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For families, by families, with families

Since 1976, the Carole Robertson Center for Learning has been dedicated to educating, enriching, and empowering children and families through comprehensive child and family development programs.

WHAT’S NEW AT THE CENTER?

Take Action for Head Start

Over 750,000 children and their families are at risk of losing a vital lifeline to stability and self-sufficiency offered through Head Start funded programs like those at the Center. 

TAKE ACTION FOR HEAD START 

Annual Carole Robertson Memorial Scholarship

Jump-start your future by applying for the Carole Robertson Memorial Scholarship! $1,000 will be awarded to one eligible student in honor of our namesake Carole Robertson, a young girl who was killed during the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in 1963.

APPLY TODAY

Staff Spotlight l Candice Washington

As Kindergarten Readiness Community Liaison at the Carole Robertson Center for Learning and Executive Director of the Chicago nonprofit, Brown Books and Paint Brushes, Candice Washington connects artistry with community.

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WE'RE HIRING

We are now hiring teachers, teacher aides, assistants, and associate teachers, and more! Learn how you can begin your career journey in education with us.

APPLY NOW

Check out our NEW FY2024 Annual Report!

In this report, you will read about how our programs embody both the art AND the science of building brains and sparking potential among the children, youth, families, and communities we serve. Just as art and science work together to spur innovation, the Center’s direct service programs, data-driven best practices, and community-based advocacy complement each other to advance our mission.

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OUR MISSION

To educate, enrich, and empower children and their families.

OUR VISION

To help build a just and equitable society, the Carole Robertson Center for Learning, in partnership with families, will be a beacon of best practices, innovation, and impact in early childhood and youth development.

preschool children playing in class

Early Care and Education

We provide directly operated Early Care and Education (ECE) programs for children 0-5 years of age. As a trusted, high quality, and innovative early care and education organization, the Carole Robertson Center works in partnership with families, to be a beacon of best practices, innovation, and impact in early childhood education.

We offer a myriad of early care and education programs and services in order to serve the needs and realities of our communities while also placing parental choice at the forefront.

Visit our programs page to learn more

Youth Development

Since 1976 we’ve recognized and proven that the best way to support social-emotional learning and positive identity development is through engaging, stimulating, and hands-on learning. We create experiences that infuse youth voice and choice and are grounded in research and best practices. Our year-round programs serving children ages 5-17 build on the vision of creating a just and equitable society through exploring democracy, activism, and the broader world and engaging in STEAM through a highly qualified, culturally-competent, energetic and passionate staff.

Visit our programs page to learn more

4 boys with orange summer camp shirts with arms around each other

After-School Programs

High quality academic support and enrichment activities during the school year at the following locations:

  • Little Village (2929 W. 19th St.)
  • North Lawndale (3701 W. Ogden Ave.)
  • Albany Park (5101 N. Kimball Ave.)
  • Herzl School of Excellence (for students enrolled there)
  • KIPP Ascend Primary North Lawndale (for students enrolled there)
  • Lawndale Community Academy (for students enrolled there)
  • Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy (for students enrolled there)
  • Mary Gage Peterson Elementary (for students enrolled there)

Summer Day Camp

Social-emotional learning, problem-solving skills, team-building through fun and engaging activities and experiences during school closures at the following locations:

  • Little Village (2929 W. 19th St.)
  • North Lawndale (3701 W. Ogden Ave.)
  • Albany Park (5101 N. Kimball Ave.)

 

 

Our Service Models

The Carole Robertson Center reaches 15,000 children and adults annually through our direct service programs, community partnerships, workforce development efforts, and support services for independent child care providers. Our direct service footprint extends to more than two dozen communities across Chicago, with flagship sites in Little Village, North Lawndale, and Albany Park. We offer early education programs for children prenatal through age 5 through a variety of program models: center-based, home visiting, micro-centers at local schools, and via a network of center and family child care provider partners. We also offer youth development programs for youth ages 5 to 17 at our flagship sites and at a network of partner schools.

An Honor & Responsibility

Since its inception, the Center has worked to honor the life and memory of Carole Robertson who, together with her friends Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, and Denise McNair, was killed in the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

Carole Robertson
Carole Robertson
Addie Mae Collins
Addie Mae Collins
Cynthia Wesley
Cynthia Wesley
Denise McNair
Denise McNair

Support Our Mission

We rely on our volunteers and supporters to execute our mission and vision for tomorrow.

Get Involved

Give

Direct donations and material goods give us the power to expand educational opportunities for all.

Volunteer

Individual, group, and corporate volunteer opportunities are short or long term ways to be involved in the community.

Attend Events

Our events promote awareness, fundraising, and serve as a focal point for members to understand our mission.

Since 1976, the Carole Robertson Center for Learning has been dedicated to educating, enriching, and empowering children and families through comprehensive child and family development programs.