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, Chey Yaekel
Hello! I am Chey Yaekel. You will see me at our Covington location in Waterloo. I had the opportunity to join the Children First Learning Center leadership team in August of 2023 as the School Age Program coordinator and soon moved into a Director role at our Covington center. Developing safe, positive, and healthy programs and curriculum while also encouraging staff development is a passion that is near and dear to my heart. I believe no matter how big or small you are, you deserve a place to be encouraged to grow beyond limits. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology to continue my education within child development.
I have a background working specifically with children with special needs varying from severe to mild disability. The 6 years I spent in this field gave me the priceless experience that shaped my appreciation of the true meaning of perseverance, the importance of supporting families, and the necessity of advocacy. I still cherish the families and children I worked with during those wonderful years.
Fast forward not too long ago, those memories carried me into my motherhood journey where I was given first hand experience into those same issues. I now have three sweet boys (plus a big lovey dog) with very different personalities. They find new ways to keep me on my toes and encourage my own growth every day.
Thank you for checking out Children First. We know there are a lot of places you could trust to care for your babies so we want you to know, we appreciate your family and take your trust seriously. I look forward to joining you in this crazy adventure we call life!
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.