Welcoming Jennifer Hart

February 13th, 2025

We hope most of you have had a chance to read Monday’s email regarding the UCECP Leadership Transition.  Below please find more information and some answers to questions you might have about next steps.  

We are so pleased to welcome Jennifer Hart as our Interim Director.  She has an outstanding resume and ties to our community - serving most recently as Director at Hinsdale Covenant Church Preschool.

She is accomplished, holding degrees from Indiana University and College of DuPage. Jennifer has obtained numerous key certifications, including Early Education Administration, Early Childhood Education and Care, and Teaching for Special Needs.

The foundation for her work as an educator is a passion for learning and child development, and building strong community relationships. She has been recognized for creating effective and engaging early childhood education programming for students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Jennifer and her husband Sam have four daughters, two sons-in-law, and one grandson. Outside of the classroom, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, horseback riding, reading, and traveling.

Join us in welcoming Jennifer Hart to the UCECP family, we are thrilled for the chance to collaborate and learn from her as we enter this next chapter.

A few other thoughts or answers to questions you might have:

We are excited about this next chapter!

Jennifer Keldahl has done an incredible job at UCECP.  We are are using this as an opportunity to preserve what sets us apart from other schools (continued education for our staff and teachers,nature programs, Reggio Emilia, play-based learning, outdoor time, robust parent community) while also looking to a new director for fresh ideas to ensure our curriculum is taking advantage of all the modern evolutions of education.  We are so fortunate Jennifer Hart can join us as the Interim Director.  With decades of experience and a deep passion for our community, Jennifer Hart is committed to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the exceptional experience your child enjoys.  

UCECP families are our priority.

We want to reassure you that no matter the change in our leadership, it will not impact your child’s curriculum or experience at UCECP.  Our dedication to providing an exceptional education remains steadfast, ensuring continuity and excellence in every aspect of school life.  We are excited for a strong finish to the year and appreciate your trust and support.

We will ensure teachers feel heard and supported.

The leadership teams, both at the church and school level, are looking for ways to ensure teachers feel valued and supported.  Our HR team has offered counseling and encouraged teachers to provide input as we start the search for a new executive director.  Our goal is to have teachers feel heard, supported and appreciated.  The UPO is working on ways to support this goal.  For example, we hosted a breakfast on teacher conference day in January.  The UPO will ensure Teacher Appreciation Week meets the already high standard of years past.  We rely on our parents to support these efforts both with their time and monetary donations.

The UPO is here to help.

Please feel free to reach out to any of the UPO officers.  Email us at ucecp.upo@gmail.com - we can text or set up a call.  We would love to chat at pick-up or drop-off too!  We are happy to hear your concerns, feedback or answer questions throughout this entire transition.  As parents at this school, we are likely experiencing the same thoughts or worries.  Let’s work together to alleviate any concerns by starting a conversation and solving it together!

All administrative or enrollment questions and concerns should go to Jennifer Hart, Sue or Julia for the remainder of the year.

Jennifer Hart will handle administrative questions (jhart@uchinsdale.org).  Sue will continue to run point for billing or big day questions (snunamaker@uchinsdale.org).  Our new office manager, Julia Termanas, is available for enrollment questions (jtermanas@uchinsdale.org).  If this changes, we will notify parents immediately.