Oakton Community College Early Childhood Center in Des Plaines, Illinois provides students, staff, and community members with quality care and acts as a model for future professionals which makes it a vital component of the community.  The Oakton Community College administration has currently submitted a proposal for the early childhood center in Des Plaines, Illinois to be closed.

My son was born with an incomplete esophagus and a hole in his heart.  Due to his health condition I stayed at home with him for two years.  During that time he had various therapies at home including speech therapy, occupational therapy and developmental therapy.  When I first decided to go back to school I needed someone that I could trust to take care of him.  Having once been a student of the early childhood program there was no question in my mind that the OCC Des Plaines Early Childhood Center is where I wanted him to be.  During my time as a student at the college I had observed at various childhood centers in the area.  The Des Plaines site was always my preference based on the way they not only followed policies but showed a genuine care in the children.  I knew that in this program my child would not only receive quality care but that I could trust that he would be in a safe environment.  I also knew that with the teachers at the center I could form a partnership and the needs of my child in the areas of social-emotional, cognitive, language and physical development would all be evaluated.  The early childhood center allowed me the possibility to be at peace knowing that my child is in good hands as I continue my education.

I also strongly believe that the center can play a major role in the education of future professionals in not only early childhood but also for other professionals such as future nurses and therapists interested in working with young children.  In January 2015 Oakton Community College in Des Plaines opened up a new building. The new building could mean more students and staff and the early childhood center can offer the college a feeling of inclusion among students who are parents, staff members with children, and even be a great resource for students who would like to work with children.  The center has an observation booth which allows the observer to get a true experience of working with young children without unnecessary distractions.  The center is an essential resource to the education of future professionals and can also teach college students about working collaboratively.  When a child at the center has needed therapists the teachers work in partnership with them to meet the needs of the child.  I know that the education I received at the college along with the observations of the center allowed me to develop the skills to be a great teacher.  Now that I am a parent I also know the program gave me the skills to be a good parent. 

Please if you are a student, staff member, and either work in or are part of the Oakton Community College district help save the center by signing the petition and allowing such an essential piece of our community to stay open.  Friends who are not part of the district please help share the petition. 

Thank you for your help and support.