Lutheran Day Early Childhood Center

A Sad Ending for Hull House

2012-01-23T14:22:00.000-08:00

Hull House, founded by Nobel Prize-winning social worker Jane Addams 122 years ago, has declared bankruptcy and will be closing its doors in spring 2012. The venerable institution was not receiving enough private donations to off-set the cuts in state funding for its programs and services for children and families.

The closure of Hull House highlights the struggles that many not-for-profit agencies are facing with regards to finances. State funds are being cut or eliminated and private donations have dwindled. Foundation grants have become increasingly competitive and limited. The result: cutbacks of services or closure.

Lutheran Day Nursery has also suffered as a result of cuts in state funding. We are so grateful for the donations we receive from churches and individuals, but we also have experienced a decline in our support base. While closure in not in our future, we are increasingly faced with difficult decisions about staffing and programs. Please consider increasing your support for our programs in 2012. You can make an online donation at our website: www.lutherandaynursery.org. Thank you.

Welcome 2012

2012-01-03T14:10:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! We're excited about 2012. New children are enrolling and we are expecting lots of growth and development throughout the building. But before we say goodbye to 2011, we encourage you to view the video of our December Christmas program. Follow the link to see short clips of our children singing, performing the Christmas story and bringing us lots of good cheer. http://www.youtube.com/user/vancilfamily1?feature=watch

Pastor Ray Launches New Children's Book

2011-12-16T04:45:00.000-08:00

Pastor Ray has authored a children's book, Blow Wind Blow. The book launched on December 14 where he read the story to gathered families. Illustrated by Logan Square resident Alyson Beaton, the book tells the story of a young boy who is faced with a big decision. Though illustrated for children, the story has a message for all ages. For more information about the book, visit www.growbookspress.com.

A Very Merry Christmas Program.

2011-12-14T12:54:00.000-08:00

The stage of Lutheran Day Nursery was transformed into a Christmas wonderland in preparation for our annual Christmas program on December 13. Over 50 parents and friends gathered to watch as the children performed holiday songs and a play depicting the events of the first Christmas. The teachers put lots of extra time and effort to make sure the children did their best. It was a wonderful program and a fitting start to everyone's Christmas celebration!

Special thanks to Lavinia Morozan, one of our parents, who created amazing costumes for the play; to Lilly Rodriguez and Sonia Pantoja, who did a spectacular job decorating the recreation room; and to the classroom staff for their great work with the kids.

To see pictures of the program, go to www.flickr.com/lutherandaynursery. Watch for a video of the program coming soon.

Community Service Learning

2011-12-12T12:59:00.000-08:00

The children in Ms. Bennett's class participated in their own community service projects this month. First, with the help from families in Room 2B, they collected canned goods for a local food pantry. They learn counting skills while they also learn about helping others in need. Then, they turned athletic socks into snowmen. Ms. Bennett delivered the special socks to the residents of a suburban nursing home, many of whom are on Medicaid. Thanks, Ms. Bennett, for teaching the children the value of caring and sharing.

Christmas Art

2011-12-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

The children helped design our annual Christmas card. Only one design could be used on the card, but they were all terrific. Enjoy their Christmas art.

The card includes our end-of-the-year appeal. If you would like to make a donation to help us help families, you can contribute online at http://www.lutherandaynursery.org/. All donations are tax deductible.

Giving Thanks For Family

2011-12-05T10:28:00.000-08:00

Parents and children enjoyed a Thanksgiving luncheon together at Lutheran Day Nursery on November 23. The children made beautiful thanksgiving decorations for the tables and we enjoyed all the traditional food of the holiday including turkey, mashed potatoes, corn and pumpkin pie. We are always thankful for our involved moms and dads.

We Made History

2011-10-09T18:32:00.000-07:00

Almost 70 people gathered on Friday, October 7, 2011, for "The Event of the Century", our celebration of 100 years of quality childcare, early childhood education, and family support. The evening was full of inspiring stories, special memories and wonderful fellowship around the tables. We enjoyed great food, a silent auction and the music of DJ MM. And we were inspired to follow in the footsteps of the amazing Lutheran Deaconesses that started Lutheran Day Nursery in 1911.

Thank you to everyone who attended or supported our event. We look forward to many more years of service to the Logan Square and Humboldt Park communities and to the impact we will make in the lives of children and families in the name of Christ.

To see pictures of the event, visit our new photo sharing site.

