RLCF Children's Center marks Earth Day by planting garden, reading

INA, Ill. (April 24, 2015) - Students at the Rend Lake College Foundation Children's Center got their hands dirty Wednesday morning in honor of Earth Day.

The preschool and pre-kindergarten students and their instructors teamed up with Greg Hollmann, RLC General Science Associate Professor, to plant a number of flowers and herbs in the garden at the center. Afterward, Hollmann read two books to the students about the color of different plants and how to take care of the environment.

The Children's Center is now enrolling students between 6-weeks and 12-years-old for both the Summer and Fall 2015 semesters. Seats are open to anyone in the general public, from RLC students and staff to the local community.

It is the only facility in Franklin, Jefferson, and Hamilton counties accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. It was also the first Gold Circle of Quality program in the RLC district. Gold Circle programs have met the highest quality standards in at least three areas: teaching and learning, family and community engagement, leadership and management, and qualifications and continuing education.

In addition to classrooms for infants and toddlers, the RLCFCC's free Pre-K classroom requires children to meet eligibility requirements, including a checklist and a screening for the child. Screenings can be done the week of May 18-21.

To enroll or schedule a screening, contact the RLCF Children’s Center at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1393, or mayb@rlc.edu. Visit online at www.rlc.edu/childrens-center-home or www.facebook.com/RLCFCC.

Pre-kindergarten students Tyson Wilson (Texico), LEFT, and Brian Welch (Bonnie), CENTER, help Greg Hollmann, RLC General Science Associate Professor, RIGHT, dig up a worm at the RLCF Children's Center while planting flowers and herbs in the center's garden. The students planted about two dozen buds in honor of Earth Day. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

Seated and standing around the garden at the RLCF Children's Center, a handful of students learned about planting buds to help them grow from RLC Associate Professor Greg Hollmann. Pictured is, in alphabetical order, Hendrix Draege (Hoyleton), Cole Furrow (Sesser), Teagan McGinnis (Ina), Andrew Stinson (Ina), Brian Welch (Bonnie), Tyson Wilson (Texico), and Carmen Zimmerman (Ina). Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

RLCF Children's Center students listen intently as Greg Hollmann, RLC Associate Professor, reads about the different colors of different plants and "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss in honor of Earth Day. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)