As Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 prepares to open the Early Learning Center this fall, the appointed Director and Assistant Director are excited to begin the 2024-25 school year.
D123 Early Learning Center Director Christine Fuller has many goals for the center, and to start, she aims to reflect on the newly created vision for the program while establishing a trusted partnership between the staff, families, and the community.
“Our vision is to provide each child with an exceptional educational experience in a welcoming and inclusive community. This experience, rooted in curiosity and play, will nurture their limitless possibilities for discovery and growth,” Fuller said. “Together, we will create pillars for this vision and watch it all unfold with our early learners.”
The Assistant Director of the D123 Early Learning Center, Erica Parus, will focus on organization, planning, and communication to ensure everything runs smoothly for the children and staff. She’s excited about the opportunity to support this program and is passionate about its success.
Paris and Fuller already have a thrilling lineup of engaging activities for students and families.
“Get ready for a whole lot of fun and learning at our new Early Learning Center,” Parus said. “I can hardly contain my excitement to see the faces of our new pre-K students as they explore our innovative learning spaces.”
The D123 Early Learning Center is committed to helping kids and families together. The program mixes teaching and support in a way that suits how kids grow and learn. Its approach follows the recommendations of the Illinois Early Learning and Developmental Standards.
“We are dedicated to preparing young children for their subsequent educational journeys, adhering to the principles and best practices of both early childhood education and early intervention,” Parus said.
The District looks forward to introducing the Early Learning Center to the community, and Fuller aims to create a nurturing and caring culture for everyone walking through the doors. She is hopeful this learning environment will enable staff, students, and families to activate curiosity together.
“Children are natural learners, and as the adults who care for and educate them, it’s up to us to help them harness their natural inquisitiveness to grow as learners and future leaders,” Fuller said.