Reserve Your Place This Week

2011-09-26T04:40:00.000-07:00

September 30 is the deadline to reserve your place for the Event of the Century--our celebration of 100 years of quality affordable childcare and early childhood education on Friday, October 7, 2011. See all the details below. Online payment is available. Contact us at 773-486-4222 to let us know you're coming.

The Event of the Century

2011-08-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

Watch for your invitation to 'The Event of the Century', our 100th anniversary celebration on Friday, October 7, 2011. We will gather at 6:30 pm at the Rosewood Restaurant, 9421 W. Higgins Rd. in Rosemont, IL, for a great meal and a program filled with inspiring stories, great memories, and more.

Tickets for the event are $100 per adult. Children's tickets are $25 per child ages 12 and under.

Not on our mailing list? Link to our web site to purchase your tickets online (be sure to include the names of those who will attend.)

Join us on October 7, 2011, and be a part of the legacy that is Lutheran Day Nursery!

Summer Fun

2011-07-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

During the summer months, the children of Lutheran Day get to experience lots of special activities and field trips. Trips have included Ryerson Woods in Lincolnshire, IL, Brookfield Zoo, Pump It Up, and more. The children also saw butterflies emerge from their crysalises. They even pretended to be butterflies and sipped "nectar" from flowers. To see more pictures of our summer activities, visit our Facebook page.

Save the Date

2011-05-31T04:30:00.000-07:00

Lutheran Day Nursery Association will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Friday, October 7, 2011, with "The Event of the Century", a gala event at the Rosewood Restaurant in Rosemont, IL. Please plan to join us for an evening of great food, fond memories and the opportunity to reconnect to the ongoing story of LDN.

We are looking for stories of how Lutheran Day Nursery impacted people's lives. Feel free to share your story as a comment or on our Facebook page.

Announcing Our First Technology Raffle

2011-04-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

Tickets are now available for our first Technology Raffle Fundraiser to support the early childhood education programs at Lutheran Day Nursery. Each ticket costs $5.00 and can be purchased at the Lutheran Day Nursery office, located at 1802 N. Fairfield in Chicago or from a current parent or staff member. Here is a complete list of prizes.

A Dell Inspiron Mini netbook (value: $300) Loaded with Windows 7; Includes a protective case

Sharper Image Literati Wireless Reader (value: $250) Full color screen; Includes 150 free books

Casio EX-Z16 Digital Camera (value: $100) 12.1 megapixels Includes battery charger

IO GEAR Solar Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit (value: $75) works with Bluetooth enabled smart phones, PDAs, etc; Built-in solar panels charge the unit on the go

Lettuce Entertain You Gift Cards (value: $50) Accepted at participating Lettuce Entertain You restaurants; No expiration date

Groupon for Geja’s Café (value: $50 - $60) Fine dining at one of Chicago’s best fondue restaurants; Expires November 30, 2011

Only 1,100 tickets will be printed. The more tickets you buy, the better your chance of winning! The drawing for prizes will take place on Saturday, May 14, 2011, at Lutheran Day Nursery. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win.

Dr. Suess Week

2011-03-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

The children in Ms. Bennett's classroom (Room 3-4) celebrated Dr. Suess Week by making green eggs and ham! Did they like them? Well, they all got to try them at least. In addition to the unusual breakfast, the children read many Dr. Suess books through the week.

Riding Campbell's Soup Labels

2011-02-22T15:35:00.000-08:00

When the weather is frightful, indoor fun is delightful. And the children at Lutheran Day have a delightful time riding Campbell's Soup Labels. Actually, they ride scooters. But we were able to get the scooters thanks to your contributions of labels from Campbells, Peppridge Farm and other "Labels for Education" products. Please keep them coming! Each year, we are able to provide additional resources for our classrooms with the labels you collect. Thank you!

When Life Gives You Snow...

2011-02-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

While snow makes travel, parking and walking difficult, it is the perfect material for building a snowman in the playground. The children in Room 4 worked together to roll the snow, add twig arms and a face. Unfortunately, the temperatures warmed up and within days, "Frosty" was just a puddle. It was fun while it lasted.

Blizzard of 2011 Shuts Down Lutheran Day

2011-02-04T11:21:00.000-08:00

For the first time in many years, Lutheran Day was forced to close for two days due to the historic snow storm on February 1-2, 2011. The city of Chicago was immobilized with over 20 inches of snow and wind gusts of over 65 mph. While parents spent their days digging out their cars, homes, streets and alleys, the children got to experience the fun of snow days.

