Summary
Contact Info
McGaw Ymca Child Care Center
1420 Maple Avenue
Evanston
, IL
60201
www.mcgawymca.org
Tel:
(847) 475-8580
Director:
McDonald, Early Childhood Director
Application Information
| Applications accepted |
For children who are 2 by september 1st of the coming school year
for children who are 3 by september 1st of the coming school year
(for children who will be 4 by september 1st of the coming school year
school visit |
Key Statistics
| Age cutoff for enrollment |
1 months |
Parent Ratings
| Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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| Quality of teaching |
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| Development of social skills and work habits |
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| Home-school connection |
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| Parent community |
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| Discipline |
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| Facilities |
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| Health |
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| Safety |
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| Handling of separation |
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Survey Information
Number of parents surveyed:
1
Savvy Source survey: Yes
General Info
Transportation and Drop-off Policies
Transportation
Accreditation, Membership & Awards
| Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children |
Yes
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Facilities
| CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (3.0) |
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| Building, bathrooms, hallway |
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| Classroom equipment and furniture |
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Facilities Include:
| Classrooms (with bathroom attached) |
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| Classrooms (with kitchenette attached) |
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| Music room |
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| Art room |
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| Library |
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Playground
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Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Overall a great program. Teachers provide great guidance to children, learning in a play environment, support of potty-training and independence for kids. Teachers are helpful in transitioning children to the daycare environment, provide good structure to the schoolday, teaching kids to play with others and be nice to each other. Very non-threatening academic program, but kids as young as two are taught numbers/counting, letters, and color recognition. Kids in pre-k learn to write, spell certain words, understand time, etc. Again, this is all in a play environment and is more directed by the child and what the child is ready for, as opposed to any kind of flashcard or rote memorization. Infant program is very caring, babies are given whatever they need, teachers are flexible with nursing moms, have a true open door, and will support parents in helping with solids, skill development, etc.
Pluses: full-day program; very caring environment; most of the teachers are great; caring infant program; preschool program does swim, gym, and goes to the beach; facility has a nice playroom and playground; flexible hours (open to 6:15pm) convenient to mass transit and downtown Evanston.
Minuses: a few of the age groups have less stable and strong teachers; lots of transitions for preschool age classes can be hard for some kids; infant program is small and always has a long waiting list; infant room can be difficult for some babies (my son had trouble sleeping there until he moved into a room with a regular schedule).
School Philosophy & Day in the Life
School Philosophy and Mission
"At the Children's Center we care for and nurture your child like our own. Here, children receive high quality, comprehensive care and eduction within a rich and diverse community. We foster your child's physicial, intellectual, emotional and social development through well-rounded, creative, and enriching programs and experiences."
Excerpted from the preschool's website
Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School
"Full-Day Infant Program
A typical day includes social development activities, music, stories, educational activities, finger plays, and outdoor activity.
"
Excerpted from the preschool's website
Home School Connection
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (3.3) |
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| Conducts an open house at start of school year |
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| Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year |
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| Conducts regular parent teacher conferences |
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| Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year |
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| Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year |
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| Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools |
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Separation
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Abbreviated schedule at start of school year
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Parents in classrooms early on
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Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
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Director's and Parents' Comments
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Specific developmental goals are frowned upon but conferences allow teachers to keep parents updated on children's progress in different skills. Teachers are willing to spen time at both drop-off and pick-up to discuss the day and different activities, conflicts, issues, etc. Special meetings are held if needed to handle behavioral, social, or other academic issues. From year to year, the school prepares children for transition to the next class by introducing the teachers and by having the children spend time in the next classroom. The transition to school for new children is very much managed at the parents' discretion; parents are encouraged to bring children for shortened/abbreviated schedules, to stay in the room with the children, etc. teachers also help by holding children, spending extra time, etc., to make them comfortable. They do this even at older ages if for some reason a child has a hard time separating.
Drop-in Policy
- During school parents are welcomed as the school has an open door policy
General Parent Education
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (3.0) |
Parents:
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
Discipline, Health and Safety
Discipline
| OVERALL RATING (5.0) |
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| Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children:
are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another
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Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
The center is in an older buildling that was originally a Catholic schoo. As a result the space is pretty spartan and there are some issues with maintenance (roof leaks, drafty windows, etc). however the school is well-heated and is airconditioned fairly well with window units in the summer. the equipment is all perfectly safe - just isn't brand new.
Health
| OVERALL RATING (4.5) |
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| Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable |
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| Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided
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Safety
| OVERALL RATING (4.5) |
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| Screen and identify all visitors
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| Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others |
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Kindergarten Placement & Tips
Parents' Admission Tips
Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions
Parent #1
Don't know what we would do without the Mcgaw YMCA. No other school comes close. It's very difficult to get in a newborn, though - mostly siblings and Northwestern student babies. It's easier to get a child in at toddler ages.
