Phone
847.388.5440
Staff
Melinda Agosto
Child Development Director
magosto@mundeleinparks.org
Address
1401 N. Midlothian Road
Mundelein, IL 60060
Big & Little Child Development Center is located on N. Midlothian Road, between Route 176 and Winchester Road (inside the Mundelein Community Center), in Mundelein.
Hours
Our current hours are 7 am—5 pm.
Where learning is FUN! (for ages 15 months to 6 years)
With more than 25 years of serving the community, Big & Little is a great place for your child to learn, grow, and make friends. The state-licensed center hosts up to 71 children, ages 15 months to 6 years. Our professionally-trained staff provide a fun, engaging, and educational environment. four, kid-friendly classrooms are designed for 16–18 children, based on the overall age of the children served.
Children at Big & Little enjoy the facility’s full-sized gym, Spray Park, for a summertime treat with special water/play activity areas just for younger children, and a private, fenced playground. Big & Little offers convenient child care from 7 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, year-round, excluding major holidays. Full and part-time schedule options as well as a morning preschool help meet the needs of working families.
About Our Program
At Big & Little, your child is provided with a warm, nurturing, stimulating, and challenging environment that promotes social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. Our goal is to help your child experience the joy of learning, instill a sense of curiosity, and provide an atmosphere of discovery and exploration. Big & Little stresses activities that facilitate language development, increase sensory awareness and enhance an understanding of the environment. Independence, self-confidence, and positive self-esteem are encouraged.
Our theme-based curriculum provides a wide variety of activities and interest areas. Cooperative play is encouraged while meeting developmental needs. Our daily schedule provides ample opportunity for active and quiet activities as well as both fine and gross motor activities.
Daily activities include:
- Circle Time
- Art, Dramatic Play, and Blocks
- Science/Discovery Center
- Manipulatives
- Language Arts
- Sensory Motor Activities
- Music/Movement
- Library Corner
- Computers
- Cooking Activities and Field Trips
“I cannot say enough about the incredible experiences that our family has had at Big and Little. The teachers/directors are absolutely wonderful. I have always felt there has been an open dialogue between his teachers, directors and I about my child’s development. The curriculum and the activities keep my son engaged and he is growing, learning and developing every day. Nothing makes me happier than the excitement my son has on a daily basis when it is time to go to school.”
-Rebecca Block
“As a parent, finding the perfect daycare for your little one is no small feat. After three years of entrusting our most precious treasure to the caring hands at Big and Little, I am overjoyed to share our incredible experience. From the moment we stepped through the welcoming doors, it was evident that this was more than just an early childhood center—it was a nurturing haven where love, learning, and laughter flourished. The staff’s warmth and genuine dedication to each child’s well-being created an environment that felt like an extension of our own home. The staff’s attention to detail ensures that every child’s needs, from dietary restrictions to medical considerations, are met with diligence and care. The programming at Big and Little is nothing short of extraordinary. Witnessing the creative and engaging activities tailored to each developmental stage is inspiring. Our child has learned essential academic skills and developed crucial social and emotional intelligence, thanks to the thoughtful guidance of experienced educators. Communication is a cornerstone of the Big and Little experience. The quick check-ins at pick up and drop off and regular updates via their user-friendly app have been invaluable. We always feel connected to our child’s daily adventures and milestones, fostering a collaborative and supportive relationship between parents and caregivers. Reflecting on our journey with Big and Little over the past three years, I am grateful for the positive impact it has had on our family. The bonds formed, the skills acquired, and the joy experienced are immeasurable. Choosing Big and Little has proven to be one of the best decisions we’ve made as parents. Thank you to the entire Big and Little team for making our child’s early years truly golden. Here’s to many more years of growth, laughter, and learning in your loving care!”
-Stephanie Nagel
“Enrolling my daughter at Big & Little has been an absolute delight! The care, attention, and nurturing environment provided have not just eased my mind, but has also made my daughter eager and excited to attend. I couldn’t be happier with the warmth and professional care and for making it a second home for my daughter.”
-Tina Holland
| Full Time Care | Weekly (resident) |
Per Day (resident) |
Weekly (nonresident) |
Per Day (nonresident) |
|
| Toddler (15 months –2 Years) |
$325 | $74 | $355 | $80 | |
| 2 Years | $305 | $70 | $335 | $76 | |
| 3-5 Years | $280 | $65 | $310 | $71 |
| Part Time Care (Resident) | Per Day | 2 Days | 3 Days | 4 Days |
| Toddler (15 months –2 Years) |
$74 | $148 | $222 | $296 |
| 2 Years | $70 | $140 | $210 | $280 |
| 3-5 Years | $65 | $130 | $195 | $260 |
Melinda Agosto
Child Development Director
Ms. Melinda began her time as the Child Development Director at Big & Little in September 2020 after working Assistant Director/Childcare Supervisor first at the YMCA, then the Vernon Hills Park District from 2008 to 2020. She completed her undergrad degree in Elementary Education at DePaul University in 2004 then went on to complete a graduate degree in School Counseling at Concordia University in 2016. Ms. Melinda is a lifelong Mundelein resident and along with her husband and three daughters, continues to reside here. She loves working and serving the families in her own community.
