The Association provides developmental, family-centered programs serving children ages 3-9, and operating on a sliding fee scale basis. They serve approximately 80 children annually. They also host summer camps and have an inter-generational program with the Presbyterian Homes.
History
The Evanston Day Nursery (EDN) was founded in 1912 by a group of women to meet the childcare needs of poor, working Evanston families. In 1915, the organization opened in the home of one of its founders and thus became the first day care center in Evanston and one of the first in Illinois. For many years the organization was run from a house at 1515 Wesley Avenue. In 1955, land was donated by the Visiting Nurse Association, and the organization moved the house from Wesley to 1835 Grant Street where there was room to expand and offer outdoor programming. In 1996, after-school programs were added and the building was expanded and made handicap accessible.
Importance
One of the earliest childcare centers in the state of Illinois, the Evanston Day Nursery was begun by Evanston women to offer support to working families. Its long history reveals the ongoing concern for the care of young children in the community and the commitment to offering programs for those in need.