PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
The Nielsen Center program delivers quality care guided by the latest principles in early childhood education and an in-depth understanding of the whole child. Our teachers love what they do and it shows. Professionals who are passionate about education, our teachers understand the unique learning needs of infants through kindergarten-aged children. Their approach to early childhood education revolves around helping children learn through hands on discovery. Children learn best when they are allowed to follow their own curiosity. Experiential learning is at the core of every age group’s curriculum, encouraging a love of learning while fostering self-esteem. To view a sample of our Daily Educational Program, click here.

“I’m so impressed with the care and education my daughter received at Gertrude B. Nielsen Child Care and Learning Center. Caitlin’s kindergarten teacher says that she has rarely seen a child better prepared to learn. My son Justin will enter GBN’s infant program soon. I cannot imagine a better start.”
Janet Schneider, parent of three

BUILDING A PARTNERSHIP
GBN believes in building a partnership with parents since we know that the most important teacher in a child’s life is you. That’s why we encourage parent input and participation in all of our programs. From the beginning, our teachers build a relationship with you through on-going communication about your child’s growth and development. We document and keep you informed about your child by creating portfolios that highlight and evaluate your child’s work and play. GBN fosters community through family festivals and gives parents access to information about parenting and child development through seminars, weekly newsletters and a parent resource library.

AGE LEVEL PROGRAMS
Infant Program
GBN’s infant program is designed to stimulate and nurture within a thoughtfully prepared school environment focused on trust, happiness, safety, and sanitation. Our caregiving staff consists of educators who possess knowledge of the specific, physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs of infants. For a detailed description of our infant program, click here.

Toddler Program
Acknowledging the toddler’s newly acquired motor skills, tremendous inquisitiveness, and need to explore and discover the environment, our toddler program supports the individuality of each child while providing safe boundaries. Staff provide constant encouragement and support for the child’s struggle to achieve independence. For a detailed description of our toddler program, click here.

Preschool Program
Our literacy based preschool program is designed to develop the total child giving them the skills they need to excel. Staff plan a flexible program of activities that balance between academic and social, active and quiet, indoor and outdoor, group and individual. For a detailed description of our preschool program, click here.

Full-Day Junior/Senior Kindergarten Program
This all day program prepares children for first grade through child-centered activities and learning experiences. The program is comprehensive and does not require before and after school transitions during the day, allowing your child to relax and focus on learning. For a detailed description of our kindergarten program, click here.

Summer Camp
Our Summer Camp program is an 8-week program for children entering kindergarten or first grade. We transform our indoor gym into a classroom that is set up with a variety of learning centers including literacy, math, science, dramatic play and social studies. We also have the opportunity of using our kindergarten classroom on a daily basis for special activities including woodworking, crafts such as sewing, large block play and for other large group projects. This camp program fosters independence and creativity while building upon children’s academic and social skills. Children in our Summer Camp program enjoy spending large amounts of time outdoors on our playground and activity field as they participate in group games such as soccer, baseball and color tag. Field trips are planned throughout the summer to provide children with extended learning opportunities. Field trips, along with Friday cook outs, provide parents with an opportunity to join their children for some fun in the sun during their summer camp experience.

Priority is given to current Nielsen students, however the program will fill openings from the public on a first come first serve basis. Call 847-564-3004 for more information about this program and to find out about enrollment opportunities.

ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
Intergenerational Volunteer Program
Our volunteer program gives children and seniors the chance to learn from one another. Through meaningful interactions, children and seniors have the opportunity to create relationships that benefit both. Our volunteers are not counted in our adult child ratios. This gives them the chance to learn from and enjoy their activities with children and gives our children additional one-on-one time.

Music Enrichment Program
Music specialists for toddler, pre-school and kindergarten classes bring the great learning potential of music to children. The program is on-site, giving children the opportunity to learn in an environment in which they are comfortable.