Christmas Program

2011-01-06T13:17:00.001-08:00

Each classroom participated in the 2010 Christmas Program on December 14. The children sang songs of the season and our oldest classroom of 3 and 4 year olds presented the story of the birth of Jesus, complete with costumes. Thanks to one of our parents, you can see their songs on YouTube. Follow the link and enjoy! www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG8rZmOwm4A

Help Wanted

2010-12-21T14:45:00.000-08:00

Looking for a way to use your sewing skills to serve others? We are looking for you! We need one person (or more) willing to sew children's costumes for our annual Christmas program. Our current costumes were glued together! We also need new elastic sewn on our cot sheets. If you can assist, please use the "contact us" link at the Lutheran Day web site. Thank you.

Community Service Project

2010-12-21T14:15:00.000-08:00

To help the senior residents of Lexington Health Care Center in Chicago Ridge celebrate Christmas and meet a practical need, the children in Ms. Bennett's classroom collected athletic socks and turned them into snowmen. All together, they made over 75 snowmen to distribute. "The children not only have fun," said Ms. Bennett. "They also gain fine motor skills rolling the socks to form the parts of the snowmen." With so many nursing home residents alone at the holidays, giving a small gift reminds them of God's love and care.

Food Collection

2010-12-16T05:34:00.000-08:00

Our 3 and 4 year olds collected cans of food for a local food pantry during the month of November. A total of 57 cans were donated. Children designed special labels for the canned goods to share the message of God's love. The children also learned counting and sorting skills in the process.

It's Thanksgiving!

2010-11-23T10:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! At this season, we give thanks for all those who have prayed for us and contributed toward the ministry of Lutheran Day Nursery. This year, we have faced the challenge of reduced Preschool For All funding, the recession, lower enrollment and increased expenses. But through it all, God is faithful and He has helped us overcome each obstacle by faith.

We are grateful for our excellent staff that has shown incredible grace in the midst of a stressful time. Each day, our classroom and support staff comes to work ready to give 100% to the children.

We are grateful for energetic and creative families that are committed to helping Lutheran Day remain a place of excellence by volunteering ideas and time.

Finally, we are grateful to God for sustaining Lutheran Day Nursery from its beginning in 1911. God has been with us for 99 years, and we know that God will continue to bless the work of Lutheran Day through His people.

Landscape Transformation

2010-11-19T14:28:00.000-08:00

On October 23, 2010, more than 10 parents and community volunteers gathered at Lutheran Day to transform the gardens bordering the front of our property. Using funds raised from our caramel apple sale, the parents—led by landscaper and parent Brian Shea—planted prairie grasses, flower bulbs, evergreens and native shrubs. In addition, the swing set was given a fresh coat of paint and all the playground equipment was cleaned using a power washer. Come next Spring, the garden will be bursting with new color and beauty. Thank you parents!

2010 Annual Meeting

2010-11-19T13:06:00.000-08:00

The Annual Meeting of the Lutheran Day Nursery Association will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2010, at 1802 N. Fairfield Ave. The evening will begin with a meal, followed by the business of the Nursery. Items on the agenda include the election of officers and looking ahead to our 100^th Anniversary celebration. If you are interested in participating, please contact Rev. Bruce Ray, Executive Director, at ldn1802@sbcglobal.net or at 773-486-4222.

We Teach Compassion

2009-12-08T18:33:00.000-08:00

A child is never too young to learn empathy and compassion for people in need. That's part of the philosophy of the Lutheran Day During the month of November, the 4-year-old children took on a project to collect cans of soup to give to a local food pantry. Ms. Paulette Bennett and Ms. Janet Zambrano, their teachers, talked to the children about caring for people in need--even people they did not personally know.

"I believe community service is an attitude that children need to learn long before they are in high school," said Ms. Bennett. "You don't have to teach children to be selfish--that comes naturally. What they need to learn is feeling concern for others." The children collected 50 cans of soup for the hungry. In the process, they also learned counting and sorting skills. They also wrote a message of encouragement on each can. The children have now decided to take on another project. During the month of December, they plan to collect 75 pairs of socks for the elderly residents of Lexington Health Care Center in Chicago Ridge, IL.

Rev. Bruce Ray, the center's Executive Director, noted, "With young children, we often concentrate on academic skills to prepare them for success in school. However, we cannot afford to neglect the life skills that will enable our children to contribute to the health of our community." These 4-year-olds have gotten a head start.

