Skip-a-Long Childhood Centers

There are only about 2,000 days between the time a baby is born and when he or she starts Kindergarten!  Skip-a-Long builds learning activities in a stimulating environment for each day of a child's life through play.  As Mr. Rogers said, "...play is the work of early childhood."

Self-regulation, problem solving, conflict resolution, and curiosity are skills that are embedded throughout the learning opportunities for children to explore and discovery what excites them.

Building on these foundational skills, children are better able to learn math, science, art, music and other academic concepts.  With these tools in hand, children are ready for Kindergarten when they leave Skip-a-Long!

Early Head Start Child Care Partnership 

In 2021, Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships (EHS CCP) became a core early learning and education program of SAL serving Rock Island, Henry and Mercer Counties. This federally funded grant program provides comprehensive services to low-income children and families. Early Head Start specifically serves families with children age birth - 3 years in centers and birth - 4 years in child care homes. Child care services are offered in our Illinois Skip-a-Long centers; partner centers P&J Tender Care and the Aldridge Early Learning Center, as well as SAL Home Child Care Network home providers.  We also offer a home visiting program for expecting parents which includes individualized home visits and socialization events with other families.  Comprehensive services include support staff in Early Childhood Education, Health and Nutrition, Mental Health/Disabilities, and Family, Parent, and Community Engagement.

Home Child Care Network

For families needing care for non-traditional hours, including weekends, evenings, 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift care, the Home Child Care Network offers high-quality early care and education in a family child care setting.

Prevention Initiative

In 2022, SAL added Prevention Initiaive to our program offerings. Funded by the Illinois School Board of Education, Prevention Initiative is an intensive, research-based child development and family support services for families with children from birth to age three, with an aim of building a strong early learning foundation and preparing children for later school success. SAL Community Services’ Prevention Initiative program offers early, continuous child development and family support services in Rock Island County. The comprehensive year-round program is for families with children currently enrolled in SAL’s early childhood programs, including Skip-a-Long Childhood Centers and select licensed homes within our Home Child Care Network. It is also available to new families in the community who are interested in establishing a strong early learning foundation for their children.

Home Visiting - COMING SOON!

In 2024, SAL Community Services will be expanding its early childhood education programming with the addition of the Home Visiting Expansion program, funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Additional information will be forthcoming.