History

History of School for Little Children (SLC)

Founded in 1934, the School for Little Children of Evanston (SLC) began as a collaboration between the First Presbyterian Church and the National College of Education during the challenging times of the Great Depression, when budget cuts were impacting the education system. Over the past 90 years, SLC has consistently worked to meet the evolving needs of the Evanston community through innovative programming and strong community partnerships.

A few key milestones in our history include:

• Inclusive Education (1970s): In the 1970s, SLC became a leader in inclusive education by actively recruiting children with special needs and hiring teaching assistants to provide support in the classroom. This progressive approach set the stage for greater accessibility and diversity in early childhood education.

• Expansion & Community Impact (2000-2004): Between 2000 and 2004, SLC, in partnership with First Presbyterian Church and the First Church of God Christian Life Center, expanded its offerings to include a full-day infant-toddler program, School for Little Children North. This initiative was born from a recognized need for high-quality, affordable childcare for low-income families in Evanston. While financial constraints led to the closing of SLC North, it remains an important milestone in the school’s legacy.

Today, diversity and inclusion are central to SLC’s mission, ensuring that our school continues to provide high-quality early childhood education to children ages 2-5. This commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment contributes to the school’s strong reputation for excellence in early childhood education.