State of Illinois Budget Crisis Puts Lutheran Day at Risk

2009-07-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

Due to the inability of the Illinois state legislature to pass a budget by July 1, 2009, the governor was forced to eliminate or severely reduce funding for many social services. The cuts included 'Preschool For All' (PFA) and 'Action For Children'--a childcare assistance fund for working families that make less than 50% of the Illinois Median Income.

Lutheran Day depends upon those funds to continue our ministry of affordable childcare and quality early childhood education. We were informed that funding would be eliminated for the months of July and August--a loss of over $40,000! As a result, we were forced to lay off two of our preschool teachers whose positions were funded directly by PFA.

In addition, almost 30% of our families depend upon 'Action For Children' to help with their childcare costs. Even our affordable rates are more than these families can pay due to their household size and income forcing them to make difficult choices that impact their children's well-being.

We called our families and our supporting individuals and churches to prayer and action. And GOD IS ANSWERING YOUR PRAYERS ON OUR BEHALF! Though no budget has been passed, we were notified by the Chicago Board of Education that some of the funds would be restored to us to continue our important educational work. As of July 20, our PFA teachers will be able to return to their jobs.

And our supporters have once again demonstrated their commitment to our ministry through generous and sacrificial gifts. As of July 10, we had received almost $4,000 in gifts to help us weather this funding crisis. Thank you! We are trusting God for the rest of our needs.

Continue to pray for Lutheran Day. Contact your Illinois legislators and remind them of their moral obligation to care for those who are most vulnerable--the poor and the children. Consider giving a donation to Lutheran Day to help us through this unprecedented crisis.

Gifts can be sent to Lutheran Day Nursery, 1802 N. Fairfield Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

Thank you for your continued support.

A Little Off the Top

2009-05-31T17:32:00.000-07:00

On May 21, one old catalpa tree that had died was cut down and the other three were trimmed of their dead branches. Though the trees shaded our playground, they had become a hazard. One tree had been struck by lightning and one branch was hanging over the swings. With all the dead branches removed, the trees will hopefully regain some health and continue to shade the area for several more years.

The tree trimmers left a low stump and several logs from the tree so the children can see what a tree looks like on the inside, count the tree rings and watch as the logs begin to age and decay. In the meantime, the logs have become new pieces of playground equipment for the children to enjoy.

Parents had raised funds for the tree trimming through the sale of caramel apples last fall.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2009-05-31T17:09:00.000-07:00

The children in Room 4 have been using their green thumbs to beautify the entrance of the building with perennials and plant vegetables for use in the meals and snacks.

Through a grant from CLOCC (The Coalition to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children), Lutheran Day was able to purchase 'Earth Boxes' to grow organic vegetables. Currently, we have 7 containers planted with cucumbers, peppers, and egg plant. Tomatoes and green beans have been planted in the front of the building. Children will water the plants and help to harvest as the fruit ripens. Studies show that children are more likely to eat vegetables when they participate in growing them.

Celebrating Young Children

2009-05-05T05:38:00.000-07:00

Each year, Lutheran Day observes the Week of the Young Child. This year's activities were held each day the week of April 20-24, 2009. Children enjoyed special crafts, a visit from "Officer Friendly" of the Chicago Police Department, an afternoon of kite flying and more. On Tuesday, April 21, families gathered for our annual Pot Luck and Talent Show. In addition to an all-school choir, several brave individual children performed a song or recited a poem for the parents and relatives. Watch for a gallery of pictures of the event coming soon.

The Family That Reads Together...

2009-05-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

On March 17, 2009, families enjoyed an evening of reading activities featuring the books of Dr. Seuss (his birthday is in March) at our First Annual Family Reading Night. Children and their parents read "The Foot Book," "Green Eggs and Ham," "One Fish, Two Fish" and others. Families were also introduced to "GROW," a new eco-friendly book by Logan Square author Alyson Beaton. One lucky family received their own autographed copy of the book.

Studies show that young children who are read to on a daily basis develop strong reading readiness skills and become life-long readers. At Lutheran Day, we take literacy seriously and we make reading a family affair.

In addition to our Family Reading Night, the children in Room 4 participated in Book It, a national reading program that rewards children for reading books.

Christmas Memories

2009-01-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

Advent and Christmas celebrations at Lutheran Day are always special. Each week, the children gathered for worship in preparation for Christmas. Each classroom took turns being the Advent choir, and guest speakers provided an age-appropriate message. Rev. Erik Christiansen (St. Luke’s Lutheran Chicago), Mr. Charles Ashe (CLEF), and Rev. Joanne Fitzgerald (Grace Lutheran Elmwood Park) were our special guests during the month of December.

