Diane Gaitan

Educare West DuPage is a model early learning school that serves 182 children from birth to five years old, 10 pregnant women and their families. Educare’s comprehensive program incorporates what science says young children need to flourish. Our dual-language program gives young children a solid foundation in English and Spanish. ​Educare West DuPage empowers parents through leadership programs and parent-child education, making them strong advocates for children and families. We offer embedded professional development to ensure teachers and family engagement staff continually refine and enhance their skills. We also partner with community organizations to offer even more opportunities for our children and families. ​​ The school is a public-private partnership and is funded through a mix of federal Head Start and Early Head Start funding, Illinois early childhood education funding and child care dollars, and private donations. Educare West DuPage is part of a national network of effective early childhood education schools. Educare schools make certain that young children from under–resourced communities have the best possible opportunity for success in life. Our rigorous research shows that Educare works–our students enter kindergarten with the school readiness skills they need to succeed. Educare’s approach helps children, families and communities thrive. Educare unites education professionals, private-sector leaders, policymakers, families and other like-minded champions to improve access to high-quality early childhood education across the country.