On Aug. 31, 2017, the Argonne Child Development Center (ACDC) marks a major milestone as it celebrates 25 years serving the lab community. Since its opening in 1992, ACDC has helped educate more than 1,000 children, with the average child staying for three years.
One of numerous amenities offered by the lab, ACDC provides high-quality child care to Argonne, U.S. Department of Energy, and University of Chicago employees and laboratory contractors. Beatrice Schriesheim, the late wife of Argonne Director Ermeritus Alan Schriesheim, was an early proponent of establishing an onsite childcare center at Argonne. A plaque at the center’s entrance honors her lifetime commitment to education and children.
Located in a tranquil, country-like setting adjacent to Argonne Park, ACDC’s spacious building features large windows, comfortable classrooms and separate, outdoor play areas for the various age groups it serves. All children, even babies, get out in the fresh air almost daily.
The proximity of ACDC is one of its biggest draws, providing parents with peace of mind knowing their child is nearby. Parents can easily drop in for a quick visit or take their child out to lunch. Another welcome benefit is the opportunity for parents to connect with colleagues who they may otherwise not have a chance to meet, which can lead to weekend playdates and other opportunities for socializing.
Many of the center’s teachers are devoted and long-tenured educators, including Director Gayle Burgher, who started at ACDC as a toddler teacher in 1994. She believes that learning begins at infancy and says, “Seeing children grow in our program, learning while having fun and watching them make connections to their environments is so rewarding. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Managed by Bright Horizons Family Solutions, the NAYCE-accredited center offers programs for infants (six weeks), toddlers, preschoolers and pre-kindergarteners. Parents may use ACDC as a backup (space permitting) when their regular childcare provider is not available. The center closes for just six days a year.
All classrooms implement the Bright Horizons curriculum, The World at Their Fingertips, a unique early education curriculum created to foster individual development at every age and stage. Extras, such as a new music and movement program, are included in the tuition.
ACDC also runs a summer camp program for children 6 to 12 years old and Discovery Days, a single-day program for children when schools are closed.
For more information on programs, availability and fees, and to make appointments for center tours, call ext. 2-9601 or email childcare@anl.gov.
25th Anniversary party — Alums Welcome
A celebration will be held Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Argonne Park. Family members of current enrollees and all alums and their parents are invited to attend.
Activities include:
- Tree planting 4 p.m.
- Face painting 4-5 p.m.
- Fire trucks 5-6 p.m.