Lauretta M. Eno Early Learning Center

Parents of children enrolled within the Lauretta M. Eno Early Learning Center can click here to schedule their child.

Our Mission: “To provide parents peace of mind”
Blessing Lauretta M. Eno Early Learning Center educators are caring professionals dedicated to meeting each child’s individual needs by providing developmentally appropriate activities in a quality environment that is safe and nurturing. We serve the whole child in an atmosphere of compassion and respect. We strive for continuous improvement through cooperation and partnerships with families.

History of Blessing Child Care
Blessing Hospital was the first hospital in Illinois to establish an on-site employee child care center. It opened February 19, 1974 with a licensed capacity of 25 children.

Since its opening, the Blessing Lauretta M. Eno Early Learning Center has expanded its licensed capacity. The most significant expansion occurred in 1993 when Blessing Hospital acquired St. Mary Hospital and its existing Joe Bonansinga Child Care Center.

A new, state-of-the-art Early Learning Center opened on May 24, 1999 and has a current licensed capacity of 253 children, ages six weeks to 12 years of age. The building is designed with three main wings including Infant/Toddler, Preschool, and School-Age.

The Blessing Lauretta M. Eno Early Learning Center currently accommodates approximately 500 children annually, providing peace of mind to Blessing Health System employees.

Philosophy
Play is children’s work and the way children learn. The Child Care Center educators believe a daily routine of both child initiated play and teacher-directed play enhances this learning.

National Accreditation and State Quality Recognition
The care and education provided by the Early Learning Center has earned accreditation from the National Accreditation Commission (NAC). In addition, the Center has achieved the Gold Circle of Quality through Excellerate Illinois. Achievement of both these recognitions means that Blessing Hospital Lauretta M. Eno Early Learning Center excels in the provision of Early Childhood Education beyond basic state licensing requirements. These areas include, but are not limited to, the provision of education and early learning, family and community engagement, leadership and management, and qualifications and continuing education. The Center remains committed to the highest and safest practices in the delivery of early care and education through compliance with requirements and standards of excellence.

Features of the Child Care Center

• Age-appropriate learning curriculum for all ages.
• State-of-the-art fingerprint security system at the main entrance controls access into the building.
• Large rooms equipped with child sized furniture and equipment, including toilets, sinks, and water fountains.
• Bathroom facilities adjoined to classrooms.
• Kitchen facilities in every classroom.
• Direct playground access from every classroom.
• Age-appropriate playgrounds including toddler, preschool, and school-age playgrounds.
• A large multipurpose room for indoor play.

School-Age Program
Before and after school care is available during the school year at the Blessing Lauretta M. Eno Early Learning Center. The Center also provides transportation for school-age children to schools within the City of Quincy for a daily or weekly fee, depending on which best meets the needs of parents.

During summer months, children ages five through 12 who have attended kindergarten may participate in summer school age activities offered by the Early Learning Center. Activities include swimming, skating, field trips, interactive sports and games as well as general play and activities suggested by the children.

Child-Teacher Ratio

• Infants (6 weeks -15 months): 1 teacher to 4 children
• Toddlers (15-24 months): 1 teacher to 5 children
• Two year olds: 1 teacher to 8 children
• Three, four and five year olds: 1 teacher to 10 children
• School-age (ages 6-12): 1 teacher to 20 children

Testing
Children enrolled at the Blessing Lauretta M. Eno Early Learning Center are eligible to receive an assessment and testing by trained professionals. Parents are provided with a copy of the results of the assessment/testing at parent/teacher conferences.

Parent Involvement
Parents and extended family members are encouraged to participate in Center activities. Parents, grandparents and other extended family members may become involved by doing any of the following:

• Visit their child’s classroom on work breaks.
• Volunteer as a classroom or office aid on parent(s) day off.
• Support their child’s educational program by providing supplies and items from home as requested by the teacher.
• Review all communications from teachers and administrators.
• Join the Parent Advisory Committee.