Buffalo Grove JCYS Gets New Director

Jewish Council for Youth Services' Northwest Family Center in Buffalo Grove has a new director. Naomi Samuels has been hired to take its helm, the organization announced this week.

Previously the vice president of child development services at Jane Addams Hull House in Chicago for 15 years, Samuels oversaw and led her division to be accredited by the Council of Accreditation (COA) and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). She received her bachelor's degree in elementary education and special education at Northeastern Illinois University, and a master’s degree in education in early childhood and special education from Loyola College of Maryland.  

With more than 30 years in early childhood and education, Samuels has held positions as an administrator, teacher and staff trainer.

The JCYS Northwest Family Center opened in 2000 as the agency’s third early childhood center, creating “a home away from home” for children six weeks old through fifth grade. The center provides infant and toddler care, full- and half-day preschool, kindergarten enrichment, before- and after-school care, summer day camp, and family events to more than 500 children.   

Samuels brings a strong vision and strategic goals for the center, including "quality programs and services that address the needs of our current children and families at Northwest Family Center, and developing strong systems and a work environment of collaboration for our center’s staff."

"While our center in Buffalo Grove has a strong foundation, I hope to continue to build upon our reputation for excellent early childhood education and close-knit community," she said.

For more information about JCYS’ Northwest Family Center or Director Naomi Samuels, visit www.jcys.org/BuffaloGrove or call (847) 279-0900.