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About the Center
The Parent/Child Center provides a warm, welcoming place where families can connect with others in the same stage of life and find support in the challenging job of raising young children. Since it was founded by early childhood professionals in 1983, our program has been based on the idea that providing support and education at this early stage of family life helps to build a secure foundation for the future.
The morning drop-in program is open to families with children from birth to age 4; parents or caregivers stay on site while children are provided with safe, nurturing experiences under the care of experienced professional staff.
The center is open to all, regardless of ability to pay or geographic location.
9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday – Friday
(Summer 2009: Tuesday-Thursday, closed Friday)
330 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park 60035
The center is located in the lower level of the Highland Park Presbyterian Church. Parking is available in the parking lot across the street from the church. Parking News
(VIEW map)
The Center has two well-equipped children’s playrooms, a room for parents and infants, a comfortable Parent Lounge, a large gym, a bathroom, and an office. The church and center are accessible to persons with disabilities. There is a ramp to the left of the front entrance to the church, and an elevator.
First visit is free
(VIEW Parent/Child Center Fee Schedule)
Terry Beem, Program Coordinator
847-433-0377, extension 308
EMAIL
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Our Services
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In the Baby & Me Room, you and your infant can play and interact with others in a comfortable, relaxed, safe environment. An experienced staff member, trained to provide information and resources, is always available to answer questions and concerns.
The Baby & Me Room features:
- Opportunities to meet other parents in an informal play group setting
- Developmentally stimulating toys and equipment
- Couches and rocking chairs for tired parents
- Infant specialist facilitates discussions and offers support & resources
- Monthly programs with professional speakers on topics including: infant CPR, nutrition, sleep, infant massage, music, brain development, postpartum fitness.
VIEW Baby & Me Room Guidelines |
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Once your child is walking well, he or she can enjoy a first group experience in our Rainbow Room. Parents are welcome to stay and play, or help their child to explore the environment and gain independence under the supervision of our nurturing teachers. The Rainbow Room offers:
- Developmentally stimulating toys, books, and equipment
- Snack & Song Time
- Gym time (outdoor play during summer months)
- Opportunity for a gradual separation experience when you and your child are ready.
VIEW Rainbow Room Guidelines
VIEW Separation Guidelines |
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Your child will make new friends and get ready for preschool with the guidance of our experienced teachers in the Sunshine Room. Parents are always welcome to stay with their child until s/he is comfortable in the room. The Sunshine Room offers:
- Art experiences
- Dramatic play
- Song & Story Time
- Sand & Water Play
- Gym Time (outdoor play during the summer months)
VIEW Sunshine Room Guidelines |
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The Parent Lounge is your place for relaxation, companionship, and stimulation. Once your child is comfortable in his/her classroom, you are welcome to spend the morning meeting new or old friends, or just to have some time out for yourself.
The Parent Lounge offers:
- Coffee, tea & snacks
- Comfortable couches and chairs
- A project table and WiFi
- Parent library & resource files
- Professional speakers as well as informal discussions on a variety of parenting topics
- Monthly parent meetings with Program Coordinator
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On Thursday drop-in mornings, we offer a unique multicultural experience for parents and children. Bilingual staff in each room facilitate activities in Spanish and English. Parents and children from different backgrounds have the opportunity to meet and learn about and from one another in a relaxed and fun way, through songs, art, stories and even cooking projects! |
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A licensed clinical social worker with experience working with families with young children is available each week to explore discuss questions and concerns with parents, both in informal group meetings or by individual appointment. She can provide information, resources, and referral information when requested, and works with our staff to help plan for any special needs children and parents may have. |
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- Quarterly Family Pizza Nights
- Summer Family Picnic
- Special Saturday Morning programs during winter months
- Children’s Concerts (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and others)
VIEW current calendar
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Calendar
JULY
Sunday, July 4 – Family Network marches in the Highland Park 4th of July
parade.
Wednesday, July 14 – Parent Meeting 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, July 28 – Annual Summer Family Picnic at Sunset Park
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
AUGUST
Thursday, August 12 – last day of drop-in for summer
SEPTEMBER
DROP-IN RE-OPENS ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
VIEW current calendar
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Policies and Procedures
- For health, safety, and insurance purposes, one parent or caregiver per family must remain on the premises at all times.
- Family Network parents may bring only their own children to the Parent/Child Center on a regular basis; if an emergency arises, parents must give written permission for someone else to bring their child, and the Program Coordinator must be consulted.
- If a caregiver will regularly be bringing your child to the center, a parent must fill out the “Caregiver Registration Form”, discuss the plan with the Program Coordinator, and accompany the caregiver and child to the center for an initial orientation visit.
- Our programs and space are designed for children from birth to age 4. When your child is approaching his/her 4th birthday, please consult the Program Coordinator. We try to accommodate the individual needs of families whenever possible.
- On very busy days, we may occasionally have to limit attendance in the children’s rooms for safety reasons.
- Please park in the church parking lot at the northeast corner of Laurel and Linden. Parking is now allowed in 3 rows in the parking lot – only the west side, near Linden Avenue, is reserved for permit parking.
