For 25 years, Educare Chicago has set the standard for high-quality early childhood education. What began as one school is now a national network serving thousands of children and families. Start Early celebrates this milestone and the lasting impact of Educare’s model of excellence, innovation and community partnership.
Twenty-five years ago, Educare Chicago opened its doors with a simple yet powerful belief: that every child no matter their background or ZIP code deserves access to quality early learning experiences. What began as one school on Chicago’s South Side has grown into a national network of 25 – soon to be 27 – Educare schools, all built on the original Educare Chicago model of excellence in early childhood education. Today, the Educare Network, developed by Start Early in partnership with other leading early childhood organizations, serves more than 4,000 children and families each year in our most under-served communities.
Over the past year, we’ve celebrated this milestone in so many meaningful ways – through community gatherings, a temporary museum showcasing Educare’s history, tours for new and long-standing partners and a joyful program in Educare Chicago’s garden. These moments of coming together have reflected the deep sense of pride and possibility that has defined Educare since its earliest days.
Last month, we brought it all together at the Educare Chicago 25th Anniversary Symposium, a day filled with wisdom, joy and heartfelt reflection. Nearly 100 individuals joined us in person at the University of Chicago and 200 more tuned in virtually, each helping make the day more special.
Throughout the symposium, we revisited the very foundations that have shaped the Educare model of learning over the years and its focus on family engagement, professional development, high-quality teaching and data-driven improvement. These principles have guided not only how we nurture children, but how we support the adults who care for them: parents, teachers and program leaders.
