycare very much and I hope that you will continue to help with new parents and children in the future. Thank you!”

“I like this program and would recommend it to anyone.”

Meet Our Director

Director, Tracy Ames
Tracy joined One Hope United in August 2015 and brings over 26 years of experience working with infants and toddlers. Tracy obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with an Infant/Toddler Specialization Certificate in November 2011. In addition to over 18 years of classroom experience, Tracy has over 8 years of experience as a center director. Tracy has always had a passion for working with young children and she is a mom to a wonderful son. When Tracy is not working, she spends her time watching my son play hockey and lacrosse.
Email Me @ tames@onehopeunited.org