Business Profile: Teach Me How Academy

When the Rev. Cheryl Anderson found out two Chicago Heights daycare facilities were shut down due to mold issues, she sprang into action.

Anderson, who is co-pastor at , has helped children since entering the ministry 22 years ago. Her love for children has opened doors for a safehaven called Teach Me How Academy.  

Patch stopped by to see how this new non-profit business is doing.

Patch: How long have you been in business?   

Anderson: Eight months.

What made you want to start a local business?  

Because of the need for good childcare and good jobs for Chicago Heights. Currently, 90 percent of my staff is from Chicago Heights.

What are your specialties?

We use the Beka method and also Hooked on Phonics. We push reading, we have a small library for the children.

We're also promoting healthy lifestyles. When it comes to healthy choices, we want to help the children avoid obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. All of our food is home cooked here, very tasty and healthy for the children.

We also push the arts and we have a structured exercise program. 

How are you different from other childcare facilities?

What makes us different than other childcare facilities is, No. 1: We are affiliated with Chicago Miracle Temple Church. If the parents need some assistance, they are able to take part in the church food pantry at no charge.

Some of the parents are able to take food once a week or when needed to stock their pantry's at home. That includes canned goods and frozen foods supplied by the Greater Chicago Food Depository. We also have real classrooms with certified teachers, all versed in first aid and CPR.

We also provide our children with free limo service for our before and after school kids. The 1997 limo was donated to us. It has been a great way to be able to lift the self esteem of the children. You can see the kid's smile. We call our children the President's Kids.

What advice would you give parents that are looking for a good childcare facility?   

Safety, safety and safety! Look for a nuturing, loving and caring enviroment. There should be an open door policy where parents can come and check on their children.

Also, I would look for a daycare that is in total compliance with the state, city and federal guidelines.

Do you have any specials going on?  

We have free registration. We also are offering 50 percent off co-pays that are $50 and over.

Because of the cost of gasoline going up, a lot of people are struggling to make ends meet so we are offering a 20 percent discount to employees of St. James Hospital, Chicago Heights, Ford Motor Company, McDonald's and Pace Bus.

We do this so they can have an opportunity for local childcare. We do accept Child Care Initiative/Action for Children. If a parent is going to school or working they can apply for Action For Children, which pays a large portion of the childcare.

Any recommendations to those wanting to start their own business?  

You have to love what you're doing. If you love what you're doing, it won't be a hardship. You'll wake up every morning looking forward to going to work at that new business. Even in daycare, you've got to love the kids. You can't open it for financial gain.

Where are your favorite local places to eat and shop?

Nicky's Gyros on Lincoln Highway and Ultra Foods because they open early and have good prices. 

Final Comments.

I'm most grateful for a lot of my volunteer staff. I have a few ladies come in and rock the babies.

Since we are non-profit we are always in need of donations. Always looking for gently used toys and clothes. I can also use donations of baby formula, diapers and paper goods for arts & crafts. For the summer, we can use donations of window air conditioners, fans and we're in dire need of two lift chairs.

Since coming to Chicago Heights, Cheryl Anderson has won several community awards for her work with the homeless and with children. In 1999 she won the state and national National Council of Negro Women leadership award, where actress Halle Berry presented her with the award. In the year 2000, Cheryl won the Community Leadership Award from Jewel Foods. 

Teach Me How Academy is located at 34 E. 16th Street in Chicago Heights. They offer childcare Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for ages 6-week olds to 12-year olds.

For more information contact them at 708-755-8110.