Children’s Learning Center

Enrollment now open for January 3rd-June3rd session.  Limited spaces available!

***We are accepting standing reservation requests only at this time. Email joann@gortoncenter.org for more information.  Enrollment forms must be turned in before the first reservation.

**Children 2 and up must wear a mask indoors. 

 

Open weekdays from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Children’s Learning Center began in 1986 as a membership-based program that offers flexible, early childhood care, education, and activities for children ages six weeks to five years. Each year, children from 200 area families enjoy this nurturing, safe, convenient, and fun environment that boasts nearly 2,100 square feet of brightly colored childcare space spread over three classrooms and a private, updated playground for all ages.

When your child attends the Children’s Learning Center, he/she will be placed in a classroom with a warm caring staff and children in their age group. Our classrooms are divided by age, infants to 24 months (maximum 8 children to 2 adults), 2 yrs-young 3 year olds (maximum 12 children with 2 adults), and older 3 year olds through 5 year olds (maximum 15 children with 2 adults). All age groupings and ratios are kept in accordance to DCFS rules and regulations to ensure safety.

Important Dates

There are no upcoming events.

STEPS

  1. Pay the enrollment fee, choose option best suited for your family.
  2. Print enrollment packet and complete FINAL 2021-2022 registration packet. Print and fill out DHS medical form and lead questionnaire. Make a copy of each child’s birth certificate.
  3. Drop off all above forms to the CLC director for review.
  4. After process is complete, email the director for your standing reservation request at joann@gortoncenter.org
  5. You will receive confirmation of your reservation within 1 business day.
  6. Arrive at your designated time!

How it Works

Operating Days and Hours

The Center is open from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our calendar follows a typical school calendar with the exception that the Children’s Learning Center will offer programs on days off from school. The Children’s Learning Center will follow all other major school holidays. Camp programs are offered during the summer months, except for a few weeks August when the Center will be closed. A monthly calendar is available for your convenience.

ENROLLMENT AND FEES

The regular annual enrollment fee for a family enrolling one child is $205. The fee for a family enrolling two or more children is $260. Enrollment fees are non-refundable. There is an hourly rate per classroom (info can be found in the enrollment forms and on “ENROLL” page.

 

CHILD / TEACHER RATIOS

Infants (6 weeks-15 months)       4:1
Infants (6 weeks-15 months)       4:1
Toddlers (15-24 months)              5:1
2 year-olds                                   8:1
3-5 year-olds                               10:1

PARENT HANDBOOK

We have prepared a useful handbook, including the Children’s Learning Center’s background, policies, and helpful information, in PDF Format for your easy reference.

CAMP PROGRAMS

Mini Camps are offered on days when school is not in session. Camp Gorton runs for 8 weeks during the summer.

Children’s Learning Center Sick Policy

It is important for all of the children in our care to be safe and healthy. Each parent is responsible for assessing their child before bringing them to the Children’s Learning Center. Once you arrive at the Center, it is a DCFS requirement that you wash your child’s hands upon entering a classroom.

Please read the following Children’s Learning Center policy.

You should keep your child home if:

· Your child has a fever of 100 degrees or more.
· Your child vomits within the last 24 hours.
· Your child has had diarrhea.
· Your child has  discharge from one or both of their eyes.
· Your child has an unexplained rash.
· Your child has a sore throat and swollen glands.
· Your child is unusually pale, cranky, has a lack of appetite, or confused.
· Your child has lice or nits.

The Children’s Learning Center will send your child home if:

· Your child develops a fever.
· Your child vomits.
· Your child has diarrhea.
· Your child has “goopy” discharge from their eye(s).
· Your child develops an unexplained rash.
· Your child develops a sore throat and swollen glands.
· Your child becomes unusually pale, cranky, has a lack of appetite, or is confused.
· Your child has lice or nits.

The Children’s Learning Center reserves the right to ask for a physician’s note before allowing your child back into our care.

If your child has any allergies, please email the director at joann@gortoncenter.org with this information.

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