Lorena Vazquez
Child Development Assistant Director
Ms. Lorena has been the Firefly teacher at Big & Little since October of 2020. Her role in childcare started off as an Assistant Teacher and once she realized how passionate she was about her job, she went on to receive her Infant-Toddler and Preschool CDAs. After recently earning her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Lorena was promoted to Child Development Assistant Director. As a lifelong Mundelein resident, working for MPRD has been a dream come true. Lorena loves being given the opportunity to teach in the same community that taught her. When Lorena is not teaching, you can find her singing, teaching improv classes, performing comedy, or shopping at Target.
Jessica Drecoll
Ms. Jessica started teaching at Big and Little in July 2022. She is a lifelong Mundelein resident and was very excited to start teaching in her community. Ms. Jessica has studied Education, worked as a nanny for many years, and has two children of her own. Ms. Jessica enjoys using her creativity to make learning for young children fun. When Ms. Jessica isn’t at Big & Little, you can find her decorating cookies, watching her daughter’s soccer games, or watching movies with her kids.
Jenny Echeverria
Ms. Jenny began working at Big and Little in 2020 in the 2 and 3-year-old room. She has worked in childcare since 2015, and absolutely loves it. Ms. Jenny enjoys watching children learn and grow every day. She graduated from Vernon Hills High School in 2011 and continues her education at the College of Lake County. Jenny lived in Vernon Hills most of her life until moving to Beach Park with her boyfriend. She is fluent in Spanish as it was her first language growing up, and tries her best to teach the children words in Spanish. During her free time, she loves watching movies and trying new restaurants.
Heather Hasler
Ms. Heather began working at Big & Little in March of 2022 as an Assistant Teacher in the Caterpillar room. She graduated from Augustana College in 2009 with a degree in Elementary Education. She worked for Bright Horizons in Kindergarten Prep with four and five year olds from 2009 to 2021. She has always loved working with children and a career in early childhood fits perfectly. She has four children and has been a Mundelein resident since 2014. It has been a joy to serve the residents of her community!
Vanessa Jasso
Ms. Vanessa is a dedicated assistant teacher and a proud Mundelein resident. As a loving mother of a young daughter, she brings personal and professional experience to our team. She enjoys going to the park or watching movie marathons with her husband and daughter in her free time. Ms. Vanessa is passionate about helping the children learn, grow, and smile every day!
Tiffani Kivisto
Ms. Tiffani started working for Mundelein Park District in June of 2023 and recently moved to Big & Little to pursue her passion for working with children. She is currently working on obtaining her CDA. Ms. Tiffani grew up in McHenry and has coached youth soccer, basketball, and cheerleading teams. She has two sons, one of whom is enrolled at Big & Little. She enjoys being outside as much as possible, so if she’s not watching her oldest son wrestle, you can find her at a park or animal rescue with her boys.
Jennifer Palomo
Ms. Jennifer began working at Big & Little as an Assistant Teacher in the Caterpillar classroom in 2022. Jennifer graduated from Mundelein High School in 2020 and is continuing her education at College of Lake County, aiming to get her Associates Degree in Social Work. Although she has no official daycare experience, she has always wanted to work with children and is genuinely enjoying her time at Big & Little. She hopes to be able to positively impact the kids and always encourage them to be themselves.
Neomi Salmeron
Ms. Neomi has been working for Big & Little since November 2023. Her childcare experience began once she started babysitting for her nieces, nephews, cousins, and other young family members. Ms. Neomi enjoys working with children because they make her smile every day. Outside of her shifts at Big & Little, you can find her working as an esthetician, spending time with her family, and listening to music.
Diane Woo
Ms. Diane began working at Big & Little in 2004 and has enjoyed teaching and caring for the children here since that time. She has a BA in Child Psychology and prior to her employment at Big & Little spent time teaching at a Montessori School. Ms. Diane strives to encourage individuality in all of the children and promotes diversity in her classroom.
Nate Zepeda
Hi! I’m Mr. Nate. I graduated from Mundelein High School in 2021 and started working here at Big and Little back in August of 2022 while continuing my education at the College of Lake County. I’ve worked with kids for as long as I can remember, I used to babysit my siblings and cousins all the time starting at around 12 or 13. It has truly been such a joy creating special bonds with all of the kids here at Big and Little, they are the best part of my day and I love making them smile/laugh!
