MCC's child care center accepting registration for fall

The Children's Learning Center at McHenry County College has opened registration for a variety of programs this fall semester, which begins Aug. 16.

The Center offers child care for 15-month to 3-year-olds and 3- to 5-year-olds, and preschool programs for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds. All programs are available to MCC students, employees, and members of the community.

"We strive to make the CLC an affordable, convenient, positive learning environment for young children," said Lisha Linder, who leads the Children's Learning Center at MCC.

"We focus on cognitive, physical, and social-emotional skills, and engage children in hands-on activities that are designed to support their development. They receive many opportunities to practice independence, social skills, communication skills, and problem-solving."

The CLC also serves as a learning opportunity for MCC's Early Childhood Education students.

In the program, children are given individualized attention in small classes of less than 16 for toddlers and less than 20 for 3- to 5-year-olds. Each day includes several outdoor breaks to play, weather permitting. Child care includes two snacks and lunch provided daily, and rest time after lunch for children who wish to nap.

"I'm really looking forward to having children back in our classrooms this year," said Linder. "And we have two new beautiful playground spaces that I know the children will enjoy!"

The playground was recently rebuilt to include new climbing spaces, bike paths, sandboxes, shaded areas, and room for water play.

Childcare is available from 7:50 a.m. to 4:50 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Preschool classes are half-day programs that vary based on age group. Scheduling is flexible to accommodate the needs of parents/guardians; however, the same schedule needs to be maintained throughout the semester. The CLC also offers drop-in services for families who do not wish to commit to a weekly schedule.

The CLC is a state-licensed child care center. MCC has also enhanced regular cleaning and sanitation protocols to help create a safe and healthy physical learning environment for all students.

To enroll your child in the Children's Learning Center, or for more information, visit www.mchenry.edu/clc. Financial assistance may also be available. To learn more, contact Lisha Linder at (815) 455-8555.