Creativity, exploration, and discovery
in a Christ-centered environment

GET IN TOUCH

HOURS 6:15am-4:30pm

CONTACT
350 Christian Way
Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 338-1954
Email us

Hearthstone Early Learning Center believes that children grow in a nurturing environment which promotes safety and security. Our teachers go the extra mile by encouraging creativity, exploration, and discovery in a play-based learning environment. The Center is a Christian-based, childhood enrichment community which provides guidance, education, recreation and care for over 100 children between six weeks and 12 years old.

We are committed to making every child’s early educational experience a rewarding one through a strong commitment to Christian values, inter-generational activities, and an interactive early learning environment.

We Offer

SPIRITUAL PROGRAM

We believe it’s never too early to teach children about God and his purpose in their lives. Our curriculum reflects Christian values of cooperation, equality, and nonviolence. Bible stories, songs, and prayer are part of our daily routine.

TRANSPORTATION

Hearthstone ELC provides transportation to and from most District #200 schools for school age children.

OUTDOOR PLAY AREAS

Each classroom has access to age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Our large play structure was partly constructed via a “community build” event with staff and volunteers.

GYM & MULTIPURPOSE ROOM

Our gym and multipurpose room is used for many activities like bike riding, parachute fun, and other play when weather doesn’t permit us to go outside. In this space we also offer in-house field trips, book fairs, and more!

EQUIPPED RESOURCE ROOM

A gracious donor supplied the funds to renovate our resource room and equip it with computers, books, curriculum, and media equipment to teach students “Farm to Table” concepts. Space is available for students to prepare and eat fun and healthy snacks.

SUMMER/FALL GARDEN

With the guidance of our Master Gardener, Mr. Al, our students plant a vegetable garden in the spring and take care of it throughout the summer. We harvest cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, and more!

FOOD SERVICE

Breakfast, lunch, and two healthy snacks are provided each day. Our food is catered and the menu is prepared by a registered dietician.

ELC Mission

To offer a developmentally appropriate early childhood/school age curriculum based on Christian values of cooperation, equality, and nonviolence.

To maintain a dedicated, professional staff through competitive salaries, benefits, and ongoing education and professional development training

To develop and maintain partnerships with parents, teachers, community, and local, state, and national organizations

To provide safe, healthy, and reliable childcare options for parents and caregivers

Qualified Teaching Staff

Our teachers have a passion to meet the individual needs of each student and work closely with parents to provide support in any way we can. All of our teachers are trained in CPR and First Aid and are required to have at least twenty continuing education hours each year.

Melissa Norman,
Director

Scott Virzi
Assistant Director

Our Programs

INFANTS AND TODDLERS

Hearthstone ELC offers a carefully designed environment for our youngest children, starting at six weeks of age. Specially trained teachers nurture and guide our little ones through these formative years. Continuity of care and secure, loving relationships prepare children for their emerging independence.

Our program is carefully constructed according to child development standards and individual needs. Developmentally appropriate activities are child-centered and directed towards the natural interests and inclinations of children. Activities are also need-centered, directed towards physical, emotional, cognitive and social growth and development.

PRESCHOOL

Our preschool programs are play-based and experiential. Physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth is stimulated through hands-on real life experiences. Developmentally appropriate practice is the foundation of the curriculum and daily schedule planning. Phonological awareness, science and math activities are important aspects of the program and are integrated throughout the day.

Our teachers strive to ensure children feel safe and secure. They give them responsibilities, model empathy and respect for others, and encourage them to explore and discover the world around them.

Contact us today or use the registration forms below to join our program!

SCHOOL AGE

Developmentally appropriate programs and support for families are offered during the school year and summer. Before and after school programs operate on days when school is in session and full childcare coverage is offered during District #200 Holiday breaks.

Our school age children need an environment that’s relaxing, fun, safe and motivational. Hearthstone Early Learning Center encourages academic achievement and provides a quiet time for homework. Group time, snack, outdoor play, free play and “jobs” are scheduled daily. Field trips round out the program.

INTERGENERATIONAL ACTIVITIES

One of the benefits of serving seniors and children on one campus are the bonds that children form with the “Grandmas and Grandpas” of Hearthstone through regular visits. Our intergenerational activities keep seniors young at heart and include show and tell, arts & crafts, singing, drama, exercising, cooking, special treats and more.

Working with seniors on these activities gives children a better understanding and an avenue for them to become comfortable with others in different circumstances, such as those in a wheelchair, a walker or other age-related conditions. This first-hand experience opens the door to classroom activities and discussions that address differences, diversity, culture and inclusion.

What People Are Saying

“Hearthstone gives us peace of mind and fills me with gratitude. I can be fully present and exceed goals at work because I know that our precious daughter is in great hands. They shower love on her and create an environment where she learns with a from others. We feel blessed to have this Christ-centered organization in our community!”

– MELANIE PERRY, HEARTHSTONE ELC PARENT

“I enjoy talking with the kids, watching them play and have fun. It gives me great pleasure to interact with the little ones and their expressions are precious. You just want to hug them all! I’m a grandma & great grandma and it’s like they’re one of my own.

– BETTY RIFE, RESIDENT OF HEARTHSTONE VILLAGE

“I am so happy to have my children at Hearthstone Early Learning Center. As a teacher here, I get to see first hand all the wonderful activities the children participate in. My children have been here for over five years and the academic and social growth I have seen is a credit to the center. It brings me so much joy to know my kids get excited to tell me about al l the fun things they get to do every day!”

– ERIN M, HEARTHSTONE ELC PARENT & TEACHER

Contact Us

We are located at 350 Christian Way in Woodstock, IL. If you’d like to learn more about us or get in touch, we’d love to hear from you! Please email us at hearthstoneelc@hearthstonewoodstock.org or call (815) 338-1954 to speak with someone about Hearthstone’s Early Learning Center.

Hearthstone Early Learning Center is licensed by the State of Illinois, Department of Children and Family Services.
We are an ExceleRate Illinois Silver Circle of Quality recipient.