Mother’s Day Out offers early childhood socialization
It was 30 years ago that a group of women in the Sycamore United Methodist Church banded together to offer some time off for mothers and provide early socialization and educational experiences for young children.
The program is a nonprofit organization that caters to families in the greater DeKalb County area who want to provide quality time and interactive experiences for their children, ages 18 months to 5 years.
The director of the program for the past 13 years, Barbara Johnson, said in a news release that
Mother’s Day Out is not a day care or pre-school program, but rather a way to give young children an opportunity to interact with their peers, enjoy a safe, loving environment, learn through hands-on experience with accredited teachers and teacher’s aides guiding them, and prepare for pre-school and schoolroom life.
Johnson said the program has had as many as 110 children during any one year and hundreds have passed through their classrooms, still housed at the Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave.
Mother’s Day Out follows the Sycamore school district calendar, September through May.
The program runs from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday.
Parents pay a monthly fee and can enroll their children for one to five days a week. The group is licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services, and must follow DCFS guidelines for teachers and aides.
Johnson, who also is a teacher, said they emphasize hands-on learning through painting, art-time, circle and stories, finger plays, using their imaginations and drama-play. While playing with children, the teachers and aides are aware of developmental milestones, therefore stretching the children’s boundaries in learning and exploring. The program takes pride in maintaining a high teacher-to-child ratio.
Johnson said there is a second generation of enrollees whose parents also took part in the same program years before.
As with most nonprofit organizations, the program has seen a decrease in enrollment due to the economic downturn. Tax deductible donations for scholarships and classroom supplies can be made by calling 815-895-9113. Enrollment is open for this semester by calling Johnson at 815-895-4433, ext. 1, or e-mail barbjohnson@sycamoreumc.org.
