On the hunt for the perfect daycare in Chicago for your little one? We've got you covered! Our team of parents delved into a whopping 4000 plus reviews to simplify the process for you.
Chicago boasts over 6,435 daycares, making the quest for the ideal fit a challenging one. Children are unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach just won't do.
After scrutinizing numerous daycare reviews in Chicago, we discovered something fantastic: an abundance of exceptional daycares. The teachers and staff exhibit genuine care for the kids, going the extra mile to prepare them for both school and life. The parent reviews we sifted through left us with smiles all around.
Consider this guide your starting point. While we can't cover every outstanding daycare in Chicago, we've highlighted some of the best based on the glowing reviews from parents online.
1. Caterpillar Care
A children's nursery and daycare facility providing an experiential environment. The early learning program is crafted to foster independence and age-appropriate development through exploration and play. Collaborative learning is emphasized through hands-on group experiences, while individual activities promote self-expression.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 2 mo - 2 yr 11 mo
- Education Types - All
- Hours - 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Days - Full Time, Part Time
- Capacity - 14
- Languages - Arabic, English, Latin, Polish, Spanish, Other
- Pay Schedule - $650 per month
Parent Review
We feel incredibly fortunate to have found Caterpillar Care for our little one. From the moment we walked through the doors, we knew it was a special place. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and buzzing with the happy energy of children engaged in various activities. - Priya Patel
2. University Children's Center
A childcare center that provides early education and enrichment with a dedicated focus on literacy, art, early academics, physical education, and social skills. Employing a play-based curriculum, the center aims to instill a love of learning and prepare children for Kindergarten and beyond. Teachers foster self-expression and critical thinking skills by incorporating open-ended questions and emphasizing community building. The classrooms are purposefully designed to cater to each child's needs across various stages of development.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 12 mo - 24 mo
- Education Types - Academic-Based, Play-Based
- Hours - 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
- Days - Full Time
- Capacity - 142
- Languages - English
Parent Review
Our experience with the University Children's Center has been a mixed bag. On the positive side, the center does seem to prioritize a well-rounded education with its focus on literacy, art, early academics, physical education, and social skills. The play-based curriculum is a nice touch and seems to make learning enjoyable for the kids. - Thiago Silva
3. Ladybug & Friends Daycare and Preschool
An early learning program providing childcare services for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. The environment is designed to foster optimal learning, growth, and development through a holistic educational approach.
The program values the uniqueness of each child, laying a foundation that sets the stage for the future. A combination of eagerness to learn and developmentally appropriate play nurtures a love for learning and prepares children for academic success.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 6 w - 6 yr
- Education Types - Play-Based
- Hours - 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Days - Full Time, Part Time
- Capacity - 69
- Languages - English, Spanish
- Pay Schedule - From $960 to $2100 per month
Parent Reviews
The staff at Ladybug & Friends are not just caregivers; they are educators who understand the individual needs and uniqueness of each child. Our child has thrived in this environment, and we attribute much of their early learning success to the holistic educational approach employed by the dedicated team. - Lars Andersen
4. Grace's Kiddycare Home Daycare
Comprehensive childcare is offered by an in-home provider. Before and after-school care is available for school-age children and includes transportation and homework help. Weekend and night hours are available.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 6 w - 6 yr
- Education Types - Play-Based
- Hours - 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Days - Full Time, Part Time, After Care, Drop-In, Overnight
- Capacity - 8
- Languages - English
- Pay Schedule - From $1000 to $1500 per month
Parent Review
The before and after-school care program has been a game-changer for our school-age child. The convenience of transportation and the dedicated homework help have not only eased our daily routine but have also contributed significantly to our child's academic progress. It's comforting to know that our child is in capable hands during these crucial hours. - Aisha Khan
5. Caterpillar Care
Caterpillar Care is a licensed daycare center situated in the heart of Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood. The center is dedicated to providing care for children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old. Their diverse programs include infant care, toddler care, preschool, and school-aged care. Caterpillar Care goes the extra mile by offering extended hours and convenient transportation services to and from local schools.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 2 mo - 2 yr 11 mo
