Gads Hill Center located on Chicago’s southwest side has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals.

“We’re proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards for the children we serve,” said Barbara Castellan, Chief Executive Officer.  “NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that our children are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible.” Gads Hill provides life enhancing developmental programs that focus on providing educational support to youth and their families.

To earn NAEYC Accreditation, Gads Hill Center went through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the ten NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related Accreditation Criteria.  The program received NAEYC Accreditation after an on-site visit by NAEYC Assessors to ensure that the program meets each of the ten program standards.

In the 25 years since NAEYC Accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education.  More than 7,000 programs are currently accredited by NAEYC.  This represents approximately 8 percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs.  “The NAEYC Accreditation system raises the bar for child care centers and other early childhood programs,” said Jerlean E. Daniel, Ph.D, executive director of NAEYC. “Having earned NAEYC Accreditation is a sign that Gads Hill Center is a leader in the national effort to invest in high-quality early childhood education.”

Gads Hill Center is thrilled to announce the development of the Young Professionals Committee. The Young Professionals Committee is a dynamic group of volunteers from a diverse range of professional backgrounds who give of their time and resources to help Gads Hill Center. Members will organize and lead activities associated with raising funds and engage in activities with those we serve. This is a wonderful opportunity for dedicated young professionals in Chicago to learn about the benefits of serving a non-profit organization, while developing relationships that will expand their resource network.

What Should You Know?

• The Young Professional Committee will meet every other month or as scheduled by their leadership. The committee will have access to the advice and support of Gads Hill Center staff.
• The chair of the committee will serve on the Resource Development Committee of Gads Hill Center’s Board of Directors.
• The Young Professionals will host one major event each year during the early fall. Members will also help Gads Hill Center reach its fundraising goals by joining in other Board of Directors activities and developing other creative fundraising initiatives.
• Members will be instrumental in applying their knowledge to the enhancement of our existing programs. Participation in programmatic initiatives will allow members to become involved in activities at Gads Hill Center. These activities could include chaperoning field trips, speaking with youth regarding career opportunities, or serving as a mentor.
• Young Professionals are asked to contribute $500 during the fiscal year through any combination of giving or getting by way of donations, ticket sales, etc.

What’s In It for You?

• Young Professionals membership will be recognized at all fundraisers and related publications, including the annual report and newsletter, which is sent to more than 1500 Chicago area individuals, corporations, foundations, and organizations.
• The Young Professionals Committee is a wonderful opportunity to take on a leadership role in the community, network with other professionals, and make an impact on Chicago’s children, youth, adults and families.
• Members will be able to expand on skills that they may not have the opportunity to develop at their jobs. They will gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to run a successful organization.
• The benefits of serving a non-profit organization in the capacity of a Young Professionals Committee are well documented, particularly for young professionals.

How Do You Join?

• Join Gads Hill Center at a networking reception at Revolution Brewery on Tuesday October 11 from 6-8pm.
• Checkout the Gads Hill Center website and ‘like’ Gads Hill Center facebook page.
• Join the committee for the first meeting on Tuesday, October 25th from 6-8pm at the center.
• Contact Megan Aebi, Gads Hill Center Development Associate, at 312.226.0963 ext. 242 or by email at maebi@gadshillcenter.org with any questions.

Over 300 community leaders, corporate partners, Gads Hill alumni, current participants and supporters came together to raise over $65,000 and to celebrate the significant contributions of those who have made Gads Hill Center a thriving resource on Chicago’s southwest side. 

Join Gads Hill Center as we kick off our annual gala and celebrate another year of service to our community.

Thursday, November 5
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Quarles & Brady LLP
300 N. LaSalle St., Suite 4000
Chicago, IL

RSVP to Lauren Wesley at lwesley@gadshillcenter.org or by calling 312-226-0963, ext. 242 by November 2.

Thank you to our 2009 supporters:
Adams Street Partners
Comcast
Boeing
Chapman and Cutler LLP
MB Financial Bank
MerlinSolutions
Matthews Roofing
Fullline Printing, Inc.
AztecAmerica Bank
Fifth Third Bank
Freeborn & Peters LLP
Midwest Generation
Primera Engineers, Ltd.
Pugh, Jones, Johnson & Quandt, P.C.
State Farm
BP America, Inc.
Community Savings Bank
El Milagro Tortillas
First Eagle Bank
James Neaylon
Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.

Dorinda O. Flores, Event Co-Chair       Donnica Austin-Cathey, Event Co-Chair
Fifth Third Bank

Back to School Picnic

on August 27th at 4-7pm

Pictures from the Back to School event will be up soon – thanks to everyone for a great afternoon!

A big thank you to our sponsors for making possible a great event:

Alderman Daniel Solis

Eighteenth Street Development Corporation

Efrain Mata

H. Kramer and Company

Lalo’s on Maxwell

Monterrey Security

Nuevo Leon Restaurant

Tampico

For more information contact Lauren Wesley at (312) 226-0963, ext. 242 or lwesley@gadshillcenter.org.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at the

Chicago Cultural Center’s Preston Bradley Hall

This year’s honorees were:

Corporate Partner Award
Tommy P. FitzGibbon, Jr., MB Financial Bank

Community Partner Award
Dr. Rich Macur Brousil, Mount SinaiHospital

George W. Moss Founder’s Award
James P. Brett, Gads Hill Board of Directors

For more information, contact Lauren Wesley at (312) 226-0963, ext. 242 or lwesley@gadshillcenter.org.

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