The Children's School

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Welcome to The Children's School!

 We are glad you are interested in learning more about our school family.

Mission Statement

"The Children's School will provide a safe, nurturing environment with opportunities that promote confidence and inspire creativity while respecting each learner's unique needs."

Specifically, we will:

  • provide a developmentally appropriate early education program that allows Carl Sandburg College students, Sandburg employees and others in the community to participate in and fulfill their responsibilities to the College
  • provide opportunities for Sandburg students to observe and interact with children in a group setting
  • provide opportunities for staff to learn and grow as professionals
  • serve as a model program for others interested in establishing a quality early education program.

Services Offered

The Children's School opened in August 1977 as an Early Childhood Lab School.  Currently, The Children’s School operates five year-round classrooms:

Lullaby Land ages 6 weeks-18 months

Toddler Town ages 15 months-3 years

Early Explorers ages 2-3 years

Shining Stars ages 3-5 years

Go Getters ages 4 years through school age

*In the summer months and on local school district holidays, childcare is also provided for children ages 5 through 12 years old.

Program Highlights

  • A developmentally appropriate educational curriculum is provided for all age groups.
  • We maintain ongoing developmental assessment for each child based on Illinois Early Learning Standards. 
  • A hot lunch and two snacks are provided daily and included in the daily rate.
  • Carl Sandburg College Child Development and Nursing students add to the curriculum while completing course requirements.
  • Work Study students serve as extra adult support in the classrooms.
  • Sandburg provides on-campus security 24 hours daily.
  • All employees complete at least 20 hours of professional development education each year.

Enrollment Procedures

Early education and care are available for children of Carl Sandburg College students, Sandburg employees, and the community at large respectively. Please follow the steps below:

  1. Place your family on the online waiting list.
  2. As an opening occurs, you will be contacted to complete a semester contract and pay the $10.00 contract fee. A weekly rate for child care tuition will be figured based on the days and times you reserve. Applications for subsidized rates will be available.
  3. An enrollment packet will be completed including a current (within six months for younger children or the current school physical for school-age children) physical. A handbook of policies and procedures will be included.
  4. At least one classroom visit will be scheduled before your child begins attending, at which time teachers will offer a classroom orientation.

More Information

You will find our policies and procedures in our Family Handbook.  

Families contract for (schedule) an entire semester at time at The Children’s School.  To review a sample contract, please see our current rates and contract terms. 

For more information, please email tfolger@sandburg.edu or call The Children's School on the Main Campus in Galesburg at (309)341-5280.