Welcome To The Lakeview Day Care Center in Waterloo, IL
Children First Learning Center – Lakeview in Waterloo, IL was where it all started; our very first location, which opened as Children First in 2010. Due to our excellent teachers and local trusted service, we have expanded this Waterloo IL Day Care Center not once, but twice! The first time adding 40 child spots and again adding 30 more. This building is our largest of all three child care centers.
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!
Lakeview Director, Samantha Diel
Hello Everyone! My name is Samantha Diel. I am one of the Director’s here at our Lakeview location! I have been employed by Children First Learning Center since May of 2015! I hold an associates degree in Early Childhood Education. My love and passion for children shines through in everything I do!
I went to school, graduated, and grew up with my family here in Waterloo. I live with my husband T.J., son Dylan and our 2 dogs Phoebe and Dozer. In my free time, I enjoy shopping, going on trips with my husband and son, and spending time with my family.
Lakeview Director, Julia Sheridan
Hello! My name is Julia. I am a mom of a teenage daughter named Geralyn. We live in Baldwin with our dog, cat and snake. She is my world and keeps me busy! I have always had a desire to work with children from working in the NICU at St Louis Children’s Hospital for a combined 5 years to teaching PreK for 15+ years with more than 5 of those years being for CFLC Lakeview! I came back to the director role in 2021 and have been so glad to come back to my “family”. I had no idea I would love working from this side of the desk but I do! Getting to greet each and every family as they are coming in at the start of the day and saying good-bye warms my heart! I am so happy to be a part of this family and to be a part of yours. Getting to watch your kiddos grow is just an added bonus!
So, welcome to Children First Learning Center, and thanks for letting us love your children!
Lakeview Center Child Care Programs
Infant Day Care
Our Lakeview Day Care Center location has two infant rooms. We begin care at six weeks of age. Children are enrolled in our infant room until they turn 15 months and become a toddler. Children at this age are developing so rapidly and the bond they develop with their teacher is pertinent to their learning and brain development.
We cannot emphasize the importance of early relationships with caring, loving individuals that understand the impact that our early experiences have on us.
At Children First, the infant room schedule is flexible. These little ones need to mirror the schedule they are on at home. Our teachers work hard each day to establish a relationship with both you and your child. Teachers will communicate with parents on a daily basis to share information on their child’s day.
Toddler Day Care
This location has two toddlers rooms, children aged 15-24 months. We fondly refer to our toddlers as wobblers for the sweet little way they tend to get around. We often refer to this classroom as the “Wobblers”. Everything that happens in a child’s life is meaningful and this age is no different!
Social/Emotional development continues to drastically develop in these little ones. They begin to assert their independence; while they are still very dependent on their teachers.
Our teachers understand that these children have not yet developed to a point where they can remember rules. Everything they feel is intense and strong. They may have new fears. Children at this age are egocentric and their attention span is short. This is typically the age when the dreaded biting stages can occur. Approaching this behavior as natural and by addressing what is causing the reaction to bite; we can curb this and move quickly through the stage.
Two Year Old Day Care
This is such a special age at our Waterloo IL child care center. While these children are really starting to mimic the behaviors of adults in their life, they are still rather self-centered and sometimes struggle to share. This age is often characterized as a tough age; by establishing good routines and providing an enriching environment we can help them to learn how to exert this in a positive way. They are even more independent than they were in their previous class. Teachers will help them to express their feelings and wishes; learn how to coordinate and use their large and small muscles for even more complex tasks; and learn the many different skills to prepare for preschool.
Waterloo IL Pre-School
Our Lakeview location has two Waterloo IL preschool classrooms. Our teachers plan their day based around The Creative Curriculum. This curriculum offers a child centered classroom that aligns directly with The Illinois State Board of Education’s Early Learning Standards https://www.isbe.net/Documents/early_learning_standards.pdf
We believe that a solid educational foundation should include cognitive, physical, & social-emotional development. With this foundation, children will become more successful in their future school life. Upon enrollment at the center, your child will be screened within 30 days for any developmental delays or concern areas of development that we will want to focus on. Quarterly your child will be assessed, these results are shared with parents.
Children have an opportunity to engage in activities which promote social interaction and life skills. Examples include, self-serve lunch, leadership roles within the classroom and special daily jobs. From time-to-time, our center will adjust our procedures to comply with the latest health and safety guidelines. Additionally, the children will spend time during the day in centers where they have the chance to explore all areas of learning.
School-Age Day Care
School-age children encompass a wide age span, kindergarten to sixth grade. The differences are huge. This means our teachers are ready to provide an environment that allows for the developmental growth and challenges this age presents. Children have access to a wide array of activities. These activities are labeled by age/skill level. The children are able to choose activities that will best suit their age and abilities.
Our school-age program is focused on keeping our children busy while they are with us. During our after school program, children are provided a relaxed environment after a long day at school. They are offered snacks and an opportunity to play outside. There is time available for children to complete homework. During the summer, we try to keep our children busy and engaged. We have many opportunities during the Summer for more outdoor time, trips away from the center, and special visitors.
What Parents Have To Say
“We love Children First! The staff is friendly and teachers are knowledgeable and care genuinely for our kids. My children participate in many hands-on activities throughout the day; they do not just sit and watch TV or movies as I’ve witnessed in other centers (in fact, that is only used as a special, once-in-a-while treat or reward). I receive many posts/pictures daily of what my kids are learning and I’ve seen them apply what they’ve learned at home. The center is always clean and I regularly witness the teachers sweeping, mopping, and wiping down tables. Highly recommend!”
Schedule an in-person tour of Children’s First Learning Center at Lakeview!
If you’re looking for more information and/or are ready to schedule an in-person tour of our Lakeview location in Waterloo IL, please fill out the form below or call us at your earliest convenience (618) 939-9776.