- Education Types - All
- Hours - 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Days - Full Time, Part Time
- Capacity - 42
- Languages - American Sign Language, Arabic, English, Latin, Polish, Spanish, Other
- Pay Schedule - $650 per month
Parent Review
As parents to an energetic 3-year-old, finding the perfect daycare was a top priority for us, and Caterpillar Care has exceeded our expectations in every way possible. - Rafael Morales
6. Elizabeth Rodriguez
Elizabeth Rodriguez operates a licensed home daycare, providing child care and play experiences for up to 8 children. The daycare is conveniently located at 5526 N Mulligan Ave in Jefferson Park, Chicago, IL. For information regarding prices and availability, interested parties are encouraged to contact this provider directly.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 6 w - 2 yr 11 mo
- Education Types - All
- Hours - 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Days - Full Time, Part Time
- Capacity - 8
- Languages - English, Spanish
- Pay Schedule - Request pricing
Parent Review
Our kid seems to like her, and that's saying something. The homey vibe is cool, and you can tell Liz genuinely cares about the kids. There's no sugarcoating it; she's doing this job because she loves it, not just for the paycheck. - Sofia Fernandez
7. Good Shepherd Institute West Ridge Chicago, IL 60645
An in-home daycare that provides care and an early childhood program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. The curriculum is designed to enhance the educational growth of children, aiming to boost confidence and independence levels. Conveniently located near Sheridan Elementary and Bessemer Park.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 6 w - 12 yr
- Education Types - All
- Hours - 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Days - Full Time, Part Time, Before Care, After Care, Drop-In, Overnight, Evening Care
- Capacity - 8
- Languages - English, Spanish
- Pay Schedule - From $480 to $990 per month
Parent Review
From the moment we first visited, we felt a sense of warmth and comfort that is hard to come by. The in-home setting creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it easy for our child to transition seamlessly into their daily routine. - Katarina Petrov
8. ChooChoo Chicago
ChooChoo Chicago is a year-round daycare and preschool program welcoming children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age. We serve families through a designated Lakeview facility located at 2941 N Clark Street, just around the corner on Wellington in the Heart of Lakeview East.
Our programming started as an in-home daycare back in 2013 by the teacher and program coordinator, Mrs. Mia. We aim to provide a nurturing, loving, and home-like environment while supporting the academic and social-emotional development of children in our care through an explorative, play-based curriculum.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 3 mo - 6 yr
- Education Types - Arts-Based, Creative Curriculum, Language Immersion, Mixed Age Play-Based
- Hours - 3 mo - 6 yr
- Days - Full Time, Part Time, After Care, Drop-In
- Capacity - 8
- Languages - English, Serbian, Spanish
- Pay Schedule - From $1150 to $2480 per month
Parent Review
"As a parent, finding the right daycare for our child was a priority, and we are incredibly grateful to have discovered ChooChoo Chicago. From the moment we walked through the door, we felt a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it easy for both us and our child to transition into this new routine.- Juan Pablo Ramirez
9. Angela G. Walton West Englewood Chicago
A daycare with a home-like environment that provides lessons in English, Spanish, and Serbian. The program is structured into four age-specific classrooms with low teacher-to-student ratios, ensuring personalized attention.
The curriculum, centered on exploration and play, supports both academic and social-emotional development. Creativity and imagination are nurtured through activities like crafts, dramatic play, and sensory play. The children engage in a variety of experiences, including songs, games, stories, letters and numbers, science projects, cooking lessons, and outdoor adventures, all aimed at developing practical life skills.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 15 mo - 12 yr
- Education Types - Academic-Based, Mother Goose, Play-Based
- Hours - 3 mo - 6 yr
- Days - Full Time
- Capacity - 5
- Languages - English
- Pay Schedule - From $100 to $250 per month
Parent Review
We feel incredibly blessed to have stumbled upon Angela's Little Explorers for our child's early education. The cozy, home-like atmosphere immediately put our minds at ease, creating a sense of family and belonging for our little ones. - Ananya Kapoor
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10. Early Achievers Academy
A childcare facility providing services to infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. The infant and toddler programs emphasize learning through vibrant surroundings, colorful toys, various textures, and music. The curriculum is play-based, encompassing activities in math, writing, reading, art, and music.
