The Gardner School at Yorktown Center
Nationally Accredited Through NAEYC With Curriculum-Based Learning
With its thriving, family-friendly community and historic district, The Gardner School at Yorktown Center meets the preschool needs of Chicago-area families. Located near the Yorktown Center shopping district, The Gardner School at Yorktown Center is convenient for families who live and work in and around the bustling DuPage County community. 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
At The Gardner School at Yorktown Center, security features like two-tiered secure entrances and camera monitors for each room, help keep children safe. The stunning and spacious classrooms plus the indoor and outdoor play areas provide a home away from home for our students, where they spend many hours of their week.
At The Gardner School at Yorktown Center, we have gone above and beyond traditional child care and preschool programs. Our approach ensures that each child is nurtured at the proper pace and level, providing them with the educational foundation for a bright future.
Our school is conveniently located inside the Yorktown Center Mall Plaza on the west side of the lot near Highland Avenue, providing easy access for families in the DuPage County community.
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
- Inviting classrooms with four-year degreed lead preschool teachers
- Delicious, healthy meals in the Kids’ Café
- Open-door policy for daily check-ins
- Convenient location in Yorktown Center community of Lombard
- Note: We have temporary safety and health procedures in place to protect children, families, and teachers from the COVID-19 virus at our other area preschools.
Academically-focused Programs
Infants
Pre-K
Preschool
Toddlers
Twos
Kindergarten
Enrichment Classes
BeSmart Computers
Amazing Athletes
Gymnastics
Karate
Cooking
Cooking
Music
Dance
Yorktown Center Campus Leadership
Angelika Merchut
School Director
How long have you been with TGS?
Since May 2014
Roles Served with TGS:
I have served as a lead teacher and Enrichment Coordinator at TGS Oak Brook. I was promoted to Assistant Director at TGS Naperville. I am thrilled to be the Executive School Director for TGS at Yorktown Center!
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development with an emphasis on Child Life from Northern Illinois University, and I graduated with a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Administration at National Louis University in November 2021.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
I have always enjoyed working with children from an early age, and I decided to stick with my passion in early childhood.
What makes you laugh about kids?
They say just about everything that is on their minds without any filter.
What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
These early years are so important and play such a tremendous part of their development. I want to be a part of that and help nurture their growth.
What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
Seeing the students’ sweet faces in the morning and how excited they are to come to school.
What do you love most about TGS?
We’re a family! The relationships we have with staff, children, and families are inspiring.
What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
Starting out as an infant teacher, I was able to see those same infants graduate Pre-K and kindergarten. It was a joyful moment for me.
What inspires you?
My inspiration is always having a challenge before me; to continue to try my best at everything.
What is your passion or passions?
I love working with children! Seeing them excited and happy just makes my day.
What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
It means that learning starts with infants, and learning about the world around them and their place it in plays a huge part in the development of the whole child.
What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
We will provide a safe, warm and nurturing environment for your child. We will communicate with you throughout the day using our parent communications app and customize your infant’s schedule to their needs. We want to make your family a part of our TGS family.
Natalie Lichaj
Assistant Director
How long have you been with TGS?
Since September 2014
Roles Served with TGS?
I started as the Enrichment Coordinator at The Gardner School of Oak Brook. I’ve also served as the Assistant Director at TGS Naperville and TGS Chicago-West Loop. I’m excited to welcome families as the Assistant Director in Lombard at Yorktown Center!
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia College in Chicago, with a major in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Women’s Literature.
What made you decide to have a career in education?
I knew at an early age that I wanted to be involved in education. I was fortunate to have such great teachers who inspired me to grow and learn. There’s no better feeling than having the opportunity to touch a child’s life. It is priceless and very meaningful.
What makes you laugh about kids?
What makes me laugh about kids is that they say what’s on their minds, with no hesitations or worries. It’s fun to hear the things children say.
What do you love most about TGS?
I love establishing meaningful relationships with children, families, and my coworkers. Together, we’re all involved in the TGS community. It is the basis of TGS success.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by kindness, hard work, a passion for life, and the possibilities of what could be. I’ve always loved the Robert Louis Stevenson quote, “The world is full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.”
What is your passion or passions?
My passion is education. I am motived to give the best I can for our students. I love learning and growing in the education field. Early Childhood Education brings the pivotal years for children, and I am dedicated to making those years a rich and happy learning experience.
What does the term ‘Where Learning Begins’ mean to you?
Learning begins at birth. Children work very hard at interpreting their new world. We are here to teach them and for them to enjoy their world.
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.
Contact Us
If you aren't yet ready to schedule a tour or the available times do not work for your family,
please click Contact Us to connect with someone from The Gardner School.
