IWSE’s Baby Toddler Nursery is celebrating 50 years of leading the way in early childhood education.
BTN is the first licensed infant and toddler early childhood education program in the State of Illinois. For over 50 years, IWSE has been a leader in policy, practice and advocacy in early childhood education. Equity and inclusion have been a cornerstone of our work.
Read more about our missions below, and please consider supporting us as we continue to grow and make positive impacts on the community around us. Your donations will have double the impact: For every dollar donated, we have generous donors that have volunteered to match it.
We’ve led the way for 50 years; help us lead the way for the next 50.
We Led the Way
Fifty years ago, the Infant Welfare Society of Evanston led the way by establishing Baby Toddler Nursery, the first licensed child care center for infants & toddlers in Illinois. Even back in 1971, we knew when new parents needed to work, they needed safe and loving care for their infants and toddlers.
As years went on and research about brain development advanced, we learned how critical these first three years (first 1100 days) are to children’s success in life. Their brains are developing at an astonishing speed. What we offer them in their earliest experiences greatly impacts the foundation for future learning, health, and overall well-being.
We have faced many challenges over the last 50 years, internal and external. We have remained focused on our mission and serving the community. And now, even during the Pandemic, we are stronger than ever. We look forward to continuing to serve.
We Lead the Way
We strive to have the most talented teachers, knowledgeable about the cognitive, social and emotional needs of our children and able to give every child the nurturing and stimulation he or she needs. Our teachers are special. They know that young children thrive when they have secure and positive relationships with teachers who are responsive to their individual needs. They understand that in partnership with parents, they are raising our future leaders, our youngest future leaders. And they believe that all children deserve equitable opportunities to reach their full potential. They are proud of what they do, they know it matters. They love the career they’ve chosen.
We recognize that our teachers have been and continue to be our most valuable assets. We believe that investing in our teachers and their development is the best way to support our children.
We believe in empowering early childhood educators to improve our children’s lives. Strengthening the roles of teachers, and supporting the teachers in our programs are essential for a positive early experience. Happy teachers make happy children.
It takes a village: We are thankful for our teachers and their commitment and bravery during this historic challenge. They have cared for children of frontline workers, first responders and those who could not work from home.
We’re Leading the Way for the Future
With your help, we’re going to lead the way for the future. And that means doing the most for our teachers. With your support, we will strive to attract and retain talented teachers with a heart for early childhood education. We will strive to pay them what they deserve. And we will support them with the special services children may need to thrive, both inside and outside the classroom, by:
Professionalizing the field and reinforcing the importance and quality of teachers’ work in the classroom elevates their status in the educational field.
Improving compensation and benefits to help them attain greater economic stability for their families decreases stress and bolsters a positive work environment.
Providing opportunities for ongoing professional development and best practice strategies enables them to continue providing high quality programs.
And so much more.
We know that closing the educational and opportunity gap begins with access to early childhood education and enrichment. We are nurturing future leaders!
To read more about IWSE & Baby Toddler Nursery’s impact in 2020, please be sure to check out our 2020 Annual report.
Celebrate BTN’s 50th Anniversary with us
All proceeds from each sale directly benefit IWSE & the Baby Toddler Nursery.
IWSE & BTN 50th Anniversary Mugs
A traditional 11oz ceramic mug featuring the IWSE brandmark celebrating the Baby Toddler Nursery’s 50th Anniversary.
IWSE & BTN 50th Anniversary Magnetic Car Decals
A colorful magnetic car decal featuring the IWSE brandmark celebrating the Baby Toddler Nursery’s 50th Anniversary.
Our Mission:
The IWSE mission is to deliver exceptional care and education for infants and young children and support families’ efforts to be effective parents and advocates in their child’s learning and development.
The Infant Welfare Society of Evanston serves Evanston and its surrounding communities with programs
that nurture, support, and educate the whole family.
IWSE & Baby Toddler Nursery have led the way for 50 years, please help us lead the way for the next 50 and donate below.
All of the dollars raised for the 50th Anniversary of BTN will go to direct support of our teachers and staff at IWSE in honor of their commitment and effort for our children and families.