The Learning Bridge stands apart with a large campus, a range of enrichment activities, and all-organic meals that can flex to accommodate dietary needs and allergies.
OUTDOOR FACILITIEs:
Large playground and giant sandbox
Child-safe, poured soft-surface bike track with tricycles for one, two and three riders!
Summer sprinklers and water tables
The whole school goes outside together twice a day, weather permitting. This allows classrooms to mingle, brothers and sisters to visit, and teachers and students to get to know one another.
If the weather keeps us indoors, children work on gross motor skills as they tumble, balance, jump, climb, and dance through our basement recreational room and indoor obstacle course.
organic and flexible food menus
We will work with you to accommodate your family and child's dietary needs.
Kid-friendly organic meals that exceed USDA and Illinois Board of Education guidelines
Locally-sourced, grass-fed meats are growth-hormone and antibiotic free
Nut-free zone: meals are prepared in a peanut-free facility
Vegetarian, dairy-free or gluten-free meals are available upon request
other ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES:
Our community partners help us offer the extras for learning and self-discovery that are crucial to the young child's brain development. Here is a sample of enrichment programs scheduled for the 2018-19 school year:
Reading Art -We are fortunate for the expertise of Lindy Rubin, who brings us ‘Reading Art’ to show and discuss great works of art with the Center’s children. The teachers and Ms. Lindy work together to create ongoing classroom projects around the paintings presented. This program culminates in a field trip to the Art Institute to see the paintings and sculptures in situ.
Jumpstart - A national early education organization that recruits and trains college students interested in serving at-risk preschool children growing up in low-income homes. Our Northwestern University Jumpstart team provides hundreds of hours of support to help children develop the language and literacy skills that support kindergarten readiness.
Dental Hygiene - Two resources support Center children’s dental hygiene: Dr. Richard Vogel visits the school to talk about teeth and their care, leaving behind a generous supply of toothpaste! We also schedule Universal Smiles each year to conduct routine teeth cleaning and fluoride treatments for young children.
Evanston Public Library and Book Buddies - An Evanston Public Library community outreach liaison visits our classroom once a month with stories for the children. Book Buddies also engages regular volunteers to read stories and assist with art projects in our classrooms.
Kindergarten Transition Program - During the summer we hold two “Kindergarten“ sessions for children who need some extra help preparing for school, such as confidence in their letter sounds or better self-regulation.
Swimming - At the end of July, the children in the 3-5 year old classrooms go to the YWCA for swimming lessons. This is possible in part through grant underwriting and donor support.
Field Trips - The children visit neighborhood parks, and go on walks to nearby entities like the post office and bakery. We also schedule annual field trips to children’s museums and other cultural institutions.