Programs

Acorn Academy

Where ALL children are welcomed and provided
with high-quality early childhood education.

Our Story:

Acorn Academy has been operating in Oak Forest since the early 1980s. It is a well-established daycare center and serves up to 70 children.

Good Shepherd Center acquired this Child Care Center in the winter of 2015. The well-qualified teachers at Acorn receive additional training and support relevant to child development to meet the needs of every child.

“Every child learns differently, so we must adjust our teaching techniques to reach each child’s needs to ensure a successful outcome”, shared Diane Wieck, Center Director.

The difference at our Center is that staff is provided with additional training in the care and treatment of children with Autism, Down Syndrome, and intellectual/developmental disabilities. We truly believe that all children have great abilities once they receive high-quality care.

Our Education Tools:

We use the Creative Curriculum for Preschool which is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that features exploration and discovery as a way of learning. Comprising of The Foundation, six knowledge-building volumes that help teachers set up a high-quality learning environment and builds a thorough understanding of best practices

The Agency’s Mission:

Good Shepherd Center, a community advocate for children and adults, with and without disabilities, provides support, service, and education that empower individuals and families to lead exceptional lives.

The Center’s Mission:

Acorn Academy exists to provide a safe, developmentally appropriate environment for preschool and school-age children. Our focus is to provide stimulating early care and education experience which promotes each child’s social/emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Our goal is to support children’s learning so they become life-long learners.

Our agency therapists are available for consultation with staff and parents when concerns about a child’s development are present.

Download our Parent Handbook here!

Download our brochure here!