Welcome To The Covington Day Care Center in Waterloo, IL
Children First Learning Center – Covington location is comprised of two separate Waterloo IL Day Care Center buildings. The buildings are directly across the street from one another at the end of a quiet residential neighborhood in Waterloo, IL.
Children First Program Coordinator, Tessa Springer
My name is Tessa Springer, Program Director, at Children First Learning Center. I have worked with Children First since March 2019 and I couldn’t be happier! I live in Waterloo, IL with my husband, Mark and our 6 children, 2 dogs and 2 cats! Life is always a little crazy in our home!
I graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with Bachelors Degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice and later graduated with Masters Degrees in School Counseling and Professional Counseling. I love watching the children develop and grow throughout these most important years of their lives! I greatly value the partnership with parents and families within our center and have truly learned that it really does take a village to raise a child! I’m continually honored to be a part of the village for many children in our community!
Covington Director, Katie Guethle
Hello, I am Katie Guethle. I joined the Children First family in July 2024 as a director, but I have been a part of the family for many years as my children were cared for by the center prior to my employment. This position has given me the opportunity to use my wide variety background and continue to grow in areas that my heart has led me to. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Service with an emphasis in Child and Family Welfare. I have worked in childcare, in the field with adults with developmental disabilities, and in the medical field. The experiences I have had in all of these fields have helped me grow in so many ways. It has been exciting to bring everything I have learned in my past experiences to Children First to continue making a positive impact on your child’s future.
I was born and raised in Waterloo. I am married to my husband, TJ and we have three kids, Weston, Clayton and Teryn. We currently reside in Waterloo and my children attend Children First, so you will see them around as well! As a family, we spend most of our time running to different sporting events (soccer, baseball and dance). The little free time we do have, we like to go camping and spend time with our extended family.
The Children First Youth Program
The Children First Youth Program serves children from kindergarten-sixth grade. Our program rests on 3 pillars: respect, responsibility, and kindness. Our program was thoughtfully designed to teach the importance of community and social responsibility. Our program uses research supported techniques to encourage student led conflict resolution and restitution practices. Every voice is important and heard at Children First.
During the school year, our before and after school program is a safe and encouraging place for children to decompress after school. We provide breakfast and snacks, fun activities, weekly challenges, homework help, outside time, and a healthy environment to grow. Bussing services are provided to and from school through the district contracted bussing service, Illinois Central School Bus. We also provide care during the scheduled WCUSD#5 school breaks and half days. This care provides breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack- alongside a day full of activities and fun.
Our summer program is one of a kind with weekly themes, weekly field trips, weekly splash day at the center, guest speakers, end of summer project, and engaging curriculum. If you are interested in a tour of our facilities, please contact our center during business hours or fill out the tour request below.
What Parents Have To Say
“We love Children First! The Covington location in Waterloo has been such a great place for my daughter to blossom and grow. I chose this daycare first and foremost for their sterling reputation. Tessa worked with me to schedule an in-person tour and answered ALL 500 of my questions regarding the daily curriculum and caregivers responsibilities. The walkthrough set my mind at ease and I was very comfortable dropping off my child on her first day. No one cried! We’ve been here for more than two years now and would recommend Children First and Dayne Rambo to anyone looking for a great daycare program and a safe environment for your children.”
Schedule an in-person tour of Children’s First Learning Center at Covington!
If you’re looking for more information and/or are ready to schedule an in-person tour of our Covington location in Waterloo IL, please fill out the form below or call at your earliest convenience (618) 939-8288.