By: Sylvia Torres

Young Scholars was opened on January 20, It was opened by Mrs. And Mr. Campbell. They chose Young Scholars as the name for this development Institute because they firmly believe that the learning process begins at conception and it peeks at an early age. After birth of a child, it is our duty to begin to cultivate and nurture the young mind though teaching in order for the child to develop his/her potential. Therefore “Young Scholars Development Institute” was created.

The philosophy at Young Scholars Developmental Institute is as follows… We as child care professionals are making a difference with children. We know that it takes very special persons to devote so much time and energy to provide a secure, loving environment for young people. We strive to bring joy and peace to all parents. Each and every day we are shaping tomorrow. The motto is: Every Day we are Shaping Tomorrow

Young Scholars has a partnership with “El Valor”. El Valor seeks to be the best in the nation in early childhood and youth enrichment, to be the premier organization developing Hispanic leadership. 3,000 families throughout the Chicago land area annually receive high-quality early childhood education services. It is also partnered with Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Young Scholars is also involved with the Illinois Early Childhood Prevention Initiative Program. This program is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education. The Prevention Initiative works with children from birth to 3-years- old and their families to build a strong foundation for later school success. Illinois Early Childhood Prevention Initiative Program. This program is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education. The Prevention Initiative works with children from birth to 3-years- old and their families to build a strong foundation for later school success.

Weekly Tuition Staff/Child ratios  Toddler thru 35 months……………$  Preschool …….…..$  Kindergarten……..$  Before and After School…………..…..$76.00  Summer Camp…………..….$  2yrs olds 1/6 with a capacity of 12 children 1 teacher along with 1 teacher’s aide.  3yrs olds 1/8 with a capacity of 16 children 1 teacher along with 1 teacher’s aide.  4yrs olds 1/7 with a capacity of 14 children 1 teacher along with 1 teacher’s aide.  5yrs olds 1/7 with a capacity of 14 children 1 teacher along with 1 teacher’s aide  Kindergarten 1/10 with a capacity of 20 children and 1 teacher along with 1 teacher’s aide

How is it Regulated? Is It Accredited?  Young Scholars development Institute is regulated by the Department Of Children and family Services (DCFS).  Young Scholars Developmental Institute is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  It is also a three star rated school, in route to try to become a four star rated school. The Quality Rating System was established in Illinois to assess, improve and communicate the level of quality in Early Childhood programs. When a school receives a Quality Star Award it means that the program has met defined standards, above and beyond the Department of Children and Family Services standards, and is of higher quality than a school with no stars. There are currently only two – four stars rated schools in Illinois.

Young Scholars Development Institute has five main classroom teachers. Out these five teachers, two have their Master’s degree and the other three are currently in school to get their Master’s Degree. The five main teacher’s assistants have an associates degree in Early Childhood Education. There are also more assistants who are currently in school studying to get their Associates degree. Mrs. Campbell believes that continuing education and training is key to a good teacher.

Teachers at Young Scholars Development Institute are paid according to their level of education. A rough estimate would be… Teachers - $40,000 Yearly Assistant Teachers - $17,000 Yearly

Families are invoked at Young Scholars Development Institute by joining the Parent Board. This board meets once a month to discuss any and every concern with regards to the school. They have actually also started to build together a parent council.

The main challenge that Young Scholars faces… The importance school is given by the parents. Parents view daycares such as this one as a place where they babysit their kids. Mrs. Campbell tries her best to get parents to understand the importance of participation. All her classrooms run on a strict curriculum and missing school affects the children. Not only do the children have to attend school every day, but parents need to also get involved. Parents get involved by attending the parent board once a month, and voicing their opinions.

Young Scholars Development Institute is one of the best preschools I have ever seen. Their professionalism and devotion to the children have always been their best attribute. Mrs. and Mr. Campbell are there every day making sure everything is running perfectly and are also very involved with the children. Mr. Campbell is a very quiet man who is always working on one thing or another around the school. I love to see him walk into the classrooms. The children all automatically yell… “Mr. Campbell” and some run up to give him a hug. This preschool is run by two of the most dedicated people I have ever seen, and their main dedication is the children. It was a pleasure, as it is always to visit “Young Scholars Development Institute”.