Encouraging Individual Growth.... The foundation for learning and life
We provide comprehensive, personalized instruction!
About A-Karrasel
A-Karrasel Philosophy
Diversity, Value, and Fun!
Diversity, Value, and Fun!
A-Karrasel is a Childcare Center that focuses on the development of the whole child. We strive to create warm classrooms where the care and education for each child is of the utmost importance.
During the first five years of life, children need constant attention and stimulation to promote their growth. Here at A-Karrasel, their days are f
A-Karrasel is a Childcare Center that focuses on the development of the whole child. We strive to create warm classrooms where the care and education for each child is of the utmost importance.
During the first five years of life, children need constant attention and stimulation to promote their growth. Here at A-Karrasel, their days are filled with music, books, art projects, sensory and science exploration, math lessons, small and large motor stimulation and social interaction. Our goal is to help each child during these early years by giving them the essentials they need to grow into a questioning knowledgeable, self-confident individual.
Diversity, Value, and Fun!
Diversity, Value, and Fun!
Diversity, Value, and Fun!
We welcome families without regard to race, disability or religion. The multi-cultural backgrounds of our families add to our well-rounded programs. Differences among our children are recognized, encouraged, respected and celebrated. We invite you and your family to share the cultural traditions that you observe!
VALUE:
A-Karrasel Chi
We welcome families without regard to race, disability or religion. The multi-cultural backgrounds of our families add to our well-rounded programs. Differences among our children are recognized, encouraged, respected and celebrated. We invite you and your family to share the cultural traditions that you observe!
VALUE:
A-Karrasel Child Care Centers are providing high-quality care and education at a fair and reasonable price. Contact us today to learn about rates and openings.
FUN:
Children learn best in an environment filled with enjoyable sights, sounds and interaction. We want your child to be excited to join us for songs, art, outdoor play and much more!
Experience
Diversity, Value, and Fun!
Experience
For over 30 years, A-Karrasel has been providing care and education in the Greater Chicago area. Each classroom has qualified teachers; most with degrees in early childhood education. Our staff stays up to date on the latest learning techniques to engage your child.
PLAY:
Ours is more than a “play” class because the children are alway
For over 30 years, A-Karrasel has been providing care and education in the Greater Chicago area. Each classroom has qualified teachers; most with degrees in early childhood education. Our staff stays up to date on the latest learning techniques to engage your child.
PLAY:
Ours is more than a “play” class because the children are always learning and developing. Play, as adults term it, is really children’s work. They pursue it as seriously as their parents approach their adult duties.Your child will participate in age appropriate structured play, free play, and outdoor play.
Education
Education
Experience
The mission of the A-Karrasel Child Care Centers is to provide the highest quality education and care for children. Qualified instructors are empowered to utilize their teaching skills in the most creative and beneficial way possible and to accomplish this in our safe, nurturing and fun-filled environment. We continually strive to keep c
The mission of the A-Karrasel Child Care Centers is to provide the highest quality education and care for children. Qualified instructors are empowered to utilize their teaching skills in the most creative and beneficial way possible and to accomplish this in our safe, nurturing and fun-filled environment. We continually strive to keep current on new educational teaching techniques and trends. We believe that by providing children with the skills that enrich their social, emotional, physical and cognitive well-being, we have given them the foundation for the love of learning…..and life.
Meals
Education
History
Nutritional needs for your child are met through our well-balanced breakfast or mid-morning snack (depending on your center), hot lunch, and midafternoon snack. Our snacks and meals are prepared on site in our school kitchens. The Department of Children and Family Services and City of Chicago do not permit homemade food brought into a ch
Nutritional needs for your child are met through our well-balanced breakfast or mid-morning snack (depending on your center), hot lunch, and midafternoon snack. Our snacks and meals are prepared on site in our school kitchens. The Department of Children and Family Services and City of Chicago do not permit homemade food brought into a child care center.
All A-Karrasel Child Care Centers are peanut safe. Peanuts are a choking hazard in the infant/toddler classrooms and some children may have allergies to peanuts. We therefore ask that items containing peanuts or peanut by-products not be brought into our centers.
We are aware that some children require a special diet due to asthma, allergies, etc., and upon request from your doctor, we will attempt to accommodate your child to the best of our ability. In case you need to provide food, we ask that you fill out our Special Dietary Information Form, which will be kept in your child’s file.
A-Karrasel Child Care Centers participate in a USDA sponsored food program known as the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This program helps us to provide a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack to all of our enrolled children. A child can be enrolled in the CACFP at the time they enroll at one of our centers. This program is provided at no additional cost. Each of center directors will be happy to answer any questions concerning this program, help you with the enrollment form and have the current CACFP eligibility requirements.
History
Education
History
1960-1981
The A-Karrasel Child Care Centers have a long history of providing early childhood education within the community. Most of the A-Karrasel centers were established in the middle 1960’s – each having their own unique cultural make-up and identity.
The first school acquired was in 1979 from Gladys and Henry Bill. They operated the Ga
1960-1981
The A-Karrasel Child Care Centers have a long history of providing early childhood education within the community. Most of the A-Karrasel centers were established in the middle 1960’s – each having their own unique cultural make-up and identity.
The first school acquired was in 1979 from Gladys and Henry Bill. They operated the Galewood location (5510) for about 10 years before deciding to leave the child care field. A-Karrasel expanded in 1980 and 1981, with the acquisition of the two original “A-Karrasel” locations at 3030 N. Kedzie and 3420 W. Fullerton. Basil and Evi Karras started these two locations under the name Karrasel Schools. Notice how the name Karrasel came through by adding to their last name – Karras(el). Mr. Karras, a former teacher for Chicago Public Schools, and his wife were known for the many new educational programs which they introduced to the child care world. They soon realized that their advertising position in the Yellow Pages was not the best for business, so they added the A to Karrasel. The name of both schools has remained the same ever since, along with our top position in the Yellow Pages.
1982-1999
Happy Day Child Care Center in Elmwood Park was the next acquisition in 1988. Shirley and Robert Davis started Happy Days and, like all our centers, became successful with a good reputation for providing care. When they decided to retire, Happy Day became a welcome addition to A-Karrasel.Angel Town is a newer acquisition. Lorraine Angel opened the school in Rosemont and later moved it to Des Plaines, establishing the center over 40 years ago. She expanded her scope of care starting with infants and then primary grade children. In 1999, Angel Town became a part of the A-Karrasel Child Care Group.
2000-Present
Our most recent addition occurred in 2009 with the welcoming of Playhouse in Schiller Park to the A-Karrasel family. The quaint, homelike environment serves infants through preschool age children.As you can see, our A-Karrasel Child Care Centers are a mix and match of selective, quality centers located in excellent communities. The goal of A-Karrasel’s staff and administrators is to continually provide quality programming for each of the children attending their center. Each center is among the best within their communities and A-Karrasel will always continue to improve upon the quality of services offered.