Gottlieb Child Development Center celebrates new playground opening

CONTACT:

Allison Peters 
allison.peters@luhs.org
708-216-6140

MELROSE PARK, IL – The Gottlieb Child Development Center, located at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital (GMH), recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil a newly renovated playground designed specifically for children aged 2 to 5 years old. Licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the Gottlieb Child Development Center welcomes children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, serving both Loyola Medicine families and the local community.

The new “Prehistoric Park” playground was made possible by a gift from the Gottlieb Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board, which has served the community for over 60 years. “This gift is more than a playground—it’s a promise,” said Woodridge resident and Auxiliary President Jan Morgan “A promise that our youngest learners will have a safe, inspiring environment to grow strong bodies and bright minds. 

“It reflects the Auxiliary’s enduring legacy of compassion and commitment, making Gottlieb Memorial Hospital not only a place of healing but a cornerstone of community,” Judith Nealey, director of operations for the Gottlieb Child Development Center. 

The ribbon-cutting was attended by members of the Gottlieb Auxiliary Board, Jan Morgan, past presidents Cynthia Gottlieb and Helen Mattis, Gottlieb Memorial Foundation president Jack Weinberg, Elizabeth E. Early, president of Loyola University Medical Center and Sarah Hunter, president of GMH.

“It’s important for parents to feel like they are leaving their child in a safe environment where kids can grow, learn and thrive,” said Hunter. “At Gottlieb, we want these parents to feel comfortable going to work knowing their child is cared for physically and mentally.” 

The 55,000-square-foot center provides cozy infant rooms to vibrant Pre-K classrooms. Each space is thoughtfully designed with age-appropriate materials that spark curiosity and creativity. The program is built on a research-based, play-centered curriculum that nurtures social, emotional, and cognitive development. 

The Gottlieb Child Development Center is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuition includes three scratch-cooked meals tailored to meet every child’s nutritional needs and preferences. The center offers full-time and part-time enrollment and accepts the Illinois Child Care Assistance financial aid program (CCAP). Discounts are available for Loyola Medicine colleagues. The expansive outdoor yard, playground and spacious indoor gym can accommodate up to 46 children. 

“We have many colleagues who were raised in this daycare center and now work at a Loyola Medicine hospital,” said Early. “It’s one big family environment.”