Hi I’m Patricia Forkan, Executive Director of TLC Learning Center for 28 years. Twenty-eight years ago when I was on a maternity and a stay at home Mom. I loved staying home with my children but a recession hit and it was no longer feasible for me to stay at home. I had to go back to work. Suffering much frustration in trying to locate affordable quality child care for my own children. I found there was none that we could afford. My husband suggested that I open a center that would meet all the needs of our family. So I took the challenge and worked hard to develop a center that not only met my family’s needs but other families in the community. TLC Learning Center opened in August 1981. I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. Even when I was little I always played school with my brothers and sisters. Of course since I was the oldest they had to play along. They nicked named me “the professor” because I loved going to school. I received an AA degree at Moraine Valley, BA degree at St. Xavier’s and MS degress from Loyola University. I continued to work on my education taking classes at Kendall College, Lewis University, The Erikson Institute, and the North American Montessori Association. I have a Montessori credential for children ages 3 to 6 and a Level III Directors Credential. I believe you have to continually work every day on improving yourself.
I began teaching in the Chicago Public Schools system in 1973. I taught Kindergarten through third grade for five years and Special Education for two years. I realized the value of reaching children early when I began teaching special education.
My four children all attended TLC they are: Michael working in Chicago as an attorney he was in TLC’s first kindergarten class. Anna, an engineer and founder of Revitalive Wellness center and Café in Neuburyport MA.. Garret is working in Chicago as a structural engineer. Bea is working in a Chicago. I know TLC made a difference in their lives , they love learning! I have been married for 37 years and have been blessed with a wonderful family, a great circle of friends and outstanding staff. I truly believe what St. Francis said, “for it is in giving that we receive”.