Children at daycare

Best Daycare Centers in Chicago, IL

Compare 766 daycare centers in Chicago. Average rating: 4.3/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Chicago, Illinois at a glance

Daycares
766
Avg rating
4.3/5
Parent reviews
6,073
Top rated (4.5+)
297

Chicago has 766 licensed daycares with 6,073 parent reviews averaging 4.3/5.297 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 51% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 60642 (avg 4.88 stars), while 60618 has the largest selection (27 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Chicago

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1

    1001 N Milwaukee Ave, Ste C100, Chicago, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 17 children

    Caterpillar Care Corporation receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the attentive, compassionate staff and engaging curriculum. Parents consistently highlight excellent daily communication through the Brightwheel app with frequent photo updates, and note their children showed enthusiasm for attending and made strong developmental progress. Families express deep gratitude for the quality care and peace of mind the center provided.

    Attentive and compassionate stafffrequent photo and text updates via Brightwheel appengaging curriculum with sensory activities and arts and craftsoutdoor play time
  2. 2

    2335 North Orchard, Chicago, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

    Park West Cooperative Nursery School is a highly regarded play-based preschool in Chicago's Lincoln Park area with a strong cooperative community model where parents are actively involved. Parents consistently praise the experienced, compassionate teachers who prioritize individualized child development, meaningful relationships, and social-emotional learning. Children are reported to thrive academically and socially, with strong preparation for kindergarten.

    Warmnurturing environmentexperienced and knowledgeable teachersplay-based curriculum
  3. 3

    5752 S Pulaski Rd, # 54, Chicago, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 50 children

    The Little Scholars Club receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents, who praise the nurturing environment, dedicated staff (particularly the three Herrera sisters), and significant child development across academic, social, and emotional areas. Parents consistently highlight excellent communication via daily app updates, a warm family-like atmosphere, and teachers who go above and beyond. Multiple long-term families credit the center with providing strong foundational s

  4. 4

    6203 W Montrose Ave, # 05, Chicago, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 42 children

    Promiseland Learning Center receives perfect 5/5 ratings across all reviews. Parents consistently praise the center for strong academic instruction, emotional development support, clean facilities, and dedicated staff led by director Astrid. Children show significant growth in academics, social skills, and language development.

    Strong academic curriculum with structured learningskilled instruction in letters/numbers/writingemotional support for separation anxietysocialization and friendship building
  5. 5
    Concordia Day
    4.8 score
    5(20)

    4809 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 47 children

    Concordia Day in Chicago receives universal 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, strong communication, and developmental support across all age groups from infants through preschool. Parents consistently highlight the welcoming community atmosphere, individualized attention to children, and the school's mission-driven approach to early childhood education.

    Knowledgeable and kind staff who know all childrenexcellent communication with parentscommunity-building eventsflexible scheduling and sliding scale tuition
  6. 6

    1701 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 13 children

    Caterpillar Care Corporation receives consistently excellent reviews from parents across its Chicago locations. Parents praise the nurturing environment, strong communication, quality staff, and age-appropriate curriculum that supports children's development and excitement about attending.

    Excellent staff and teachersstrong parent-teacher communicationdaily updates and photoschildren eager to attend
  7. 7

    3250 West Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 63 children

    Luna Park Nursery School & Kindergarten in Chicago receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, knowledgeable staff and play-based, low-tech curriculum. Parents consistently highlight strong teacher-child relationships, responsive communication, affordability, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Children show enthusiasm for attending and demonstrate developmental progress across all age groups from infants to preschool.

    Caring and invested staffstrong teacher-child bondsplay-based curriculumno screens
  8. 8

    5250 North Christiana Avenue, Chicago, IL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 20 children

    Parents consistently praise North Park Church Preschool for its warm, play-based learning environment and exceptionally caring teachers, particularly Ms. Lyndsey and Ms. Jen. Children reportedly thrive socially, emotionally, and academically while enjoying creative activities, outdoor play, and a welcoming community. The facility offers affordable part-time programming in a bright, well-equipped classroom space within a church building.

    Attentive and nurturing teachersplay-based curriculumcreative opportunities (artsensory activities)
  9. 9
    Green Beginnings LLC
    4.8 score
    5(20)

    1436 W Randolph St, Ste 100, Chicago, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 62 children

    Green Beginnings LLC is a highly-regarded center-based daycare in Chicago's West Loop with perfect 5-star ratings across all reviews. Parents consistently praise the warm, inviting environment, caring and attentive teachers, and engaged owners (Katie and Krissy) who are actively involved in daily operations. Children reportedly thrive academically and emotionally, with parents noting significant developmental growth and strong emotional connections to the facility.