Our Annual Christmas program was held on Tuesday, December 9. Each classroom performed Christmas songs before a standing-room-only crowd in the Recreation Room. Our 4-year-old classroom retold the story of Jesus’ birth in song and a Christmas play. None of the children experienced stage fright but spoke their lines with great enthusiasm. We were all blessed.

On Thursday, December 18, the children celebrated Christmas in their classrooms, opening gifts provided by members of Edison Park Lutheran Church (Chicago) and Holy Spirit Lutheran Church (Lincolnshire). What a blessing for these children and their families—especially in this year of economic hardship! The children loved their gifts and the parents were deeply touched by the generosity of people whom they had never met. Thank you!

Finally, Lutheran Day had a special visitor on December 22. Miss Teen Puerto Rico, Leticia Rivera, dropped by to say hello and distribute a Christmas gift for each child. This visit was especially meaningful since Ms. Rivera is a former Lutheran Day student. We always enjoy hearing from former students and seeing what God is doing in their lives.

Happy New Year!

Let It Snow!

2009-01-05T07:52:00.000-08:00

Like much of the Midwest, Chicago experienced record-setting snow during the month of December. What do you do when it snows? Make snow angels! The children bundled up and took advantage of the white stuff, making snow angels and snowballs and learning about solids and liquids.

Where's The Fire?

2009-01-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

A fireman came to Lutheran Day in October, but there was no fire. Officer Rodriguez, father of one of our 4 year olds, demonstrated the use of his equipment and taught the children fire safety as a part of Fire Prevention Month. Several children had the opportunity to try on his boots and hat. His visit also encouraged interest in pretending to be fire fighters and playing with fire trucks.

Thanksgiving at Lutheran Day

2008-12-02T06:50:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is always a special time at Lutheran Day. Children and parents enjoyed turkey and all the trimmings together at our annual Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday, November 19. Throughout the month, classrooms were busy with Pilgrim and Indian crafts and tasting special foods.

Our room of 4 and 5 year olds made Native American headbands using patterns of feathers and they wore Pilgrim hats at their own classroom Thanksgiving. They made butter from whipping cream and tasted cranberries, tangerines, apples and turkey. And they had to stand to eat just like Pilgrim children in the 1600's. Children were surprised to hear there were no bathrooms and the pilgrims had to go to the rivers to get water.

Room 4 also collected 35 cans of soup and food for the poor. In December the children will make snowmen with socks to distribute to senior citizens at Lexington Health Care Center.

A Trip the the Apple Orchard

2008-10-13T15:40:00.000-07:00

Kids and parents alike enjoyed a recent field trip to Apple Holler, an orchard and pumpkin farm. The children got to take a ride on a farm wagon, watch the story of Johnny Appleseed (some children got to act out a part of the story), play in a pile of corn and feed farm animals. Before leaving the orchard, every child received a juicy red apple and a small orange pumpkin so they would remember their special fall trip.

New Color Copier

2008-10-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a grant from the Chicagoland Lutheran Educational Foundation (CLEF), we were able to purchase a new color copier. The new equipment features folding and stapling capabilities so we can print our own booklets, annual reports and newsletters in FULL COLOR. We will also be able to print pictures of the children for use in the classroom. Rev. Bruce Ray, executive director, expressed his gratitude for CLEF. "This gift will save Lutheran Day thousands of dollars in printing costs and will help us be better stewards of the resources God gives us. We thank God that The CLEF Good News Fund has chosen to support our ministry." CLEF has also provided generous scholarships for our families.

Operation Welcome

2008-10-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

Before & After

In July, Lutheran Day Board members Art Carlson and Wayne Oestricher worked to make our office area more welcoming and friendly. Before their project was complete, parents and guests would enter our office area and see a series of doors--but no people. Now, we have a beautiful new reception area with an opening as a focal point and a counter area. People are welcomed by our staff the moment they walk through the door. We believe that Operation Welcome is a huge success and will help us serve our families better.

Welcome

2008-10-01T20:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Lutheran Day Blog! This is where you can keep up to date with everything that is happening at Lutheran Day Early Childhood Center in Chicago.

We'll post updates and pictures of activities in our classrooms and center events. We'll create links to websites of interest to children and families. We'll provide you with helpful information on child development. We want our blog to be another way that you connect to Lutheran Day. We'll add posts on a regular basis, so visit often.

In the meantime, we invite you to visit our web site for details about our NAEYC accredited, Christian child care center.

Rev. Bruce Ray

Executive Director