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.
- 1Caterpillar Care Corporation4.8 score5(20)
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 - 2Park West Cooperative Nursery School4.8 score5(20)
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 - 3The Little Scholars Club Co.4.8 score5(20)
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
- 4Promiseland Learning Center4.8 score5(20)
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 - 5Concordia Day4.8 score5(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 - 6Caterpillar Care Corporation4.8 score5(20)
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 - 7Luna Park Nursery School & Kindergarten4.8 score5(20)
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 - 8North Park Church Preschool4.8 score5(20)
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) - 9Green Beginnings LLC4.8 score5(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 - 10Kidz Creative Corner4.8 score5(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
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 6,073 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Chicago, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Chicago zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60642 | 7 | 4.88 | 5 | |
| 60625 | 16 | 4.8 | 10 | |
| 60618 | 27 | 4.7 | 14 | |
| 60610 | 9 | 4.69 | 5 | |
| 60707 | 5 | 4.64 | 4 | |
| 60646 | 8 | 4.62 | 4 | |
| 60614 | 22 | 4.62 | 8 | |
| 60630 | 6 | 4.6 | 4 | |
| 60623 | 12 | 4.59 | 7 | |
| 60631 | 7 | 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
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.
Park West Cooperative Nursery School
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.
The Little Scholars Club Co.
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
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.
Concordia Day
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.
Caterpillar Care Corporation
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.
Map
Daycare types in Chicago
Browse by type in Chicago
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
- Address
- 7628 W Foster Ave, # 30, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 594-1111
- Address
- 640 W Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 477-6122
- Address
- 133 W 111th St, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 614-8920
- Address
- 3633 N California Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 423-5055
- Address
- 3450 W 79th St, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 436-9244
Albany Park Community Center receives universal praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents highlight caring and professional staff, a nurturing learning environment, and a strong sense of community. The facility offers multiple programs beyond childcare, including free ESL classes, GED preparation, tutoring, and computer access.
- Address
- 5101 N Kimball Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 509-5657
Reviewers highlight the staff and learning environment as significant strengths, with one parent noting their daughter's substantial growth and another praising the team's quality. The few comments provided are uniformly positive, describing the location as a great place for childcare.
- Address
- 1545 W Morse Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 262-1390
- Address
- 1052 W Loyola Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 508-3444
These reviews are not for the daycare program at Irving Park Y.M.C.A., but rather for the overall YMCA facility. The facility receives consistently high ratings (all 5/5 stars) for its gym amenities, fitness classes, pool, and childcare services. Parents and members praise the friendly staff, clean facilities, and good equipment selection.
- Address
- 4251 W Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 777-7500
Parents consistently praise the YMCA ORR Family Development Center for its diverse programming, clean facilities, and friendly staff. The center offers after-school programs, youth cooking classes, fitness classes (line dancing, stepping, yoga), summer camps, and community resources. All reviewers gave 5-star ratings and expressed satisfaction with their experiences.
- Address
- 730 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 565-0130
- Address
- 2534 E 83rd St, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 978-6967
These reviews appear to be for Arturo Velasquez Institute (AVI), a City College branch, not a daycare center. Reviews praise the facility's cleanliness, quality instructors, friendly staff, and strong academic programs, particularly welding and agriculture. Some concerns were raised about website navigation and library staff attitudes.
- Address
- 2800 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 838-3070
- Address
- 2301 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (312) 842-8546
- Address
- 1424 North Dearborn, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (312) 642-3422
- Address
- 1800 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 271-1700
- Address
- 1330 E 50th St, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 531-6437
Shining Star Child Dev Inst of the Arts has highly polarized reviews. Some parents praise the welcoming staff and positive experiences, while multiple parents report serious concerns including inadequate supervision, staff rudeness, poor hygiene practices, unmet dietary needs, and potential child safety issues.
- Address
- 854 E 79th St, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 488-7827
These reviews are not about the daycare program at South Side YMCA, but rather about the gym and fitness facilities. Reviewers praise the overall facility, staff friendliness, and amenities. No reviews specifically address the daycare services offered.
- Address
- 6330 S. Stony Is., Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 326-2570
- Address
- 8358 South Stony Island Avenue, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 734-0375
Teddy Bear Day Care Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the welcoming and organized staff, quality educational activities, and bilingual instruction. One recent review expresses concern about new staff members lacking patience and using aggressive tones with children.
- Address
- 5160 South Pulaski, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 284-7030
Teddy Bear Nursery School #3 receives consistently positive feedback from parents. The center is praised for attentive, caring staff who foster children's academic, social, and emotional development through engaging activities. Parents highlight excellent communication, particularly through ClassDojo updates, and note significant improvements in their children's confidence and learning.
- Address
- 6401 South Pulaski, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 284-2292
- Address
- 901 E 104th St, Ste 1, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 264-7122
- Address
- 8622 West Catalpa, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 714-0646
One parent highlights a positive backup care experience, noting that the staff were caring, organized, and genuinely enjoyed interacting with the children. The reviewer appreciated that the center prioritized engagement over closing procedures, resulting in their child enjoying the stay so much that they wished to extend it.
- Address
- 33 N La Salle, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (312) 853-3299
- Address
- 225 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (312) 616-6690
One Hope United receives mostly positive reviews praising the staff's caring and active approach with children. Most reviewers highlight the kindness and dedication of teachers who go above and beyond for students and families. A few reviews suggest Center II location may be preferable to Center I.
- Address
- 514 W 31st St, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (312) 949-4015
Bright Horizons at Clybourn receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with nearly all reviews praising the warm, caring staff, strong curriculum, and nurturing environment. Parents consistently report their children are happy, engaged, and developing well. One parent reported a negative interaction with an unnamed staff member involving aggressive behavior.
- Address
- 1425 N Dayton St, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (312) 867-7100
- Address
- 9214 South Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 874-3985
Carole Robertson Center for LE receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, with praise for professional, caring staff and a loving environment. However, two recent 1-star reviews raise serious concerns about communication failures, program management, and child safety incidents.
- Address
- 2929 W 19th St, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 521-1600
Parents highlight the facility's quality and the staff's dedication, with one noting their son's positive experience from infancy through age two. Another reviewer appreciates the administration and teachers, while a third mentions bilingual support that helped their children feel secure and learn basic skills like toilet training.
- Address
- 3701 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 522-8400
Page 21 of 26· 766 results
Frequently asked questions
- 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
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 728 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 11 facilities
- Church Daycare — 16 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 11 facilities