    Warm and cozy environmentcaring and attentive teachershighly engaged and present ownerschildren's emotional development and happiness
  10. 10
    Kidz Creative Corner
    4.8 score
    5(20)

    3811 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 49 children

    Kidz Creative Corner receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the warm, nurturing environment and dedicated staff. Parents consistently report their children are happy, engaged, and excited to attend, with strong communication from teachers about development and progress. The center is noted for providing quality early education with age-appropriate activities across infant through pre-K classrooms.

    Kind and patient teacherschild enthusiasm at drop-off and pickupstrong communication with parentssafe environment

Rating Distribution

Based on 584 daycares with Google ratings in Chicago

4.5 - 5.0
297
4.0 - 4.4
155
3.0 - 3.9
101
Below 3
31

What Parents Value Most

Top qualities mentioned across 6,073 reviews, analyzed by AI

1Clean facility
79
2Safe environment
45
3Caring and attentive staff
43
4Children enjoy attending
31
5Affordable pricing
26
6Clean facilities
20
7Caring and professional staff
20
8Welcoming atmosphere
18

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Chicago zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
606427
4.88
5
6062516
4.8
10
6061827
4.7
14
606109
4.69
5
607075
4.64
4
606468
4.62
4
6061422
4.62
8
606306
4.6
4
6062312
4.59
7
606317
4.58
4

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Chicago (10–503 children)

Small

up to 30 children

110

Medium

31–75 children

393

Large

76–150 children

202

Very Large

150+ children

61

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Chicago based on parent reviews

Caterpillar Care Corporation

5(20)

1001 N Milwaukee Ave, Ste C100, Chicago, IL

Caterpillar Care Corporation receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the attentive, compassionate staff and engaging curriculum. Parents consistently highlight excellent daily communication through the Brightwheel app with frequent photo updates, and note their children showed enthusiasm for attending and made strong developmental progress. Families express deep gratitude for the quality care and peace of mind the center provided.

Attentive and compassionate stafffrequent photo and text updates via Brightwheel appengaging curriculum with sensory activities and arts and crafts

Park West Cooperative Nursery School

5(20)

2335 North Orchard, Chicago, IL

Park West Cooperative Nursery School is a highly regarded play-based preschool in Chicago's Lincoln Park area with a strong cooperative community model where parents are actively involved. Parents consistently praise the experienced, compassionate teachers who prioritize individualized child development, meaningful relationships, and social-emotional learning. Children are reported to thrive academically and socially, with strong preparation for kindergarten.

Warmnurturing environmentexperienced and knowledgeable teachers

The Little Scholars Club Co.

5(20)

5752 S Pulaski Rd, # 54, Chicago, IL

The Little Scholars Club receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents, who praise the nurturing environment, dedicated staff (particularly the three Herrera sisters), and significant child development across academic, social, and emotional areas. Parents consistently highlight excellent communication via daily app updates, a warm family-like atmosphere, and teachers who go above and beyond. Multiple long-term families credit the center with providing strong foundational s

Promiseland Learning Center

5(20)

6203 W Montrose Ave, # 05, Chicago, IL

Promiseland Learning Center receives perfect 5/5 ratings across all reviews. Parents consistently praise the center for strong academic instruction, emotional development support, clean facilities, and dedicated staff led by director Astrid. Children show significant growth in academics, social skills, and language development.

Strong academic curriculum with structured learningskilled instruction in letters/numbers/writingemotional support for separation anxiety

Concordia Day

5(20)

4809 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL

Concordia Day in Chicago receives universal 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, strong communication, and developmental support across all age groups from infants through preschool. Parents consistently highlight the welcoming community atmosphere, individualized attention to children, and the school's mission-driven approach to early childhood education.

Knowledgeable and kind staff who know all childrenexcellent communication with parentscommunity-building events

Caterpillar Care Corporation

5(20)

1701 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL

Caterpillar Care Corporation receives consistently excellent reviews from parents across its Chicago locations. Parents praise the nurturing environment, strong communication, quality staff, and age-appropriate curriculum that supports children's development and excitement about attending.

Excellent staff and teachersstrong parent-teacher communicationdaily updates and photos

Map

Daycare Centers in Chicago, Illinois

Navigating childcare options in Chicago involves exploring a diverse landscape of 766 facilities, ranging from large centers to intimate home-based care. Parents consistently highlight clean environments, safe settings, and attentive staff as the primary reasons for their satisfaction. For those seeking highly-rated options, the 60642 zip code stands out as a neighborhood with exceptional performance across its seven local facilities.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Chicago have an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 across 584 rated facilities, with 51% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.7 stars. Our analysis covers 6,073 parent reviews. Parents in Chicago most frequently praise daycares for clean facility, safe environment, and caring and attentive staff.

