Learning Bridge Early Education Center

The Child Care Center of Evanston was founded in 1944 as a day nursery for African American children whose mothers were working as a result of the critical labor shortage during World War II. The Center was supported by government funds plus a flat fee paid by each family served. After the war, the Social Service Committee of the Woman's Club of Evanston secured financial support from the Community Chest to continue providing childcare services. For twenty years Center was housed in the basement of the Church of God at 1524 Simpson Street where the children napped between the pews of the sanctuary. When the facility became overcrowded, the Center moved temporarily to the church school of the First Congregational Church of Evanston on Hinman Avenue From the post-war period through the 1960's, finding a permanent home for the Center was a high priority for the volunteers who supported its programs and for the community at large. The lengthy search ended when the property at 1840 Asbury Avenue became available and a campaign was undertaken to raise money to purchase and remodel the 21-room turn-of-the-century house. The Center purchased the Asbury address in 1969. Renovation of the main house, the coach house, and the play yard was accomplished with donations from individuals, organizations, and Community Development Block Grants. At this location we are now serving 93 children from a variety of economic and racial backgrounds. Throughout its history, the Child Care Center of Evanston has been responsive to changing community needs. The Child Care Center formed Home Day Care in 1972 because of a growing need for infant and toddler childcare. Today the Home Day Care Program serves infants, toddlers and preschoolers in Evanston. The Home Day Care Program has become a model for programs in Chicago and throughout the state that are looking for new ways to establish high quality, affordable childcare.