847-432-3301

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Prospective Families
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Prospective Families
Donate
Prospective Families

Our History

1950's

1950’s

House Play 1950

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

1950's

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

1960's

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

1970's

1980's

1980’s

Before School program created, 1986

School accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1989-1999

1980's

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

1990's

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

2000's

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

2010's

2020's

2020’s

  • Robin Byster begins as Executive Director, 2023
  • HP Community recognized as Excelerate Gold Circle of Quality, 2023
2020's

About

Highland Park Community Nursery School and Day Care Center, affectionately known as HP Community was founded in 1951 by Martha Struve Freeman to provide high-quality, licensed, early childhood education and care to children 2 to 5. We are committed to providing a safe, educational and nurturing environment where children feel safe, cared for and respected.

Support HP Community

Contact Info

Address:640 Ridge RoadHighland Park, Illinois 60035

Phone: 847-432-3301

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Highland Park Community Early Learning Center

2 weeks ago

Highland Park Community Early Learning Center
Dear Currently Enrolled HP Community Families,We are thrilled to invite you to a special family service project! Together, we will create gratitude gifts for our local police and firefighters to show our appreciation for their dedication and service.This event is best suited for families with children ages 3-5 and will take place on:Saturday, February 1, 202510:30 AM – 11:15 AMRegister for the event here! gratitudegeneration.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=94936 By participating, we’ll teach our children that community is a shared responsibility and that even the littlest hands can make a big difference!Please RSVP ASAP so we can plan accordingly. If this session fills up, we will add more times to accommodate as many families as possible, but the sooner we have an RSVP count, the better!Thank you for helping us nurture kindness and a sense of community in our children. We can’t wait to see you there!Warmly,HP Community Early Learning Center"Every Child Deserves to Thrive" … See MoreSee Less

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