Waukegan Early Learning Center

WAUKEGAN EARLY LEARNING CENTER
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

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
CONTACT
LOCATION
1500 Sunset Ave
Waukegan, IL 60087
HOURS
6:30 a.m – 5:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday
ACCREDITATIONS / LICENSES
•NAEYC
•Council on Accreditation
•DCFS
PROGRAM CURRICULUM
TEACHER-TO-CHILD RATIOS
1:4 Infant
1:4 Toddler
1:4 Twos
HEAD START PROGRAM
Early Head Start Annual Report 2018
Early Head Start Annual Report 2017
Early Head Start Annual Report 2016
What’s Going On At Waukegan?
January
Milestones & Development
Staying Healthy This Winter
February
Dental Health
March
Home Visits
Donuts With Dad
April
Week Of The Young Child
May
Health Workshop
Nutrition-Picky Eaters
June
Safety
Parent Teacher Conferences
July
End of Year Celebration
August
Home Visits
September
Parent Café
October
Children’s Portraits
Curriculum Night
Infant Parent-Teacher Conference Week
Fall Festival
November
Family Literacy Night
Nutrition-Quick & Easy Recipes
December
Parent Teacher Conferences