The Gardner School of Oak Brook
Nationally Accredited Through NAEYC With Curriculum-Based Learning
At The Gardner School of Oak Brook, we nurture intellectual growth through a variety of visual and audio aids, educational toys, games, puzzles, and learning supplies. We believe a well-rounded education encourages an emerging sense of self and socialization alongside intellectual exploration. We are proud to have achieved the honor of national accreditation through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAEYC).
Safe and Secure Environment With Two Security Checkpoints
Our Oak Brook preschool values safety and ensures a secure environment with its multiple security checkpoints, giving parents peace of mind.
The Gardner School of Oak Brook is located at 17 W 642 E. Butterfield Road off of the I-88 Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway near Midwest Road.
Our Oak Brook preschool offers year-round full- and part-time childcare with early childhood education programs for children six weeks old through private Kindergarten. In addition, we also provide a full suite of enrichment classes and our summer camp, Camp Gardner. All classrooms are led by highly-qualified teachers who have a passion for helping young children learn and thrive. The stimulating, creative, and educationally engineered school has been designed to meet the needs of our most important client—the children. Attention to detail both inside and outside the classroom is what makes The Gardner School of Oak Brook a very special place for young children.
School Features
- Academically-focused learning with research-based curriculum
- NAEYC Accredited
- Real-time updates through the parent communications app with photos, nap and feeding times, and school announcements
- Safe and secure environment with two security checkpoints
- Inviting classrooms with four-year degreed lead preschool teachers
- Delicious, healthy meals in the Kids’ Café
- On-site supplemental enrichment classes (sports, music and arts, computers, foreign language) in our enrichment studio and computer lab
- Open-door policy for daily check-ins
- Indoor and outdoor playscapes
Academically-focused Programs
Camp Gardner
Infants
Kindergarten
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
Enrichment Classes
Ballet
BeSmart Computers
Gymnastics
Music/Drama
Spanish
Sports
Yoga
Oak Brook Campus Leadership
Brittany Foley
School Director
How long have you been with TGS?
Since July of 2014.
Roles Served with TGS:
I started as a lead teacher in the toddler classroom at The Gardner School of Oak Brook. I have also been in the leadership roles of Enrichment Coordinator and Assistant Director. I am thrilled to now serve our families as the Director!
What is your educational background?
I attended National Louis University, where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences with a minor in Administration of Early Childhood.
What makes you laugh about kids?
What makes me laugh most about kids is their honesty. They can be some of the most truthful critics.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part of the day at TGS would be when the students stop at the front desk on the way in or even give me a big hug before they leave for the day. I love their enthusiasm for school.
What do you love most about TGS?
I love the positive relationships that I have formed with the children, families, and staff. It makes it feel more like we are one big family.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
One of my fondest memories would have to be in being the first teacher to open up our toddler wing. I was super excited to have my own classroom!
What is the funniest thing you have ever heard come out of the mouth of a TGS Student?
For summer camp, we had Bear Paddle Swim School come out, and one of the employees was dressed as a bear. It was so much fun!
What inspires you?
My son is my inspiration. He inspires and motivates me daily to work harder and make the best out of every situation.
What is your passion or passions?
My passion has always been to work with children. I enjoy making a difference in their lives and watching them grow and develop.
What does the phrase ‘Where Learning Begins’ mean to you?
To me, the phrase “Where Learning Begins” means that the early years are the most important. These are the years where we help set the foundation for their future.
Rachel McDaid
Assistant Director
How long have you been with TGS?
I started at TGS in January of 2022.
Roles Served with TGS:
I serve as the Assistant Director of TGS Oak Brook.
What is your educational background?
I earned my bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University in 2014. I majored in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in family services and psychology. After graduation, I continued my education as a graduate assistant for the Child Care Resource and Referral office. Finally, I earned my master’s degree in family services in 2015.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
I decided to have a career in education because I enjoy watching children learn and grow, especially in a school setting!
What makes you laugh about kids?
I truly love how honest kids are! They will always say what they feel, and I love how transparent they are. They always make me laugh because they speak their minds and are so goofy!
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
I love how much their little minds grow! Working with young children is so special because we get to be a part of their development in their early years.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
My favorite part of the day is the excitement I see on the children’s faces when they see their teachers in the morning! It is so special to see that bond between the teachers and students.
What do you love most about TGS?
I truly love how the curriculum is both academic and creative for the children. I also love how welcoming everyone is at TGS!
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
My fondest memory so far is working in the toddler classrooms. I love how excited the children get when someone enters their classroom! They always greet you with a “Hi!” and run up to you and give you a big hug.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the students here at TGS! I love watching them grow and learn.
What is your passion or passions?
My passion is working with children! From an early age, I always knew I wanted to have a career in early childhood education.
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
To me, the term “Where Learning Begins” means that the early years are the most important and the building blocks to each child’s future.
How important is early childhood education?
Early childhood is extremely important and provides a love of learning that goes well past the preschool years.
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
I would tell them that it is completely normal to feel apprehensive, but to reassure them their child is in the best care! My son started at TGS at 12 weeks, and he has truly thrived here. The teachers truly care for the babies as if they were their own children. Even in a group setting, there is so much time for bonding and individualized time with each and every student. Also, I would provide the parents with information about our amazing app called BrightWheel, where they can see updates and pictures throughout the day. The last reminder that I would give to parents is that we are always here and to reach out with any questions so we can make this an easy transition!