Welcome to our Web site. The Brokaw Early Learning Center opened its doors on August 27, 2008. This marked an exciting time in the Village of Oswego for families with young children. It is the first Early Learning Center for the Oswego CUSD 308. It is named for Shirley Brokaw, whose work as an educator and long-time community member was driven in the belief that “every child was born to learn.”
The center was specifically designed to serve children between the ages of three to five years old and houses the district’s At-Risk Preschool Program and Early Childhood Special Education services. The architectural design of the building is responsive to the programs and activities which are unique to the center. Key features in the building are:
- Four Villages having five classrooms each. The villages are designated by a primary color – red, yellow, blue and green.
- A large living room is at the center of each village. Large group activities like story time with the Library Lady and music time take place here.
- A multipurpose room is available for developing large motor skills, assemblies, parent gatherings, staff meetings and professional development workshops.
- A partnership with the Oswego YMCA provides organized programming to children and teachers. “Little Sneakers” is offered by YMCA staff to the children at the center. Children work on crossing the midline, balance and ball- handling skills.
- Parent/Teacher Resource Library – Books and videos are available to be checked out on a variety of topics related to nutrition, behavior management and more.
- Community Room – ESL and GED classes are held here each Tuesday and Thursday throughout the school year. Family Support Team – home visits and playgroups are available from the Parent Educators and Parent Coordinators. The “Parents as Teachers” curriculum is used. The Center enjoys a partnership with Waubonsee College to provide these services free of charge to center families and area residents.
- Free screenings take place in the Community Room six to eight times each month. Parents with concerns about their child(ren)’s development or wishing to enroll their child(ren) in the preschool program at the Center can schedule a screening for their child(ren).
- There is also an outdoor area that allows children to explore, climb, ride a tricycle, bounce a ball or dig in the dirt. In May 2008, the staff and children planted an apple orchard and started a prairie that will provide year-round learning experiences without having to leave the site. A partnership with the Oswego Park District has made this possible.
The Brokaw Early Learning Center truly speaks to the African proverb that, “It takes a village to raise a child.” The Village of Oswego is helping to insure that its children receive the opportunities and experiences that will guarantee success in school and in life. The highly qualified staff at the Center is the driving force, providing the nurturing child-centered environment through a research-based curriculum. It is their focus on individual needs and development that ensures each child the opportunity to reach his or her full potential.
I hope you will take some time to review the rest of our Web site and return to us often to see what new things are happening at the Brokaw Early Learning Center.
Happy Learning!
Joanne Hedemann
Principal
Brokaw Early Learning Center