Classrooms are equipped with learning centers that cover areas such as woodworking, nutrition, and science. The campus is conveniently located near Nat King Cole Park and Burnside Elementary.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 15 mo - 12 yr
- Education Types - Academic-Based, Mother Goose, Play-Based
- Hours - 1 mo - 12 yr
- Days - Full Time, Part Time
- Capacity - 42
- Languages - English
- Pay Schedule - From $200 to $1100 per month
Parent Review
The infant and toddler programs are exceptional, providing a perfect balance of stimulating activities and warm care. The vibrant surroundings, colorful toys, and diverse textures create a stimulating atmosphere that our little one adores. The emphasis on music in the curriculum adds a delightful touch, fostering a love for the arts from an early age. - Carlos Gutierrez
11. Kids Future Day Care Center
A child care center that offers educational programs catering to infants, toddlers, and pre-kindergarten children. The program is designed to provide a developmentally appropriate curriculum and enrichment opportunities, fostering cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
The center also features a gifted preschool program enhanced with Smart Board technology for daily learning support. Parents are kept informed through photo and video updates delivered via the KidReports app.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 1 mo - 4 yr 11 mo
- Education Types - Bilingual
- Hours - 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Days - Full Time, Part Time
- Capacity - 72
- Languages - Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), English, Spanish, Vietnamese
- Pay Schedule - From $1400 to $1863 per month
Parent Reviews
What truly impressed us is the inclusion of Smart Board technology in the gifted preschool program. It's heartening to see our child engaged in daily learning activities that are both fun and educational. The KidReports app is a game-changer for us as parents. We receive regular photo and video updates, allowing us to stay connected with our child's day and witness their milestones firsthand. - Ahmed Al-Mansoori
12. Tasia Precious Ones Daycare
The Home-based center provides care for children of all ages with night hours available. The program is located near Meyering Park.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 1 mo - 12 yr
- Education Types - Full Time, Part Time, Before Care, After Care, Drop-In
- Hours - 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Days - Full Time, Part Time
- Capacity - 11
- Languages - English
- Pay Schedule - From $800 to $1100 per month
Parent Reviews
One of the standout features for us is the flexibility, including the availability of night hours. As working parents, this has been a game-changer for our family. The convenience, coupled with the dedication of the caregivers, has allowed us to balance our professional and family lives seamlessly. - Juan Pablo Ramirez
13. Little Einstein Daycare
A dual language preschool program that encourages children to excel academically at an accelerated pace, emphasizing family involvement and overall development.
The program offers an alternative to traditional childcare by introducing an advanced curriculum starting from infancy. It values both academic learning and self-expression, establishing boundaries and teaching manners, independence, and self-sufficiency to the children.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 6 w - 4 yr 11 mo
- Education Types - Creative Curriculum, Bilingual, Play-Based, Reggio Emilia, Religious
- Hours - 7:00 AM - 5:45 PM
- Days - Full Time
- Capacity - 54
- Languages - English, Spanish
- Pay Schedule - From $1027 to $1850 per month
Parent Reviews
The dual language preschool program is truly exceptional, providing our child with a unique opportunity to excel academically at an accelerated pace. It's amazing to witness the progress our child has made in terms of language development and cognitive skills. - Carlos Gutierrez
14. L & L Academy and Preschool
The program offers childcare services for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. Utilizing an Emergent Curriculum, the focus is on capturing children's curiosities and interests within a play-based environment. Daily activities encompass arts, music, and sensory exploration to nurture creativity.
Teachers lead lessons covering science, poetry, reading, and writing, preparing children for Kindergarten. The program enhances learning through nature walks, playground visits, and field trips, providing practical situations for educational experiences.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 2 mo - 6 yr
- Education Types - Academic-Based, Play-Based
- Hours - 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Days - Full Time, Part Time, Drop In
- Capacity - 97
- Languages - English
- Pay Schedule - From $800 to $2300 per month
Parent Reviews
Choosing a daycare for our little one was no small decision, and L & L Academy and Preschool has been a solid choice for us. The Emergent Curriculum they follow caught our attention, and we've seen its benefits in our children's daily experiences.
15. Concordia Place
An early education program employing age-appropriate activities and enrichment, including story time, music, simple games, and movement.
The purposeful play-based, child-centered curriculum supports physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional development, as well as the growth of mathematics, science, and arts skills. Children actively engage in yoga, music and movement, and Spanish enrichment activities.
