About Us
Share and Care is a for-profit, multi accredited childcare facility that offers quality care to families with children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. We are a center that relies on the dedication and excellence of the staff to maintain our reputation of distinction. This is a Christian-based program that tries to capture the relaxed feeling of home and friends, while striving for educational excellence.
Our organization was started in 1983 and is still operated by the original owner. Our center was the first in North Aurora to attain NAEYC accreditation and we proudly still hold that standard of excellence.
Our location situates us in the heart of downtown North Aurora. This close connection with the community allows the students to utilize the nearby nature paths, village playground, and local library. This location is also convenient for parents as it is right off Route 31, and mere blocks away from the I-88 ramps.
Our Philosophy
The center's basic philosophy of childcare is one that believes all children are unique individuals that must pass through certain developmental stages. However, realizing that each child is an individual and develops at their own rate, our environment and learning centers are structured according to individual needs. This provides enough challenge for every child, and still meets the needs of the youngest child.
Through play, the child will be provided with opportunities to learn about himself, the world he lives in, and his feelings. Necessary cognitive skills (such as numbers, letters, colors, etc...) will also be taught "artfully" with the use of various centers of interest. Children will be unaware that they are being taught these principles and skills because they will be learning through play.
The "work" of learning will be transformed into the entertainment of play. The learning centers will consist of various areas of specific activities. These will include a housekeeping corner, an art corner, a block building area, a reading and quiet area, and a manipulative area. We feel a stimulating environment will provide for the basic needs of each individual, allowing children to grow, explore, and create.
Since staff members feel that all children are unique individuals, a program is designed to meet their needs through play. The experiences of play provide integrated situations wherein areas of study are recognized and encouraged.
Our Administrative Team
SUZANNE STARBLE Executive Director
Suzanne’s passion for God and children has fueled her desire to provide quality care as founder and director of Share and Care since 1983. It is her privilege and honor to be entrusted by families of the North Aurora community and watch two generations grow and learn. Partnering with special and dedicated people who share her vision has kept the fire burning over the past four decades. The support and unsurpassed love of her husband, three children and eight grandchildren are the springboard of this lasting legacy.
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Masters Degree in Early Childhood Administration
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Bachelor of Science in Education
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Licensure in Early Childhood Education
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Licensure in Elementary Education
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Illinois Director Credential Level II
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Early Childhood Education Credential Level IV
DEBBIE PATTERMAN Program Director
In 1983, Debbie was the first to join the Share and Care family by assisting Suzanne in setting up Share and Care Learning Center before officially hired on in 1985 as a Preschool teacher. She then became Director in 1991. Together, with a team of amazing teachers, Debbie commits to providing all families with a loving and developmentally sound foundation for a lifetime of learning. A child’s play is their “work” so Debbie strives to provide and maintain an environment where children can grow and thrive while exploring the world around them.
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Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education
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Illinois Director Credential Level I
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Early Childhood Education Level IV
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Infant Toddler Credential Level II
SUSIE MANKO Director
Susie has been involved in early childhood education as a parent advocate, teacher, and director for over 20 years. She believes all children are gifts from God that must be nurtured and respected. Their individual personalities and unique talents make every day an adventure. Susie lives in North Aurora and is married with two college-aged daughters. Family is the world to Susie, and the children and staff at Share and Care are her extended family. She is fiercely proud and protective of all of them and does all she can to provide the best atmosphere for development and personal growth.
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Bachelors of Science degree in English, Minor in Sociology
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Early Childhood Education Credential Level II
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Over 25 hours of Early Childhood Education classes
MICHELLE CURLEY Executive Assistant
Michelle has been at Share And Care since July 2015. She graduated from Taylor University in 1991 with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. She has held various jobs throughout the years; women/children's counselor, executive assistant, administrative assistant, and now executive assistant here at Share And Care. Her love for children and community brought her here. She cherishes the opportunity she has been given to make a difference in family's lives. God has provided her a place to use not only her love for "little people" but also her gifts in administration. "I truly am blessed to be a part of this team!"
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Bachelor of Science in Social Work
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Licensed Real Estate Broker
