The New Center

SAL's Skip-a-Long Childhood Centers serve more children than any other in the Quad Cities. 

• 4 centers—Moline, Rock Island, Milan, and Davenport
• 700 children from birth to 12 served daily
• More than 55 years of experience working with children who live in poverty
• 84% of Skip-a-Long children receive financial support

All Skip-a-Long Childhood Centers have earned accreditation through the National Accreditation Commission for high-quality linguistic and cultural reponsiveness, and comprehensive child development and family support services.

The current Rock Island center has earned the highest quality rating in Illinois: the Gold Circle of Quality by ExceleRate Illinois.

Enrollment Capacity

Our enrollment capacity will grow to 192 children from ages 6 weeks to 12 years old.

Building Size

The new center will be 2.5 times bigger at 32,500 square feet.

Classrooms

We will add 3 new classrooms, bringing us to a total of 12.

Teaching Positions

We will hire an additional 11 teachers, an increase from 28 to 39. 

Intergenerational Programming

Shared space allows intergenerational experiences between our children and seniors at Friendship Manor to create a community filled with connections, learning, and joy. These shared experiences will include story time and reading, arts and crafts, gardening, help with homework, and more!

This will be the first program of its kind in the Quad Cities, only the third in Illinois, and one of about 105 nationwide. It's a rare and proven model that improves mental, physical, and emotional health for seniors while helping children develop communication skills, empathy and patience, and a deeper connection to the community.

Center Amenities

• Safe and secure facility
• Spacious, sunlit classrooms with large windows for natural light
• Modern, fully equipped classrooms
• Large gym to allow children to remain active regardless of the weather
• 3 outdoor, age-appropriate playgrounds
• Sensory gardens, outdoor art spaces, and nature classrooms
• Child-size toilets in every classroom
• Healthy meals and snacks

Curriculum

The fully-licensed teachers will continue utilizing research-based and comprehensive curriculum and classroom management strategies.

Learn more about curriculum and classroom management practices. 

Quality learning continues into the school years

The new Skip-a-Long Rock Island campus will provide high-quality before school, after school, summer, and intersession learning environments for 60 K-5th grade students. 

• Second floor classrooms designed for school-age students
• Active learning environment includes outdoor classroom and STEAM programming
• Easy, convenient, innovative place for families with young and school-aged children to learn and grow together
• Helping students with homework provides continuity between school and out-of-school time learning
• Enrichment activities through collaborations with community partners
• Healthy meals and snacks nourish growing bodies and feed their minds
• Families retain access to all our supportive services