The Giving Tree
Cultivating a life long love of learning
7510 W. Randolph St.
Forest Park, IL 60130
(708) 209-1555
Our Owner
"Cultivating a life long love of learning"
Kate Cozanni
Owner and Founder of The Giving Tree
Kate has been in the education field for more than 25 years. She started out as a high school varsity basketball and field hockey coach and elementary school teacher in Pittsburgh, PA. Kate worked in the Chicago Public Schools for two years as a fourth grade reading and math specialist. While on maternity leave from Chicago Public Schools with her second son, Kate started The Giving Tree Home Child Care, and her idea of a quality early childhood program was born. Kate completed her Masters degree at Concordia University in Early Childhood Education. In 2004, The Giving Tree Early Learning Academy was opened in Forest Park. Kate continued to work in the Early Childhood field as an adjunct faculty member at Triton College and as a coach for other child care center owners. Kate enjoys watching her six children in their various sports and activities. Her family fosters puppies that are saved from high kill shelters for Maximum Chance Rescue
Our Teachers
Team work at its finest
Ms. Juana
Preschool Teacher
Ms. Juana has been with the company since it opened. She speaks English and Spanish and welcomes families each morning.
Ms. Hazel
Director
Ms. Hazel has her Masters in Early Childhood Education from Dominican University and has been with The Giving Tree since we opened.
Ms. Alexis
Toddler Teacher
Ms. Alexis started as an assistant and worked hard to receive her CDA in Infant and Toddler Care. She works hard to promote each student's developoment.
Ms. Mashawn
Preschool Teacher
Ms. Mashawn's goal is to promote kindness and respect in her classroom. She understands the needs of the children in her class and she plans activities.
Our Team
Passionate Early Learning Professionals. Creating quality early learning opportunities in a play based environment.
Ms. Julie
Infants
Ms. Julie has been with TGT for four years. She works with the infants and loves introducing them to songs, dancing and reading to them.
Ms. Sally
2 Year Old
Ms. Sally has been with the Giving Tree in the 2 year old and the preschool room for many years. She is creative and artistic!
Mr Collin
Assistant
Mr. Collin helps at the end of the day to clean up our mess. If you see him around at the end of the day make sure and give him a big Thanks. We sure appreciate his help.
Ms. Fantasia
Pre-k
Ms. Fantasia has been with TGT for five years between the infant and Pre-K rooms. She works with the Pre-K students on preparing them for Kindergarten.