Programs
Kiddie Kollege
Kiddie Kollege of Fairfield was founded in 1996 by Dr. Jill Andrews, addressing a significant gap in childcare services in Fairfield, Illinois. In 1994, the lack of high-quality childcare providers was causing businesses to lose potential employees and posed challenges for Frontier Community College students needing childcare. To tackle this issue, Dr. Andrews chaired a committee of local business leaders, public education administrators, parents, and community college leaders. The committee's mission was to explore the feasibility of creating a high-quality early childhood facility for Wayne County's children.
After two years of extensive research, Dr. Andrews became deeply committed to the cause. She left her role as Director of Adult Education and Family Literacy at Frontier Community College to establish Kiddie Kollege of Fairfield. The facility is conveniently located adjacent to the Frontier Community College campus on the west side of Fairfield, Illinois. It is licensed by the Department of Children & Family Services and has achieved the prestigious Gold Circle of Quality from the Illinois Department of Human Services. Additionally, Kiddie Kollege has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) since October 2015.
Originally built to serve 92 children, the facility was expanded in 1998 and now accommodates up to 141 children. Kiddie Kollege administers an ISBE Pre-kindergarten program, a free service for 40 children annually. The center also holds a contract with the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and can approve CCAP applications on-site. Early intervention specialists provide on-site therapy for children, and the facility hosts the annual Family Literacy Fest. Kiddie Kollege has received over $9 million in grants and service programs for Wayne County children and families since it opened in 1996.
For inquiries, facility tours, or information about our services, please contact our director, Angie Lane. She can also assist with any questions about our programs and services. For additional information on the IDHS childcare assistance program, please reach out to our assistant director, Kristen Harwell.
Here is a summary of our key staff:
Angie Lane, Director:
*Became director in 2010 after serving as assistant director for seven years and as lead teacher in our infant room.*Holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Kendall College and a Level II IL Director Credential.Contact Angie for facility tours and questions about our services. Kristen Harwell, Assistant Director:
*Has been assistant director since 2010.*Previously worked as a teacher in our toddler room while completing her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education.*Holds an Associate Degree in Science and a Level I IL Director Credential.Contact Kristen for information on the IDHS childcare assistance program
For more information, please see our brochure and Parent Handbook.
After two years of extensive research, Dr. Andrews became deeply committed to the cause. She left her role as Director of Adult Education and Family Literacy at Frontier Community College to establish Kiddie Kollege of Fairfield. The facility is conveniently located adjacent to the Frontier Community College campus on the west side of Fairfield, Illinois. It is licensed by the Department of Children & Family Services and has achieved the prestigious Gold Circle of Quality from the Illinois Department of Human Services. Additionally, Kiddie Kollege has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) since October 2015.
Originally built to serve 92 children, the facility was expanded in 1998 and now accommodates up to 141 children. Kiddie Kollege administers an ISBE Pre-kindergarten program, a free service for 40 children annually. The center also holds a contract with the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and can approve CCAP applications on-site. Early intervention specialists provide on-site therapy for children, and the facility hosts the annual Family Literacy Fest. Kiddie Kollege has received over $9 million in grants and service programs for Wayne County children and families since it opened in 1996.
For inquiries, facility tours, or information about our services, please contact our director, Angie Lane. She can also assist with any questions about our programs and services. For additional information on the IDHS childcare assistance program, please reach out to our assistant director, Kristen Harwell.
Here is a summary of our key staff:
Angie Lane, Director:
*Became director in 2010 after serving as assistant director for seven years and as lead teacher in our infant room.*Holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Kendall College and a Level II IL Director Credential.Contact Angie for facility tours and questions about our services. Kristen Harwell, Assistant Director:
*Has been assistant director since 2010.*Previously worked as a teacher in our toddler room while completing her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education.*Holds an Associate Degree in Science and a Level I IL Director Credential.Contact Kristen for information on the IDHS childcare assistance program
For more information, please see our brochure and Parent Handbook.
Kiddie Kollege ISBE Pre-kindergarten Program (free)
n 1996, the Illinois State Board of Education expanded its free pre-kindergarten program to include agencies beyond public schools. To accommodate this program, Dr. Jill Andrews expanded Kiddie Kollege from its original 9,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet. This expansion allowed the facility to house the grant-funded pre-kindergarten program, serving 40 children aged three to five years, and increased the center's overall capacity to 141 children.
Kiddie Kollege collaborates with various outside agencies to provide comprehensive screening services for all children from birth to five years old. These collaborations ensure that children receive necessary early intervention services, supporting their developmental needs. Our brochure provides more information.
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Kiddie Kollege collaborates with various outside agencies to provide comprehensive screening services for all children from birth to five years old. These collaborations ensure that children receive necessary early intervention services, supporting their developmental needs. Our brochure provides more information.
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Wayne County Family Enrichment Program (free)
In 2001, Dr. Andrews collaborated with the Fairfield Public School District #100’s Superintendent, Rena Talbert, and wrote an IL State Board of Education Prevention Initiative Grant. This grant was funded and continues to serve 30 families in a home visiting program. The program is housed behind the Kiddie Kollege facility in the Early Childhood Services Building and serves all of Wayne County. Parents receive information on parenting and child development through the Parents as Teachers curriculum and are linked to resources their families need. This program has completed the Parents as Teachers Quality Assurance Program and will receive its “Blue Ribbon Affiliate” status in October 2016. Detailed information on the program is on their brochure. If you would like to refer a family to these awesome parenting services, please complete the program referral form and either mail, call, or e-mail hhyder@wchdil.com. You may also call the program directly at (618) 842-5166.
In December 2017, Dr. Andrews wrote and transferred the administration of this grant to the Wayne County Health Department. That grant was funded on July 1, 2018. The program has an office located in the Wayne County Health Department and the program staff is housed in the Early Childhood Services building which is located behind the Kiddie Kollege facility.
For more information, please contact this program at: Wayne County Family Enrichment Program
In December 2017, Dr. Andrews wrote and transferred the administration of this grant to the Wayne County Health Department. That grant was funded on July 1, 2018. The program has an office located in the Wayne County Health Department and the program staff is housed in the Early Childhood Services building which is located behind the Kiddie Kollege facility.
For more information, please contact this program at: Wayne County Family Enrichment Program