Celebrating the New Year and 15 Years of Green Bean Day School

Dear Green Bean Families,

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, we are grateful to celebrate a momentous milestone: the 15th year of Green Bean Day School as an independent school and Chicago's first Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood education program. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and it would not have been possible without the trust, partnership, and support of our families.

When we first opened our doors in 2009, we envisioned creating a place where children would be empowered to explore, learn, and grow in an environment that values curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Over the years, our mission has remained steadfast, and we have been privileged to see so many of our children grow and flourish.

One of my role's greatest perks is seeing our children's incredible growth, often shared through our social media feed. Witnessing their journey brings me so much joy, and I am particularly moved when I think of some of our earliest students who are now preparing to graduate high school next year. It is a profound reminder of the lasting impact of early childhood education.

However, we recognize that this work is not without its challenges. The field of early childhood education has become increasingly demanding, with stringent city and state regulations and economic pressures that weigh heavily on small schools like ours. Since opening our second location, we have seen no less than six neighboring childcare centers close their doors. These closures are sobering reminders of the obstacles our industry faces, but they also underscore the importance of the work we do each day.

At Green Bean, we remain deeply committed to providing the highest quality education and care for your children. To continue thriving in this environment, we rely not only on our dedicated staff but also on the vital support of our families. There are two key ways you can help ensure the continued success of our school:

1. Referrals: Word of mouth is one of the most powerful ways to grow our community. If you know families who would benefit from the unique and enriching experience Green Bean offers, please share your story with them.

2. Positive Reviews: Sharing your experiences and leaving reviews about our teachers and your time at Green Bean can make a tremendous difference in helping us reach new families. Your voice matters, and it inspires confidence in others seeking the right place for their children.

As we celebrate this milestone year, we are excited to announce that we will be introducing special, celebratory ways to honor our 15 years together. From events and activities to commemorate our journey to opportunities to reflect on and share the memories that have shaped our school, we look forward to making this year one to remember for our entire community.

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. Here’s to a year of growth, community, and continued success as we embrace both the joy and the challenges ahead together.

With gratitude,

Nicole Toalson