- If you have several young children or some other extenuating circumstance, it is legal to park on the south side of Laurel Avenue east of the handicapped spaces in front of the church; however, in response to neighbor requests, we ask that you use the parking lot whenever possible.
- Please do not use nearby driveways to turn around.
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Strollers may be parked in the upstairs side hallway, on the right before you come down to Family Network. If you wish to use the elevator, you may bring your stroller into the gym, and park downstairs in the Family Network hallway.
- Beginning Tuesday, June 22, the gym will be closed due to the annual church rummage sale preparations For the rest of the summer, when weather permits, we are fortunate to have the use of the shaded Montessori Connection playground during gym time. On rainy days, we stay inside and do some extra music or movement activities.
Playground schedule:
- 10:30-11:00 Sunshine Room
- 11:00-11:30 Rainbow Room
- For safety reasons, Rainbow Room parents/caregivers must accompany children onto the playground from 11:00-11:30. Please come into the Rainbow Room by 11 a.m. and walk with your child to the playground. If you have a small infant or any other reason that you cannot be outside with your child, please discuss this with Terry or the Rainbow Room teachers in advance.
- Please dress your child for outdoor play on wood chips - no sandals please! Children often get wet playing in the water table, so bring an extra set of clothes if you wish.
- Please apply sunscreen or insect repellent before outside time if you wish. (Both are available in the first aid cabinet in the hallway if needed). Please let us know if you or your child are allergic to bee stings. A basic first aid kit (containing Benadryl) is available at all times. PLEASE DO NOT BRING FOOD OR COFFEE OUTSIDE – THEY MAY ATTRACT BEES!
- Thank you for your cooperation! If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to Terry Beem, Parent/Child Center Program Coordinator.
- At the sound of the fire alarm, Sunshine & Rainbow Room teachers will immediately take children outside through the nearest designated exit, with the help of parents who are present. Parents should also exit immediately; to avoid confusion, please do not try to go to your child’s room if you are not already there!
- Parents in the Baby & Me Room exit with their infant, and may be asked to help carry any infant whose parent/caregiver is not present.
- The Program Coordinator or her designated substitute will check all rooms before exiting the building, and when outside will match the sign-in sheet with each parent/caregiver and child. Please do not leave the outdoor assembly area until directed by the Program Coordinator or Fire Department staff.
- PLEASE FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH POSTED EXIT DIAGRAMS IN EACH ROOM. 2 planned emergency evacuation drills will be held each year.
We hope you will be able to relax and enjoy some time with other parents in the Parent Lounge, once your child is comfortable with his/her teachers. We very much hope that you will feel welcomed - and that when new parents arrive, you will help them to feel welcome. In this diverse and informal setting, please be respectful of the feelings of others.
- During morning drop-in hours, please do not bring your child into the Parent Lounge on a regular basis once he/she is actively moving around and exploring; if your child needs you, please come out into the hallway or into the children’s rooms. When there is a speaker in the Parent Lounge, you may bring a small infant in with you, but please be considerate of others when you try this option!
- Please do not bring children into the Parent Room for snacks; the donated baked goods are meant for parents and caregivers. If your child is hungry before his/her group snack time, you are welcome to bring a snack from home, but please take your child out of the classroom if you wish to do this. Cheerios are always available if needed!
Please do not bring yourself or your child to the center when he/she:
- is vomiting
- has diarrhea
- has a fever/has had a fever in the past 24 hours
- has a contagious cold or cough
- has a runny nose with greenish or yellowish mucus
- has conjunctivitis (this must be checked with your doctor)
- is in the first 24 hours of taking antibiotics for a contagious illness such as strep throat
- is in the first 7 days of chicken pox
- has head lice
If your child contracts a contagious illness or condition (strep, chicken pox, head lice, etc.) and may have been contagious while at the center, please inform the staff so the information can be shared with other parents. Please be sure to let the staff know if you or your child has allergies or other medical conditions which could affect you while you are at the center.
These health guidelines have been developed to protect you and your children (as well as our staff) as much as possible from contracting contagious illnesses. We know that parents are not always sure whether their child is contagious, nor can they always predict how an illness will progress. Please follow these guidelines, and ask or call a staff member if you are not sure what to do. We want to support you as a parent, but must also keep in mind the welfare of all our families.
The Family Network Social Worker, Geri Greenberg LCSW, is available to meet with parents during morning drop-in hours, either informally in the parent room and children’s rooms, or for confidential private consultations in her office. Appointments can be made with her in person or by phone (433-0377, ext. 306). Geri is also available to help with referrals to outside resources when needed.
Family Network is committed to including all families in our programs, and the staff is happy to meet with parents to develop plans to accommodate any special needs. The staff meets regularly with the Program Coordinator and Social Worker to plan for the needs of all participating children and families. All information shared with staff is confidential. If it is necessary to share information with outside professionals or agencies, parents will be requested to sign release of information forms.
