About Union Church's Early Childhood Programs (ECP)

Union Church of Hinsdale's Early Childhood Programs (ECP)OUR HISTORY

Union Church of Hinsdale's Early Childhood Programs (ECP)Our History

The Christian Family Weekday Programs were created in 1954.  In 2001, the name was changed to Union Church Early Childhood Programs (ECP) to ensure that families of different faiths were included.  We offer a wide variety of early childhood programs that meet the varied developmental levels of children six weeks to 5 years of age.  The ECP is governed by the Board of Trustees, administered by the Governing Board of the ECP, and overseen by the Board of Christian Education. 

SHARED MISSION

Shared Mission

The ECP and The Union Church have a shared mission.  The Guiding Principles of Union Church state that “our mission calls us to minister to the needs of the whole human family in our congregation, our community, the nation, and the world.”  This mission forms the foundation for the Union Church Early Childhood programs.  The ECP stresses character development, promotes care and concern for others, and instills a sense of respect and gratitude for the people and blessings in our children’s lives.  As part of Union Church, ECP helps to reach out and fulfill the church’s mission to children, to families, and to the community at large.  The Union Church of Hinsdale welcomes all families of the ECP and offers multiple ways to enrich children’s Christian development.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Our Philosophy

The Union Church of Hinsdale Early Childhood Programs (ECP) follow a play-based philosophy.  This is based on the belief that children’s development is best enhanced through active participation.  The curriculum is based on a project approach and inspired by elements of the Reggio Philosophy.  Academic skills are incorporated within the structure of play.  ECP programs focus on State Early Learning Standards and prepare children for their next educational steps.  In 2008 we were able to align our curriculum with District 181’s kindergarten curriculum to ensure that we are providing children with a strong foundation in education.     

Our philosophy and curriculum enable children to become problem solvers and encourages independent, critical, and creative thinking.  Research shows the long-term value of individuals’ developing fundamental concepts and abilities through active engagement in play. 

Union Church Early Childhood Programs are accredited by the National Association of Early Childhood Programs, a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

  
Union Church of Hinsdale's Early Childhood Programs (ECP)Union Church of Hinsdale's Early Childhood Programs (ECP)ECP Guiding Principles:

  1. Children learn best when they are actively engaged by: experimenting, exploring, interacting, observing and manipulating materials in their environment.
  1. Teachers are facilitators in the process of learning by purposefully designing relevant and challenging activities which promote independent learning.

Every aspect of a child’s development is valued: intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual.

Active participation by families is welcomed, and we ensure on-going communication throughout the year.

We respect individuals of all cultures.  The Early Childhood Programs meet each child’s individual developmental needs, and we grow with each child at their pace.  We feel privileged to impact the lives of your children through the Union Church Early Childhood Programs.

Our Programs:

Early Learning Lab: Infants, Toddler and 2’s Preschool – (6 weeks – 3 years old)

Mother Toddler – (15 months by Sept. 1st)

Mother Child – (2 years old by Sept. 1st)

3s Preschool – (3 by Sept. 1st)

4s Preschool – (4 by Sept. 1st)

Pre-K – (5 by Dec. 1st)

KinderBOOST! – (Kindergarten)