Who We Are

Letter from the Director

Since Chicago Contemporary Preschool opened back in 2016, it has been a true joy to see it grow into such a special place for both children and their parents. We really have created our own community within this large city we call home and I am so excited to see the memories we will continue to make together.

Chicago Contemporary Preschool was founded on the idea that preschools are an intimate experience and should reflect the neighborhood that they serve. We are working closely with your child and family everyday so that our teachers become not just a part of your community but also a part of your family. Besides looking for teachers with experience and backgrounds in early childhood, we look for teachers who are nurturing and loving. Feeling safe and loved is an important factor in Preschool, especially when building a trusting relationship with teachers and fostering learning.

As a parent of a child who is enrolled in Chicago Contemporary Preschool, I work hard to build a school that can be a second home and hold a team of educators you can consider a second family. Open dialog and communication between parents and educators makes Chicago Contemporary Preschool the school it is today. We understand that every child is different and learns differently. The teachers and I strive to make each family feel comfortable by giving their child personalized care. We create a curriculum around the children enrolled and their interests as a way to make learning both fun and educational.

Because in the end, I believe there is no higher honor than to be chosen to care for your child during this important and magical time in their life.

Valerie Kravtsova Charles

School Director & Founder

B.S. Human Development & Family Studies
University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign

Chicago Contemporary Preschool is dedicated to providing an age appropriate and safe environment where your child feels comfortable learning through play and exploration. We believe in providing your child with a balanced daily schedule with opportunities to explore freely as well as participate in group activities.

Besides a well-balanced curriculum to fuel your child’s mind, we believe in promoting a happy and healthy lifestyle that fuels your child’s body with all organic family-style meals and snacks prepared by beyond green.

Our goal is to create strong partnerships with parents and families, as well as provide an environment where families can connect with other families, building a stronger community and a nurturing environment overall.

By creating a positive and nurturing learning environment, Chicago Contemporary Preschool is helping our students develop a healthy self-esteem and confidence when it comes to building relationships and strengthening their communication and problem solving skills.

Our Philosophy

Meet Our Staff

Administration

Assistant Director
B.A. History & Women’s Studies - Clemson College
CDA - City Colleges of Chicago
Contemporary Preschool since 2016
“My philosophy is to foster a development of the child in all areas of life with the goal of nurturing each child’s natural desire for knowledge, understanding, and respect. By engaging with the child based on their own interests, we can begin to help develop each child’s learning journey!”

Director Of Education
M.S. Early Childhood Education - DePaul University
Contemporary Preschool since 2019
“Working at CCP has been a captivating experience for me in my teaching journey. While working at CCP I’ve learned to become more flexible and adaptable and that’s honestly what I’ve always also tried to foster in each classroom I’ve ever worked in. So to experience that personally within my own career journey has been liberating.”

Pre-Kindergarten

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
B.S. Psychology - University of Houston

M.S Clinical Mental Health Counseling - in progress
Contemporary Preschool since 2022
“I have found working with children to be one of the most rewarding experiences. It is a precious thing to be a part of their development and watch them learn new things each day. Working at CCP has given me a wonderful opportunity to teach children in a loving and nurturing learning environment. Feeling supported by the staff and inspired by the children makes coming to work a joy!”

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies & Human Services - University of Iowa
Contemporary Preschool since 2024
“I am passionate about developing connections and relationships with my students and parents and love collaborating with parents to learn what is best for each individual child”

Preschool

Preschool Teacher
CDA - Child Development Associates
Contemporary Preschool since 2024
“I have always loved working with children and aspire to create a safe and nurturing environment for them, just as my teachers did for me.”

Lead Preschool Teacher
B.S. Elementary Education - Northern Illinois University
Contemporary Preschool since 2025
“I rediscovered my passion for early childhood education at CCP, when I found joy in inspiring children to think creatively, embrace their individuality, and in turn, remind me daily to be the best version of myself.”

Twos

Twos Teacher
B.S. Psychology
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Contemporary Preschool since 2025
“Working with kids brings me the greatest joy! Seeing that lightbulb go on when they learn a new skill or discover something new just makes it all worth it. Not to mention the smile that follows :)”

Twos Teacher
BFA Fashion Design - Columbia College Chicago
Contemporary Preschool since 2020
“I love working with children because they are filled with such excitement, curiosity, creativity, and love. To not only watch them bloom and grow, but also to do my part to provide a supportive and caring environment for them to discover themselves and the world around them is so fulfilling, and encourages me to do all I can do to be an authentic, loving human.”

Toddlers

Toddler Teacher
B.S. Psychology - Western Governors University
Contemporary Preschool since 2023
“Working with children is rewarding because it is so special to watch them grow into their own unique personalities more and more each day.”

Toddler Teacher
A.A. Early Childhood Education - Morton College
Contemporary Preschool since 2022
“I love being a part of children’s learning & being able to see them grow and accomplish so many things. They teach us so much as well!”

Infants

Older Infant Teacher
A.A. Psychology - Wilbur Wright College
Contemporary Preschool since 2025
“I love working with children because everyday brings a new spark of wonder and fun. There’s something truly special about guiding children as they learn, grow, and discover the world.”

Older Infant Teacher
B.A. Elementary Education - Arkansas State University
Contemporary Preschool since 2025
“I love the opportunity that I have to work with children at CCP! Working with children has filled me with so much joy - from being a part of their first steps to seeing them master new skills. I am grateful to watch them grow each day alongside others who share the same passion.”

Infant Teacher
B.S. Administration - In Progress at DePaul University
Contemporary Preschool since 2023
“Working with children is a unique yet rewarding experience. I love getting to know each child’s unique personality.”

Infant Teacher
A.A. General Studies
B.A. Early Childhood Education – In Progress at Harold Washington College
Contemporary Preschool since 2021
“People always ask me, how do you teach an Infant? My response is always; I love, nurture, & care for them as if they are my own and keep the parents updated about their day. The best part about CCP is I am able to be my creative self. I love to do fun activities with my babies and my team & I just work so well together which makes the days go by smoother.”

Assistant Teachers

CCP’s commitment to its students and families is helped made possible by all our staff, especially our assistant teachers, who help keep our student-to-teacher ratios low. 4 to 12 Infant teacher ratio, 3 to 10 toddler teacher ratio, 3 to 16 twos teacher ratio, 3 to 20 Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten teacher ratio.