Patsy Vasser, Executive Director, of Successful Beginnings Learning Center, knows the importance of interesting, stimulating and age-appropriate programs for toddlers to teens. The center offers a Christian-based curriculum and Ms. Vasser has announced the center’s programs for 2013. She is offering free tours of the child care center for potential placements.

“We encourage children to learn, play and explore,” said Vasser. “We recognize the strengths of each child, build upon their skills and celebrate their individuality.”

Successful Beginnings offers childcare for youngsters aged 12 months to 13 years and educational programs certified by the Illinois State Board of Education. The center provides a nutritious breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack that is prepared on-site. Hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m.-6:15 p.m.

The toddler program for 2013 features structured learning activities that promote physical, creative, social and emotional development. Children engage in research-based play and academic endeavors. Parents receive daily reviews of their child’s day that includes feeding, diapering and nap times.

The program for children (two years of age) prepares them for an exciting preschool experience. Activities are specially designed to promote cognitive, social, emotional and verbal development. Special interest activities are offered that appeal to the active child and those with a more thoughtful frame of mind. Youngsters can participate in book and storytelling time, creative arts, water and sand activities, games and puzzles, dramatic play and blocks.

The preschool age program leads youngsters through a full day of creative and leaning activities that includes A-Beka Curriculum that promotes phonics, reading and writing skills. Children exercise their bodies and minds through dramatic play, art, science and sensory activities, math, and construction and design. Daily journals help parents track their child’s progress.

The Kindergarten program features small class sizes to promote better teacher-student interaction. The full day program incorporates writing, reading and relaxation, construction and creation. Youngsters are encouraged to explore, use their imagination and participate in teamwork. Students have access to hundreds of books ranging from poetry to non-fiction, math, science and social studies.

The center provides a safe haven for youngsters in the school age program where they can expend energy through outside play, spend quiet time reading, obtain help with their homework and eat a healthy snack. Children select themes, design and decorate their environment to stimulate their creative abilities.

Fans can follow the center on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SuccessfulBeginningsLC. The center maintains an informative and interactive blog on a wide range of parenting topics and visitors to the site can register to receive updates via RSS feed.

The 2013 lineup of programs at Successful Beginnings Learning Center provides youngsters age 12 months to 13 years with a safe place to learn the academic and social skills they’ll use throughout their lives. The curriculum meets stringent state requirements and provides a sanctuary where children can exercise creative and imaginative skills to feed the mind and soul.

Located blocks from the Metra train station at 105 E. 142nd St. in Riverdale (the corner of 142nd St and Michigan), the center can be reached by phone at 708-849-3489 or via email with the convenient form on the website. For more information, visit the website at http://www.successfulbeginnings.net