Child Development

Six center-based, state-licensed Child Development centers in northern Illinois offer accessible, affordable, high-quality day care to children of low-income parents.

Key Statistics:

  • Kids Hope United served 1,163 children through our Child Development Services in FY07.
  • All centers met goals for social/emotional, cognitive, language and physical development.

Our Success:
After the death of their daughter, Li and Yu Jing were left to care for their 4-year-old granddaughter, Lily. Of Asian decent, the family spoke no English, making all efforts at communication difficult. To make matters worse, Li was diagnosed with cancer and returned to China for treatment, as the family did not have medical coverage in the United States. Overwhelmed by difficulty, Yu Jing reached out for help from the Bridgeport Child Development Center. Because 91 out of 114 preschoolers are of Asian decent, the center employs one bilingual teacher out of every three to support children and families. Staff taught Lily subjects such as math, science and computers, and helped her improved her English. Staff also referred Yu Jing to counselors and helped her attain health benefits, social security and other financial assistance. Today, Lily is thriving in kindergarten and improving her English daily. Lily and Yu Jing hope to reunite with Li, now that they have medical coverage, and look forward to a bright future full of hope.