Welcome to Kids & Company Chicago Jackson! We offer full and part time programs for children ranging from six weeks through to six years.
At Kids & Company, we use an emergent curriculum and learn through play philosophy. We’re so proud of our learning programs. They include our pre-literacy and early reading, Art and Exploration, and Munchkinetics (movement) and are specially designed to engage our children in a learning process that encourages self-expression, creativity, coordination and most importantly, fun! You’ll find sign language in our baby and toddler rooms. All our children participate in music, Spanish, science & exploration and creative play throughout our day.
My name is Katrina Cottrell and I am the Center Director at Kids & Company, Chicago Jackson. I have been employed with Kids & Company as an Assistant Director since 2018 and have been in the Early Childhood Education field since 2012. Throughout the years, I have had the luxury of working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education: Child and Family Services from Southern Illinois University in 2012. Five years later, I decided to further my education and career. I attended National Louis University where I received my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Administration. I believe that the early years of life are the most important and I am here to make sure the children are provided with the care and education they need to prepare them for adulthood. I look forward to building strong relationships with the families at the Jackson location. Now that you know more about me, I would love to meet you and your family! Please come for a visit so you can see for yourself how Kids & Company can provide the right care and education for your child.
Kids & Company’s Infant program welcomes newborns up to roughly 18 months. Infants learn about the world around them through their senses, so exploration is critical to their development. Nurturing educators support the children while they take in their surroundings, encouraging them to experience everything the classroom offers; be it creative art, exploring with blocks, listening to songs or engaging in story-time. Our infant program encourages children to follow their own established routines, while becoming comfortable and secure in a new group setting.
Kids & Company’s Toddler program is for children between the ages of roughly 18 months and 2.5 years. Toddlers are mobile and eager to explore their environment. As they strive for independence, our educators use an Emergent curriculum approach to learning that supports each child’s individuality. Some of the most important learning outcomes of our toddler program are language development, socialization, self-help skills, and the development of fine and gross motor skills.
Kids & Company’s Preschool program is designed for children between the ages of roughly 2.5 - 5 years. Our educators interact, observe and interpret the interests of our children to encourage discoveries. Our Preschool program provides a foundation for developing greater independence and problem-solving skills; the program integrates new concepts into our children’s world view, promotes sharing and mutual respect, and prepares them for Kindergarten.
