Day Care
Children benefit immeasurably from high-quality day care programming - developing greater self-confidence, improved physical and social skills, increased respect for others, and enhanced cognitive and learning skills.
Since 1974, Hephzibah has provided quality day care for children whose parents are working, going to school, or completing career training. Our nationally recognized, award-winning Day Care Program offers a nurturing, enriching, and dynamic day care experience for Oak Park children from kindergarten to fifth grade. These children attend Hephzibah Day Care after school, on school holidays, and full time during the summer months.
Hephzibah currently operates eight day care programs at the Oak Park elementary schools in cooperation with the school district. Our goal is to provide a day care experience that will help children achieve their full social, emotional, and intellectual potential. Day Care activities are designed to promote the well being of children by fostering the development of a wide variety of skills, as well as social competence and a positive self-image. Children gain experience in areas such as arts and crafts, group games, sports activities such as swimming and ice skating, movement and music, camps, and field trips.
Each year, our Day Care program serves more than 600 school-aged children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Our day care fees are assessed on a sliding scale and offset by financial aid when necessary to ensure that every family in our community has access to high-quality day care - regardless of income - and that children from low-income families have the same growth opportunities as their peers.
Statistics:
- 450 Children in After School Day Care
- 245 Children in Summer Day Care
- 8 School Day Care sites
- One Summer Day Care Site
- 46 staff members
What makes Hephzibah's Day Care program truly unique?
The comprehensive array of social and mental health services offered to families with children enrolled in the program. This important facet of our program enhances the lives of families each year, with social and mental health services that include:
- parent education classes and parent support groups facilitated by our social worker
- individual, group, and family interventions
- staff consultations, case management, and advocacy
- referrals for services or information regarding financial assistance, food, public assistance, disability assistance, medical and mental health services, vocational assistance, housing, recreational activities, mentoring, tutoring, legal assistance, and educational opportunities
- direct assistance such as bus passes, gas money, transportation, grocery store gift certificates, clothing, shoes, sports equipment, school supplies, furniture, food, toys, respite services, and personal items
Children from Oak Park whose parents are working, in school or in training are eligibile for Hephzibah's Day Care program.
Enrollment Notice:
Kindergarten Registration for the 2012-2013 will begin on Feb 1, 2012 by fax, email or can be dropped off at 1144 Lake Street, 5th Floor. Spaces are limited.
Enrollment applications for the 1st – 5th grade program can be submitted at any time throughout the school year in order to be added to the waiting list.
Day Care Application (PDF)
Day Care Schedule Fee (PDF)
Hephzibah's Day Care program is funded through parent fees, community contributions, state and federal grants, and the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Read the latest Day Care Newsletter here!
