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FAMILY NETWORK PARENT/CHILD CENTER
Facility
Located on the lower level of the Highland Park Presbyterian Church, the center
includes a Parent Lounge, Preschool Playroom (ages 2 ½ - 4 years), Toddler
Playroom (1 - 2 ½ years), Gym (outdoor playground used during summer program),
Baby & Me Room, office, lavatory, social work consultation office.
The facility is accessible to persons with physical disabilities (ramps,
elevator, bathroom). Parking: available in parking lot at northeast corner of
Laurel Avenue & Linden Street, across the street from Highland Park Presbyterian Church.
Center is located 2 blocks east of the Highland Park Metra station.
Drop-In Program Hours
- Closed: August 12- September 5, 2008
- Re-opens: Tuesday, September 9
- Fall 2008: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday-Friday
Drop-In Fees:
- First Visit: Free
- Daily Rate: $15
- 8 Visit Pass: $105
- Annual Membership: $575 - unlimited visits during 12 month period
Sliding scale fee adjustment is available by request - please contact Terry Beem, Program Coordinator.
Staff:
- Terry Beem, MEd, Program Coordinator
- Sonia Calles, Office Administrator
- Jordan Friedman, LCSW, Center Director
History
Family Network was founded in 1983 by early childhood professionals who recognized
the importance of providing a place where families could connect with one another
and find support in the challenging job of raising young children. Since then,
the original drop-in program has served thousands of young families from Highland
Park and many surrounding communities, and Family Network has expanded to meet
many new community needs.
Family Network is now affiliated with Family Focus, Inc., a long time leader in
the family support field in the Chicago area. The drop-in program continues to
offer programs where parents can meet the challenges of parenting through coming
together for friendship and shared information while their young children are
provided with safe, nurturing early experiences under the care of experienced
professional staff.
Services offered
- Dual Language Morning
On Thursday mornings, bilingual staff in each facilitate children's activities in Spanish and English. It's a unique and wonderful multicultural morning for parent and children alike! Learn to sing "Eeensy Weensy Spider" in Spanish! - Baby & Me Room
The Baby & Me Room is designed especially for you and your baby. You can meet other parents to share ideas in a playgroup setting, and an infant specialist is available to provide information and resources. Special programs such as infant massage, postpartum fitness, infant sleep and nutrition, and many other topics are presented monthly. The room is stocked with developmentally appropriate toys, soft mats and pillows, a rocking chair, cribs, changing table - and couches for tired moms!
- Toddler Room (approx. 1 - 2 ½)
Once your child is walking steadily, he or she is ready for the wonders of the Rainbow Room. Your toddler will have the opportunity to explore a variety of interesting and educational activities and begin to learn about relationships with other children, under the loving supervision of 2 experienced teachers. The morning schedule includes free play, snack & song time, and gym time (outdoor play during summer program). Parents are encouraged to stay in the room until their child is comfortable with the teachers and routines, and then to gradually separate at their own pace.
- Preschool Room (2 ½ - 4 years)
The Sunshine Room offers a wide variety of developmentally appropriate activities for preschool age children, including art, sand & water play, dramatic play area, blocks, puzzles and other manipulatives, and books, under the supervision of two experienced experienced teachers. The morning schedule includes free play, gym time (outdoor play during summer program), snack time, and circle time (stories and music). Parents are encouraged to stay in the room until their child is comfortable with the teachers and routines. - Indoor Gym
The multipurpose room is equipped with a slide, rocking boat, basketball hoop, and a variety of riding and push toys for large motor play. There is also an area for quieter play with a dollhouse, trucks and cardboard blocks. During the summer (late June-August), children go outside onto the shady Montessori Connection playground for active play on climbers and quieter water play.
- Parent Lounge
This is your place for companionship, relaxation, and stimulation - comfortable chairs and couches, a project table, parent library, bulletin boards, and resource files are all available. The coffee pot is always on, and you are welcome to enjoy the donated baked goods.
- Parent Education Speakers
Several times a month, there are informal speakers on a wide variety of relevant topics chosen by parents and staff. - Social Work Consultation
A licensed clinical social worker with experience working with families with young children is available to meet with parents two mornings per week, informally or by appointment. She can explore any questions or concerns you may have about your child's development or other parenting issues, and will provide suggestions for community resources that may be helpful.
- Community Information & Referral
- Parent Resource Library
- Children's Library
- Special Events - family concerts, summer picnic
- Family Pizza Nights: held in October, January, April
Additional Parent/Child Center Programs
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Postpartum Depression/Anxiety Support Group
A 6 week support group led by Dr. Susan Feingold, PsyD. This group provides an environment where women experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety can meet one another and help one another in a supportive, caring, and non-judgmental atmosphere. Call Dr. Feingold at 847-831-7731 for information or to register. - Saturday Morning Family Activity
- Grandparents Together
Monthly opportunity for grandparents to discuss the joys and challenges of grandparenting in today's world, facilitated by Lois Kupritz, MA. Call for dates and times.
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