The teaching team consistently monitors each child's development against age-appropriate milestones. The practices of the program align with socially conscious values, and children have access to dedicated interior and exterior play spaces.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 2 mo - 6 yr
- Education Types - Bilingual, Play-Based
- Hours - 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Days - Full Time, Part Time
- Capacity - 8
- Languages - English, Spanish
- Pay Schedule - From $508 to $2252 per month
Parent Reviews
We also appreciate the socially conscious values that underpin the program. Concordia Place goes beyond traditional childcare, instilling values of empathy, inclusivity, and respect in our little ones. The access to dedicated interior and exterior play spaces further emphasizes the commitment to providing a holistic and safe environment for all children. - Carlos Gutierrez
16. Eulahleh Williams
A home-based facility that offers childcare services for infants, toddlers, and school-age children. Emphasizing learning through play, the facility encourages hands-on experiences for the children. Conveniently located in close proximity to Fiske Elementary School and Prairie Wolf Park.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 0 mo - 12 yr
- Education Types - Mixed Age, Play-Based
- Hours - 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Days - Full Time, Weekend
- Capacity - 8
- Languages - English
- Pay Schedule - From $500 to $750 per month
Parent Reviews
Communication is key for us, and we appreciate the regular updates and insights we receive about our child's day. The caregivers take the time to understand each child's unique personality and needs, creating a customized experience for everyone. - Yuki Tanaka
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17. Montessori Magpie
An educational childcare center and preschool program providing a play-based, sensory-rich learning environment. The curriculum seamlessly integrates Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches, fostering natural growth through a combination of social interactions, free choice, teacher guidance, and structured learning. Children also engage in yoga, music classes, and a learning lab dedicated to math, art, and science.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 2 mo - 6 yr
- Education Types - Blended Curriculum, Emergent, Montessori, Play-Based, Project-Based, Reggio Emilia
- Hours - 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Days - Full Time, Part Time
- Capacity - 32
- Languages - American Sign Language, English, Polish, Spanish, Urdu
- Pay Schedule - From $1498 to $2674 per month
Parent Reviews
The fusion of Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches creates a unique and enriching learning experience for our child. The play-based, sensory-rich environment is a testament to the center's commitment to fostering natural growth. Our little one eagerly dives into the various activities, from social interactions to structured learning, always with a sparkle of curiosity in their eyes. - Fatima Ahmed
18. Diana's Daycare Center
A program that offers a learning environment for children from infancy through school age. The curriculum is presented through a play-based approach, incorporating activities such as tummy time, free play, reading, outdoor time, art, cooking, science projects, and crafts.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 1 mo - 4 yr 11 mo
- Education Types - Play-Based
- Hours - 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Days - English, Russian, Spanish
- Capacity - 32
- Languages - English, Russian, Spanish
- Pay Schedule - From $1200 to $2400 per month
Parent Reviews
The play-based curriculum is a true standout. Our infant was introduced to the world of learning through tummy time exercises, engaging free play, and the wonderful world of books. The caregivers at Diana's Daycare are not just caretakers; they are dedicated educators who understand the importance of fostering curiosity in young minds. - Luca Rossi
19. First Steps Home Childcare
A daycare facility offering childcare services in a home setting, with a program tailored for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. The curriculum emphasizes teacher-guided open play to facilitate learning through interaction and socialization.
Activities encompass a diverse range, including art, music, dancing, sign language, Spanish, sensory play, painting, language development, toys, games, instruments, books, and outdoor play.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 1 mo - 3 yr 11 mo
- Education Types - Play-Based, Language Immersion, Mixed Age
- Hours - 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Days - English, Russian, Spanish
- Capacity - 8
- Languages - English, Spanish
- Pay Schedule - From $1300 to $1400 per month
Parent Reviews
The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, emphasizing play-based learning under the guidance of caring teachers. Our child is not just looked after; they are actively engaged in a variety of activities that promote creativity, socialization, and early learning skills. The blend of art, music, dance, and even exposure to languages like Spanish and sign language is impressive. - Isabella Costa
20. Irving Park Early Learning Center
Educational childcare programs catered to infants and toddlers, featuring a customized curriculum that emphasizes school readiness and encourages emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Lessons also include an introduction to Spanish, and the outdoor area boasts a private playground.
Program Highlights
- Ages - 1 mo - 6 yr
- Education Types - Academic-Based, Play-Based
- Hours - 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Days - English, Russian, Spanish
- Capacity - 63
- Languages - English, Spanish
- Pay Schedule - From $232 to $422 per month
Parent Reviews
One standout feature for us is the introduction to Spanish at such an early age. It's amazing to see our child picking up basic phrases and developing an early appreciation for language diversity. The inclusion of this element in the curriculum demonstrates the center's commitment to providing a well-rounded educational experience. - Ingrid Jensen
