Patricia Forkan
Executive Director
TLC Learning Center
Blue Island, Illinois
Years in position: 25 years
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“I am grateful for the Illinois Director Credential because it
acknowledges all the work I have done in the field. I don’t have to explain to
DCFS licensing representatives that I am very qualified to work in this field.
This credential validates me!”
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I feel teaching is a vocation it becomes your life. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
India is a role model of mine she never stopped working. I always tease the
staff that they are going to have to carry me out of TLC. TLC has expanded
three times with the last expansion being quite significant. We made headlines
when we were awarded a piece of property that five other businesses had bid on.
The headlines read “Quality Wins over Money.” We were able to build a center
that is licensed for 179 children, which 63 are infant/toddler places. We have
a staff of 35 who really love what they do every day.
I’m a life-long learner. I earned my master’s degree at Loyola University and
have continued to take classes at Kendall College, Lewis University, Erikson
Institute, College of DuPage and the North American Montessori Association. I
believe you have to continually work every day on improving yourself.
I love being involved in my community, I volunteer at our parish Our Lady of Mt.
Carmel. I served on the Parish Council and the building committee. I am on the
board of directors for PSO/Illinois Child Care Association.
I love to sing, dance, and be with my family. My husband and I have been married
for for 34 years and I have four wonderful children. I truly believe what St.
Francis said, “for it is in giving that we receive” I have been blessed with a
wonderful family, and friends and staff.
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