When choosing a daycare in Chicago, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Daycare Centers in Chicago

Showing 766 results

Kreative Kidz Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
2

A few parents report significant concerns regarding unprofessional leadership, poor communication, and staff neglect, including excessive phone use and dishonesty. While one reviewer highlights a positive experience with a specific teacher, others describe the service as horrible and advise against enrollment.

One positive mention of a specific teacher
Address
8912 S Commercial, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 375-7606
Jelly Bean Learning Center IV INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
2

One parent highlights the center's success in fostering independence and academic milestones through dedicated staff, while other reviews allege serious safety failures, including unaddressed injuries and viral reports of child harm.

fostering independenceteaching self-care skills like feeding and dressingpotty training support
Address
448 E 61st St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 733-5861
Jellybean Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
2

One parent highlights the center's success in fostering independence and academic milestones through dedicated staff, while other reviews allege severe neglect and physical injury to children. These conflicting accounts describe a facility praised for educational outcomes by one family but condemned for safety failures by others.

fostering independenceacademic progresssupportive staff
Address
7411 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 364-6006
Kreative Kidz Academy II
Child Daycare & Preschools
1.9

Recent reviews allege severe physical abuse, including pinching and hitting, by a staff member named Miss Deja, resulting in documented bruises on a child. Parents report that the administration attempted to conceal the incident and that the facility is currently under investigation by DCFS and the Chicago Police Department for these actions.

Address
8236 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(708) 752-2002
Kreative Kidz Academy IV
Child Daycare & Preschools
1.8

Feedback for KREATIVE KIDZ ACADEMY IV is sharply divided, with one parent praising the new director while others describe severe issues including unprofessional management, lack of communication, and poor care standards. Critics report specific incidents of neglect, such as failing to clean a child after an accident, frequent staff turnover, and an environment focused on profit rather than child welfare.

convenient operating hourspositive experience with new director Ms. Jerri
Address
3734 W 79th St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 585-4000
Stair Step Villa Nurs.& Kindergarten INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
1.7

One parent reports a serious allegation of physical abuse against a staff member involving an autistic child, citing a lump on the head and unresponsive staff, while another former student recalls a terrible experience from 21 years ago and a third expresses unease about the facility. A single positive review describes the center as professional, caring, and safe. The few reviews so far present a starkly divided view ranging from extreme safety concerns to brief satisfaction.

professionalcaringsafe
Address
6725 South Jeffery Boulevard, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 684-7340
Rachel'S Learning Center Ltd
Child Daycare & Preschools
1.5

One parent contrasts a positive experience at an Aurora location with significant dissatisfaction at the Chicago center, citing unresponsiveness and rude enrollment staff. The reviewer specifically highlights poor communication and an aggressive approach to subsidy paperwork that ignores individual financial circumstances.

professionalism at the Aurora locationkindness and friendliness at the Aurora locationcare for children at the Aurora location
Address
5242 W North Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 237-1444
Blocks Infant Toddler Child Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
1.4

BLOCKS Infant Toddler Child Care Center has experienced significant operational and management issues according to parent reviews. While some parents praise individual staff members and caretakers, the facility is heavily criticized for unethical billing practices, poor management responsiveness, unprofessional conduct during tours, and lack of follow-up communication with prospective parents.

Staff are phenomenalCaretakers are amazingTeachers are fantastic
Address
657 S Wells St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(312) 765-0043
All Things Are Possible For Kids Central
Child Daycare & Preschools
1.2

All reviews are 1-star ratings citing a critical incident where a 1-year-old child was left locked inside the daycare in the dark after the facility closed early. Parents report severe safety and supervision failures, including lack of proper attendance tracking, failure to notify parents of early closure, and staff mistaking the child for a doll. Multiple reviewers question why the facility remains open and call for it to be shut down by authorities.

None mentioned
Address
3235 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 930-4081
All Things Are Possible For Kids INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
1.2

All reviews are 1-star ratings citing a critical incident where a 1-year-old child was left alone in a locked, dark daycare after closing time. Parents express serious concerns about staff negligence, inadequate child accounting procedures, and lack of proper parent pickup protocols. Multiple reviewers question why the facility remains operational.

None mentioned
Address
4014 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 489-2460
Brain Box Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
1

One parent reports that staff requested their child stay home to avoid impacting assessment grades and demanded specific medical details for a non-contagious skin condition despite a doctor's note. The reviewer warns prospective families to admit their child at their own risk due to perceived unprofessionalism.

Address
2519 W 79th St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 925-8060
Precious Little One'S Learning Ctr. INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
1

One parent describes an extremely negative enrollment experience, citing the owner's rudeness and unprofessionalism. Another review alleges that the owner lacks patience, speaks poorly to staff and parents, and engages in dishonest behavior.

