Parent Resources
Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
Research shows that children are more successful when their parents are involved in their classroom experience. Enrich your child’s learning experience by donating your time and effort as a member of the Northeastern Illinois University Child Care Center’s Parent Advisory Committee (PAC).
Benefits of attending PAC meetings include:
- Playing a positive part in creating the best Child Care Center possible for your child.
- Modeling to your child the importance of taking a leadership role in the community.
- Meeting other parents who have children attending the Center.
- Receiving monthly updates from the director about recent developments at the Center.
- Raising additional funds that add to your child's education and enrichment.
- Getting a behind-the-scenes view of Center activities.
- Having a voice in the future of the Center.
All parents of children enrolled at the Center are eligible to be members. The PAC's role is to provide constructive input and support the Center through fundraising and volunteer efforts that directly benefit all of the children and teachers at the Center. The PAC organizes several activities each year, including a welcome-back potluck dinner, a walkathon, a children's art show, teacher appreciation lunches, and other fundraisers.
The PAC meets the first week of each month for one hour to discuss Center-wide issues and to plan events. Meeting notices are posted on the Parent Board in advance, and childcare for the Center's students and their siblings is available until 6 p.m.
You are encouraged to attend, share ideas, or volunteer for an event; there are opportunities to help, big or small. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of the PAC co-chairs.
Birthday & Holiday Treat Policy
To help keep all children safe, families are welcome to send in-store-bought, prepackaged, unopened treats for birthdays and holiday celebrations so that ingredient labels can be reviewed. Please remember that our Child Care Center is nut-free. Remember to check the ingredient label. If it says “may contain trace amounts of nuts” or “processed in a facility that also processes nuts,” the item cannot be brought into the center.
Homemade treats are not permitted.
Suggested Store-Bought Treat Ideas (nut-free and individually packaged):
• Mini cupcakes or muffins (nut-free labeled)
• Cookies (nut-free labeled)
• Rice Krispie-style treats
• Yogurt tubes or cups
• Applesauce or fruit cups
• String cheese
• Freeze pops or ice cream (seasonal)
If you are unsure about an item, please check with the office before sending it in. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all
children.
Food Service
Your child’s meals and snacks are provided by H & B Catering. Please visit News and Announcements to view the current menu at the Center.
Activities
Each classroom provides age-appropriate, seasonal activities throughout the year for children to participate in and learn. Such activities include Fire Prevention Week, Pajama Day and other monthly themes. Please visit News and Announcements to read the latest on monthly plans for each classroom.
Open House Night - September and May
Held annually in September, Open House Night provides an opportunity for all NEIUCCC parents and children to meet with their child's teachers and staff.
Parent-Teacher Conference Twice a Year: November and May
In November, we will hold our fall conferences virtually. This is an opportunity for teachers and parents to connect and discuss each child. Teachers will share what they’ve observed in the classroom—your child’s strengths, interests, and areas where they may need extra support. Parents can also share what they see at home, ask questions, and discuss goals for the year.
In May, we will meet in person to collect the child's end-of-year portfolio, revisit these conversations, celebrate growth, and set new goals if necessary.
In the meantime, if you ever have a concern or would like to discuss your child, you don’t need to wait until conferences—just let us know, and we can arrange a time to meet.
Events
Children enjoy a variety of events throughout the year, such as: