Our History
1950's
1950’s
HP Community opened its doors, 1951
Located in the basement of the Y.W.C.A., on site of current Highland Park Library parking lot
Martha Struve Freeman, founding director
1960's
1960’s
Moved to its current location, Karger Center, 1966
Class for children with special needs created, late 60’s
Three years later, class discontinued in favor of mainstreaming
1970's
1970’s
Bilingual teachers join staff, 1970
Addition built onto the school (currently the Orange Room), 1978
Sandy Raizes begins as director, 1978
“Mom and Me” class started, 1970
After Kindergarten Enrichment program expanded, 1979
1980's
1980’s
Before School program created, 1986
School accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1989-1999
1990's
1990’s
“Mom and Me” class discontinued and class for young 3 yr. olds created, 1994
Jean Wallace-Baker begins as director, 1994
School plays a major role in development of the HP/Highwood Home Child Care Association for infants and toddlers
2000's
2000’s
Community turns 50!, 2001
School becomes part of the Community Family Center, 2003
Preschool For All implemented in the day care, 2007
Group of teachers join a U.S. educational tour to visit the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, 2008
Art studio and art teacher position created, 2008
2010's
2010’s
Curriculum coordinator position created, 2010
Community turns 60!, 2011
Outdoor classroom created, 2011
Community opens Little Giants Day Care at Highland Park High School to care to children of District 113 employees, 2012
Lisa Adelmund and Pam Carlson begin as co-directors, 2012
Lisa Adelmund begins as executive director, 2013
Community earns Excelerate Silver Circle of Quality, 2015
2 Year Old Program is implemented, 2016
Community earns Excelerate Gold Circle of Quality, 2016
Moved to 640 Ridge Road, 2019
Community recognized as Excelerate Gold Circle of Quality, 2020