#United States #Lake County #ZION #EduCare #Start Early

Start Early Launches Educare Lake County

Today marked a significant moment for early childhood education in Lake County as Start Early broke ground on the Educare Lake County facility in Zion, Illinois. This new state-of-the-art educational hub aims to transform the lives of young children and their families by providing high-quality early learning services. Educare Lake County is designed to cater to children from birth up to five years old, and it is expected to serve 174 children when it officially opens in late 2027.

The Educare model, developed by Start Early over 25 years ago, represents a pioneering approach in early childhood education. This model has been recognized nationally for its comprehensive, evidence-based practices that prioritize continuous learning, community engagement, and professional development for educators. The inaugural Educare facility, built in Chicago, set a groundbreaking standard in the field, and now, its replication in Lake County is a testament to its success.

Located strategically between Shiloh Park and Zion Central Middle Schools, the 38,000-square-foot Educare Lake County will feature full-day, year-round programs that emphasize both educational growth and family support services. Amenities will include developmentally appropriate classrooms, a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) room, a library, and designated indoor and outdoor play areas. Importantly, the school will employ certified bilingual educators who mirror the diverse community it serves, ensuring that every child feels seen and supported.

"Educare Lake County showcases the power of collaboration and a shared vision for the future of our children and families," said Start Early President Diana Rauner during the groundbreaking ceremony. She stressed the importance of listening to community needs and hopes, reflecting Start Early’s commitment to building a program that resonates with local families. The initiative responds directly to needs identified in a recent assessment, which unveiled Lake County as a 'child care desert'—a region lacking sufficient early education resources for children and their families.

In addition to direct educational services, Educare Lake County will play a pivotal role in workforce development, focusing on recruiting and retaining qualified early childhood educators. Start Early plans to offer professional development, coaching, and career advancement opportunities to ensure that educators are prepared to provide high-quality services in a field often marked by challenges such as low wages and high turnover. This holistic approach not only aims to support children but also seeks to uplift the entire community.

To complement the permanent site development, interim Early Learning Centers were opened in Beach Park and Waukegan in 2024. These centers are designed to engage with families immediately and begin addressing the urgent need for reliable and affordable child care.

City and community leaders welcomed this project with optimism. Zion Mayor Billy McKinney highlighted that Educare Lake County represents a collective effort that will substantially benefit local families, ultimately creating a stronger community. The project's leadership investment comes from philanthropic supporters like John and Kathy Schreiber, alongside contributions from notable foundations, reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing essential early education services.

As Start Early continues its mission to narrow the opportunity gap in education, Educare Lake County marks a key step in ensuring that every child has access to the quality beginnings they deserve. For more information about Start Early and its initiatives, visit Start Early.