Staff members are always available to discuss questions, concerns, or plans with parents or caregivers. Although this is sometimes possible during drop-in hours, often it is best to schedule a mutually convenient time to talk before or after drop-in hours, or we can call you at home. If you would like to speak with any of the staff, please leave a message at the FN office.
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Meet the Staff
Terry Beem, M.Ed., Program Coordinator
Sonia Calles, Office Administrator
Jordan Friedman, LCSW, Center Director
Terry Beem has been the Program Coordinator for the Parent/Child Center since 1997. She has a Master’s Degree in Child Development from the Erikson Institute, and has worked with young children and their families since 1972. She has a special interest in infant mental health issues, and has presented workshops on using children’s books.
Marilú Betancourt (Rainbow Room) has been a teacher in the Dual Language program since 2007. She acts as a liaison to the Spanish speaking families who attend the program, and has also been on the staff of Family Network’s Right From the Start program since 2004. Marilú has an associate degree in Tourism in her native country, Mexico.
Carol Brusslan (Sunshine Room) has been a teacher at Family Network since 1994. Carol has a Master’s Degree in Early Education from National Louis University, and has worked for many years as a journalist. She is a Board member of the Highland Park-Highwood Home Child Care Association.
Pam Frankel (Baby & Me Room) has a Master's Degree from the Erikson Institute, with a specialization in Child Development. Pam did her internship year at Family Network in 2008-2009. She has experience in child welfare, human resources, and training.
Jane Glickman (Sunshine Room) has been a bilingual teacher at Family Network since 2002, and first came to the center as a parent. Recently, Jane coordinated Family Network’s Single Parent group, and she is also on the staff of the Right From the Start program. Jane has a B.A. in biology, and when not at Family Network she operates her own landscape gardening business.
Geri Greenberg, LCSW, has been the Parent/Child Social Worker since 2008. Before joining the Parent/Child Center staff, Geri was first a special education teacher and then a school social worker for many years. She also volunteered as a parent mentor, and taught parenting classes..
Susan Grossman (Community Outreach), has been involved with Family Network since 1983. She is a graduate of the Infant Studies Program at the Erikson Institute, and was instrumental in the creation of the Baby & Me Room. Susan served as the center’s Infant Specialist from 1991-2004, and currently is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Family Studies at DePaul University.
Cathleen Hamili (Baby & Me Room) has been a facilitator in the Baby & Me Room since 2002, and first came to the center as a parent. Cathleen has a Master’s Degree in Human Services from Loyola University and has had experience in counseling young women. She has been involved with the Dual Language Morning program since it began.
Patty Pell (Sunshine Room) has been a bilingual teacher in the Dual Language Morning program since it began in 2001. Patty has a B.A. in Art and Spanish, has taught high school Spanish, and is an active Highland Park community volunteer.
Helga Schrimmer (Rainbow Room) has been a teacher at Family Network since 2000, and before that she was a volunteer at the center. Helga was a teacher for many years at the North Suburban Synagogue Beth El Preschool.
Lucrecia Soruco (Baby & Me Room) is the co-facilitator of the “Mi Bebe y Yo” group on Thursday Dual Language mornings. She has a B.A. in Social Work, has experience with Head Start, and has been a Family Support Worker with Family Network’s Right From the Start program since 2003.
Nancy Telling (Rainbow Room) has been a teacher at Family Network since 2008, and she also serves as a Site Coordinator for the ASAP program. Nancy has a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Trinity University, and has worked with children for many years.
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CURRENT NEWS
A special day for moms (and those who love them) at the annual Family Network Parent/Child Center Mother’s Day Concert & Celebration,
May 6, 2010
Summer 2009 at the Parent/Child Center
Children enjoy daily outdoor playtime, with new opportunities for exploration and socialization around the water play table, on the slides, and (shades of Tom Sawyer) painting the fence with buckets of water!
On the 4th of July, 80 people (from all 3 of our programs) marched behind the Family Network banner in the Highland Park parade. Thanks to the Spadino family and Windy City Home Inspections for donating the transportation!
At the end of July, our annual Family Picnic at Sunset Park was a great success. After supper and the consumption of lots of watermelon, parents had the opportunity to socialize a bit while the kids enjoyed a variety of activities… Children lined up to have their faces (or hands or arms) painted by Infant Room Facilitator Cathleen Hamili (and her daughter Iman). Jane Glickman, Sunshine Room teacher (and her daughter Samantha) helped the kids make lots of amazing bubbles. Our budding artists had a huge canvas for sidewalk chalk creations. And we greeted several alumni families who came back to “touch base” – as all Family Network families are always welcome to do!
 
On the last day of the summer drop-in program, the “Mi Bebe y Yo” group (which meets on Thursdays in the Baby Room) had a delicious potluck brunch.
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Groups
This group provides an environment where women can meet and help one another in a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere, facilitated by Susan Feingold, PsyD. This 6 week support group meets from 1:30-3:00pm on Thursdays in Spring 2010 at the Family Network Parent/Child Center.
- Call Dr. Feingold at 847-831-7731 for information or to register.
- Next session begins Summer 2010
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Testimonials
Testimonials (from current and past "Parent-Child Center" parents - will rotate below).
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