KinderCare Director Kathy Delong Retires After 33 Years

Doing quick math in her head, she figured that over the 33 years, she probably cared for about 2,000 children. Now, that era is coming to an end.

Kathy Delong is retiring as director of the KinderCare Learning Center, 507 E. Illinois Highway. 

"It's bittersweet," she said. "It's home. I've worked with some of these people for thirty years."

Delong started in day care when her daughter was born. She has a bachelor's of science degree in elementary education from the University of Southern California, but never really wanted to be a classroom teacher.

To stay with her daughter during the day, she first started a day care at home, something she said was very tough. So she tried going to a larger day care center. She said she has a lot of empathy for other parents because she knows the difficulties of leaving children during the day.

"I know how hard it is to let go," she said.

Three Decades of Trends

Over the years, Delong has seen a lot of changes among children. She has cared for children who are now in their 30s who bring their children to her. She also cared for kids who now work for her. 

"I have some whose grandparents brought them here and now they bring their grandchildren here," she said.

One of the trends she has noticed over time is the change in food. The center serves fresh and frozen fruits with no added sugar, for example. Another trend she has noticed is that children are getting bigger. She said she is not sure why. She guesses because they are not as active. 

 "When we were little we used to go outside and play until it got dark," she said. "Now the kids are stuck in front of these stupid TV games."

But Delong said she doesn't see a huge change in the way we are raising children, especially in New Lenox. She said people here still hold onto the core values. In her opinion, however, kids are bolder and more assertive.

"They say things to my teachers that oh my goodness, I would have been slapped if I would have said that," she said.

Much of this change has to do with children having to forge their way, especially the day care child. Their boundaries have exploded, she said. By and large, however, she said the children are very special. Every day there say and do things that are endearing.

Just this week, for example, a 4-year-old asked a teacher why she was eating those leaves (a spinach salad). The teacher said she wanted to get smaller.

"It's not working," the child responded.

Another great story has to do with the teacher's counter, where supplies and perhaps confiscated candy is kept. One boy said that when he grew up, he was going to have a teacher's counter in his room.

"Working with kids is fun," Delong said. "It's hard work, but it's fun."

After 33 years, she is finally retiring, and it's at the same time as her husband. They decided they wanted to spend some time together while they are both still feeling well, she said.

Tonight, friends and colleagues are having a retirement party open house. It will be from 4-7 p.m. at , 339 Haven Avenue.