Concrete Rose
Learning Center

Who We Are

Concrete Rose Learning Center (CRL Center) is a non-profit organization founded in 2022. The organization’s mission is to remove obstacles that hinder the growth and development of children through education, advocacy, and community partnerships.

CRL Center has partnered with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to launch Preschool for All—a high-quality educational program for young children. Lake Bluff was identified by the ISBE as a “preschool desert” because there were no free childcare options available for families in the area. CRL Center is proud to offer free preschool services to meet the unmet educational needs in the community. The organization’s main goal is to provide the best quality early learning program for children and families and ensure a successful school experience for everyone who enters our school.

CRL Center’s EIN is 88-3138876.

What We Do

CRL Center has partnered with ISBE to offer a Preschool for All (PFA) program. PFA is free for eligible families and children aged three (3) to five (5) years old. The preschool program runs for five (5) days a week and each session is 2 hours and 30 minutes long.

Teaching Philosophy

We provide a program that focuses on play-based learning, which helps children develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and social skills through interactive exploration. Our program offers learning activities that expose children to the world around them, including literacy, math, science, social studies, social-emotional connections, STEAM, and technology. Our staff creates a positive and safe learning environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and accepted.

Daily Schedule

Children start their day in an outdoor classroom where they engage in a range of learning activities. We provide interest areas with educational materials that align with our program goals, children’s interests, and abilities. Additionally, we offer small-group and large-group activities to ensure that every child is adequately engaged in the learning process. To support children’s health, we also provide a nutritious snack every day. Our curriculum and assessment are based on research and guide children’s learning while tracking their development.

Monday through Friday, 8:15 am – 10:45 am or 12:45 pm – 3:15 pm

• 5 minutes:  Arrival
• 35 minutes:  Gross Motor (Outdoor play daily- weather permitting)
• 10 minutes:  Restroom and Handwashing
• 10 minutes:  Circle Time (Whole group)
• 65 minutes:  Interest Centers (Includes snack as a choice)
• 5 minutes:  Clean-up
• 15 minutes:  Small Group
• 5 minutes:  Dismissal

Teacher Qualification

Our teachers are essential to the growth and development of children. They love working with children and encourage their exploration. Our teachers are licensed by the ISBE and receive continuous professional development. We follow a low teacher-to-child ratio of two (2) teachers to 18 children, which allows for individualized learning experiences and more one-on-one attention.

Family Engagement

It is widely understood that children tend to achieve better learning outcomes when their families are actively involved in their education. We strongly encourage families to participate, provide input and feedback, and engage with their child’s learning. We offer several opportunities for families to get involved, including ongoing communication, family-teacher conferences, setting goals, volunteering, and training.

Community Partnership

Community partnerships play a crucial role in addressing the needs of our school, children, and families. We strive to connect families with community resources to help them overcome any obstacles they may face in their daily lives. One of our valued community partners is Grace United Methodist Church. Our PFA program is housed in the education wing of the church.

Why Early Childhood

The skills that children acquire in a high-quality early learning program form the foundation for all their future learning and success, as well as their interactions with their peers and adults. However, not all children have access to a quality early learning program. Those in underserved communities face numerous barriers that can persist throughout their lives and affect their quality of life. That is why our work is so crucial. Our objective is to eliminate the obstacles to accessing quality education.