Address
624 & 626 East 47th Street, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 268-2685
Kreative Kidz Academy III
Child Daycare & Preschools
1
Address
26 E 79th St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 783-2357
Precious Little One'S Learning Ctr. INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
1

One parent describes a highly negative enrollment experience, citing the owner's rudeness and unprofessionalism. Another reviewer claims to have witnessed the owner treating staff and parents disrespectfully, including making unprofessional statements about staff patience. A third account echoes the complaint of rude behavior during the enrollment process.

Address
221 E 51st St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 285-9902
Pink'S Child Care Academy II Ltd.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
8000 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 778-7465
North Kenwood Day Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
516 E 43rd St, # 520, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 268-2223
Shining Star Child Development
Child Daycare & Preschools

One parent highlights staff friendliness, noting that Joel provided helpful advice. The review expresses gratitude for the assistance received without detailing specific childcare operations.

staff friendlinesshelpful guidance
Address
3012 E 92nd St, # 16, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 978-7827
Winthrop Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4848 North Winthrop Avenue, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 878-3210
Ada S Mckinley Maggie Drummond
Child Daycare & Preschools

One parent reports a 1-star experience, citing frequent student illness, unstaffed security concerns including a stolen phone, and frequent teacher turnover without notification. The reviewer also notes the absence of cameras and a lack of communication regarding field trips.

None mentioned
Address
4301 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 373-8200
Bright Horizons Chicago West Loop
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents highlight the center's convenient location for those working in the Loop, noting its large, clean facilities and extensive toy selection. Reviewers appreciate the staff's kindness and the program's ability to maintain individual schedules, including naps, while offering engaging learning activities.

convenient locationclean facilitieslarge space
Address
500 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL
Phone
(312) 876-8687
Kid'S Imaginations INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
5334 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 526-5159
Kindercare Learning Center #070456
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents consistently praise this KinderCare location for its dedicated, caring staff who treat children as family members. Children show measurable progress in academics, speech, potty training, and emotional development. Families appreciate the responsive communication, flexible approach to individual needs, and engaging activities.

Attentive and friendly staffsmooth transitions for new studentsresponsive communication (phone/text availability)
Address
3855 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 267-7660
Kids & Company Chicago South Loop
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents consistently praise Kids & Company South Loop for exceptional staff care, educational development, and transparent communication. Children reportedly enjoy attending and show visible progress in learning and social skills. The center is noted for its warm, family-like environment and flexibility for working parents.

Caring and nurturing stafftransparent communicationdaily updates via app
Address
1255 S State St, Ste B, Chicago, IL
Phone
(312) 360-1640
United Educational Cultural Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1236 W 103rd St, # 42, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 238-2707
Bernard Horwich J.C.C. Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools

Bernard Horwich J.C.C. Preschool is a community center with a preschool program that receives consistently positive feedback. Parents praise the clean facilities, friendly staff, and variety of programs including swimming, gym facilities, and extracurricular activities. The center offers gender-separate swimming and workout areas, which parents appreciate.

Clean facilitiesfriendly and excellent staffseparate gender swimming and workout rooms
Address
3003 W Touhy Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 761-9100
It Takes A Village Christian Academy INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
9011 S Cottage Grove Ave, # 15, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 873-1700
The Grand Child Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
5945 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 622-8022
Jcys-Michael R. Lutz Family Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
957 W Grace St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 281-2533
The Women'S Treatment Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
140 N. Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL
Phone
(312) 850-0050
Rainforest Learning Center INC
Child Daycare & Preschools

Rainforest Learning Center receives exclusively positive reviews from parents who praise the nurturing teachers, engaging curriculum, and strong community atmosphere. Parents highlight the center's distinctive seasonal performances and shows as a major strength, along with responsive administration and individualized attention to each child. Multiple families report long-term enrollment and high satisfaction across all age groups from infants through preschool.

Warm and caring teachersengaging educational activitiesseasonal shows and performances
Address
1325 S State St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(312) 913-9793

Page 20 of 26· 766 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 766 all daycares in Chicago, Illinois. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Chicago have an average Google rating of 4.3 out of 5 across 584 rated facilities. About 51% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Chicago, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with Illinois's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Illinois)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Chicago offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 728 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 11 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 16 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 11 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in Illinois typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Chicago for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Chicago must be licensed by Illinois's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.
The 60642 zip code leads with an average rating of 4.88/5 stars, based on reviews from its seven local facilities.
We have analyzed a total of 6,074 parent reviews to help you make an informed decision.
The most common themes in parent feedback include clean facilities, caring and attentive staff, and a safe environment for children.