Early Childhood Programs

Program Description

The purpose of Kid’s Club is to equally benefit parents and children by providing one to two days per week of fun and learning, in a safe, stimulating and loving environment that promotes a variety of skills and social relationships.  This program provides children with the beginning steps to knowing themselves as a learner and as a member of a group.  Children are able to work through transitions and sharing so that they are better prepared for learning in a group setting.  Teachers help children and parents work through   separation.  The daily schedule includes free choice, gross motor play, art, stories, music, snack, lunch and rest time.  These times throughout the day also help children to work on their self help skills.  Younger Kid’s Club (Infants and Toddlers) is intended as a “Mom’s Day Out” type of program.  Older Kid’s Club (2-5 yr. olds) provides a pre-school setting for two year olds and childcare for our other programs

Group Size and Teacher to Child Ratio

The Union Church Early Childhood Programs are licensed by the State of Illinois and we are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  This means that we follow the group size and teacher to adult ratios that are recommended/mandated by these organizations.

• Infant Classroom (6 weeks -14 months and walking) – 4 children with 1 teacher and a shared infant/toddler float
• Toddler Classroom (14 months and walking – 24 months) – 5 children with 1 teacher and a shared infant/toddler float
• Older Kid’s Club (2 -5 years old) –20 children with 3 teachers

Registration and Tuition

Registration is $85 for the first child and $55 for the second child that you are enrolling.  This registration fee covers all processing expenses including postage.  This fee also includes a supply charge for consumable items that are used within the classrooms.  This registration fee is non-refundable and due at the time you register your child in the program. 

Tuition:

Tuition is collected a month in advance.

The program is from 9-2.  If your child will only be using a partial day, you must pay the full tuition amount unless we can find another family who is interested in using the remainder of the day that you are not using.

Members of the Union Church of Hinsdale receive a 10% discount off of tuition.

Calendar for the Beginning of the Year

After you register your child in the program you will receive information in the mail from the Union Church ECP.  This information will keep you updated on the beginning of the school year and any other information you may need.  This information will start coming to your home some time in July. 

Tours for Parents and Children:

The week before the program begins your family will have a scheduled time when they will be asked to come in and visit the program.  This is a time when you will be able to meet the other families who are enrolled on the same day as your child and when you will find out more about this year’s program.  During this tour we ask that you bring your child with you so that they will be able to meet their classmates. 

Information on the Teachers in the Program

• Judy Herbig – Ms. Judy is a teacher in the Older Kid’s Club program.  She has been with the Union Church ECP since 1992 and in the field of education since 1972.  Ms. Judy has a Bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University.  She has been nominated for multiple teaching awards throughout her career.  “I love their eagerness for knowledge and their sense of trust in others.”

• Gayle Bueser – Ms. Gayle has been with the Union Church ECP since 1995.  She is a teacher in the Toddler classroom.  She has an Associate’s degree from Morianne Valley.  “It is amazing to watch the children grow and develop from room to room.  There are also some wonderful friendships built here for the children as well as the families.”    

• Laurel Wood – Ms. Laurel has been with the Union Church ECP since 2002.  She is a teacher in the Older Kid’s Club program.  She has a Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State and a Master’s degree from Southern Illinois University.  “I like seeing a young child’s enthusiasm when they learn something new.  I love to see their faces light up!”

• Brooke Ondrus – Ms. Brook has been with the ECP for a year.  She is a teacher in the Infant classroom.  Ms. Brooke brings many years of experience of working with infants and toddlers to the program.  She has the education and the experience needed for the infant classroom.  “I know the importance of routines with infants and the joy of watching them explore and grow.”

• Ingrid Slajuviene – Ms. Ingrid has been with the ECP for a year.  Her experience inside of the classroom and as a parent has helped her to make many parents feel at ease when dropping their children off inside the classroom.  “I love the children’s boundless energy and creativity.” 

• Suzanne Kuba – Ms. Kuba has been with the Union Church ECP since 1997.  Ms. Kuba is the Lead Teacher and she has as Associates Degree from the college of Dupage along with specific training in early childhood education and school age education.  “I enjoy finding different manipulatives with which children can explore.”