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
Summer at TGS
Infants
Kindergarten
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
Enrichment Classes
Ballet
BeSmart Computers
Gymnastics
Music/Drama
Spanish
Sports
Yoga
Oak Brook Campus Leadership
Rachel McDaid
School 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 my 2 sons, Liam and Patrick. They are 20 months apart and keep me on my toes everyday!
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! I have 2 boys who both started at TGS at 12 weeks, and they have 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!
Mindy Bogardus
Assistant Director
What is your educational background, and what inspired you to pursue a career in early childhood education?
I graduated from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I come from a long line of teachers and have been around children all my life so a career in Early Childhood seemed to be my destiny.
How long have you been with TGS, and what excites you most about being part of this school community?
I originally began my Early Childhood career with The Compass Schools in 2002 and then became a part of The Gardner Schools when TGS acquired Compass in 2022. I love the support that is given to the administrative teams and staff members. No matter what the challenge is, there is always someone to call for help, guidance, and support.
What do you love most about working with children during their early years of development?
I love how children are so innocent and eager to learn. Everything is amazing and an opportunity to discover. My favorite moment is when a child’s face lights up when they see something for the first time or finally achieve a goal.
What is the most rewarding part of your day at TGS?
I love being at the front desk and saying, “Good morning” to all the families, children, and staff. It gives me the opportunity to check in with everyone. I also love popping into the classrooms to see all the fun and engaging activities that are happening. However, the best part is seeing a child run to me with their arms open for a hug. 🙂
Share the name of a teacher who inspired you and describe how they influenced your approach to education.
Having been educators themselves, my parents are my greatest inspiration. My mom taught me to incorporate music and games into lessons to make them fun and interactive. My dad taught me the importance of hands-on activities and working alongside students to learn and discover as a team.
Why do you believe that a quality early childhood education is important for a child’s development?
A quality early childhood education is so important because it builds cognitive and social-emotional skills that will lead to success not only in school, but also in career and life in general. Studies have shown that participating in high-quality early education programs leads to higher graduation rates, a higher quality of life as an adult, and better overall health.
How would you comfort and reassure new parents who may feel nervous about leaving their child in someone else’s care for the first time?
I always try to connect with a parent and let them know that I understand how they feel as I was once in their shoes. I reassure them that the teachers will keep them up to date through the Brightwheel app and share photos and videos. Additionally, they may call or stop in at any time to check in.
How do you partner with parents to support their child’s growth and learning journey?
I begin by trying to get to know every family by being present during drop-off and pick-up times. These small interactions help lead to a strong relationship that fosters trust. Families then feel they can approach me whether they have a question or concern and makes it easier to work together.
What TGS Parents Are Saying
Schedule a Tour
Please select a date and time that works best for you (tours are ~45 minutes). We recommend visiting in the morning between 9:30 – 11:30 am. Of course, we completely understand that is not always possible with families’ schedules and welcome families to join whenever is most convenient for you. If you aren't ready to tour yet or these times below don’t work for your family, use the Contact Us button below and we will coordinate a time together.
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