Concordia Place

A 2011 grant from Nuestro Futuro supports the Whipple Site Early Learning and Preschool, whose learning model and sliding tuition scale have been recognized as national models.

With three daughters under the age of five, single parent Carmen Silva depends on quality child care to support her family. At Concordia Place's preschool program, tuition fees on a sliding scale mean that she pays what she can afford—and in return, she gets priceless peace of mind.

"We love all of the personal relationships with our teachers," Carmen explains.

Bilingual staff at the Whipple Site Early Learning and Preschool Program send Carmen daily updates from each child's lessons. Parents are invited into the classroom too, with special events like the Mother’s Day Tea Party which helps parents and teachers form stronger relationships.

Education doesn'’t stop with the pupils: Concordia Place incorporates a parent curriculum too. During home visits, a Family Support Specialist helps parents understand the phases of child development, and gain insight into each child's individual needs.

Carmen is thrilled with the skills and confidence her daughters have gained. "Michelle started in the infant room and then transitioned into the toddler room. I met with both teachers and was very comfortable with the transitions, which made Michelle comfortable going from one room into the other. She has grown a lot since she started at Concordia. In the beginning, she was very shy, and not as independent. She is now very social and knows most of the kids’ names in her class!"

"I am thankful to Concordia for all the help I get with the raising of my kids. They are growing up knowing more than I expected. Maria, my middle child, is getting ready for her transition into preschool where Vanessa is now. I know she will do just as well."

Learn more about Nuestro Futuro, the Trust's affiliate that supports programs improving the quality of life of Latinos in metropolitan Chicago.