Children at daycare

766 Daycare Centers in Chicago, Illinois

Browse all 766 daycare centers in Chicago, Illinois. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

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

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

There are 766 daycare centers in Chicago, Illinois. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

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

The Gardner School Of Lincoln Park
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
2850 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 661-0232
Great Expectations Learning Academy INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Great Expectations Learning Academy receives consistently high ratings from parents and visitors. Parents praise the clean facility, passionate and professional staff, and strong educational outcomes including academics and life skills. Children are reported to be happy, well-mannered, and enthusiastic about learning.

Clean facilitywelcoming and professional staffstrong academic instruction
Address
1146 S California Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 533-7700
Irving Park Early Learning Center INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Irving Park Early Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents who describe it as a warm, nurturing, and well-organized facility. Parents highlight the caring and dedicated staff, strong communication through their app with daily photos and updates, and a play-based curriculum that supports child development. Multiple families report feeling their children are treated like family members and note the center's longevity and family-owned reputation.

Caring and passionate staffwarm and inviting environmentstrong daily communication and photo sharing via app
Address
3021 W Montrose Ave, # 23, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 539-7422
Pinocchio Child Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Pinocchio Child Care receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight the caring, attentive staff led by owner Ms. Margaret. Parents emphasize the family-oriented atmosphere, quality homemade meals, outdoor play, educational activities, and strong emotional support provided to children. Multiple long-term families report their children were happy, well-prepared for school, and reluctant to leave.

Caring and attentive staffowner Ms. Margaret's personal involvement and warmthhomemade/European-style meals prepared on-site
Address
5932 W Gunnison St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 286-6155
Howard Area Family Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Howard Area Family Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the attentive and loving teachers. One parent raised concerns about staff's ability to distinguish between sick and well newborns and provide appropriate care.

Attentive and loving teachersexcellent learning environmentfriendly and trained staff
Address
7510 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 764-7610
Kids Work Chicago
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Parents consistently praise Kids Work Chicago for its warm, nurturing environment and deeply caring staff. Children are reported to thrive socially, emotionally, and developmentally, with strong teacher-child relationships and enthusiastic engagement. Families appreciate regular communication, age-appropriate curriculum, and the professional yet family-like atmosphere.

Caring and passionate teachersstrong teacher-child relationshipssafe and nurturing environment
Address
2608 W Addison St, Unit A, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 572-0308
Northwestern University Settlement Assn.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Northwestern University Settlement Association is highly praised as a vital community resource offering multiple programs including Head Start, food pantry, after-school activities, and youth camps. Parents consistently report the organization and staff are caring, well-organized, and genuinely helpful to families in need.

Comprehensive programming (Head Startafter-school programscamps)
Address
1400 W Augusta Blvd, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 278-7471
The Gardner School Of Chicago West Loop
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

The Gardner School of Chicago West Loop receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring, attentive staff and strong developmental support provided to children of all ages. Parents highlight the welcoming community atmosphere, effective communication, curriculum quality, and genuine care shown by teachers and administrators. Multiple long-term families report their children are excited to attend and have shown significant developmental progress.

Caring and patient staffdiversity and inclusivitydevelopmental support
Address
1301 W Madison St, Ste 100, Chicago, IL
Phone
(312) 229-4299
Urban Child Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
802 N Dearborn St, # 804, Chicago, IL
Phone
(312) 932-7108
Detour 2 Discovery Day Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Detour 2 Discovery Day Care receives consistently high praise from parents who appreciate the warm, attentive staff and nurturing learning environment. Parents highlight the center's focus on social-emotional development, regular communication updates, and the long tenure of many teachers who become like family to the children.

Warm and competent teachersprofessional leadershipBright Horizons curriculum
Address
2001 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(312) 949-2273
Bright Beginnings Academy Cdc
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Bright Beginnings Academy CDC receives consistent praise from parents for its caring, communicative staff and nurturing environment. Children show enthusiasm for attending and parents report feeling confident in the quality of care. The center is noted for fostering strong community among families and supporting developmental transitions.

Caring and knowledgeable staffhigh staff retentionsmall class sizes
Address
8214 S Exchange Ave, # 16, Chicago, IL
Phone
(312) 402-7821
Kids Work Chicago Too LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Kids Work Chicago Too LLC receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all reviews rating the center 5/5 stars. Parents praise the warm, professional staff who are deeply invested in children's development, and report their children are thriving academically, socially, and emotionally. The center is noted for strong teacher-child relationships, engaging curriculum, excellent communication with parents, and a welcoming community environment.

Caring and
Address
2633 W Addison St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 747-3200
Bright Beginnings Early Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Bright Beginnings Early Learning Center receives uniformly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, knowledgeable staff and strong sense of community. Parents consistently report that children are excited to attend and transition well, with teachers providing excellent communication and support.

Caring and attentive staffhigh staff retention ratesmooth transitions for children
Address
2902 N Central Park, Chicago, IL
Phone
(872) 240-2510
West Rogers Park After School Program
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

West Rogers Park After School Program appears to be a synagogue rather than a daycare center. Reviews consistently praise the beautiful, clean facility and warm community atmosphere for prayer and religious study.

Beautiful buildingspacious and cleanwarm and inviting community
Address
6710 North Washtenaw Avenue, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 931-7357
Dorothy Sutton Branch Head Start
Headstart Programs
4.8
Address
8601 South State Street, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 723-4445
Little Tykes Pre-School INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
1711 W 35th St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 254-7710
Lakeview Preschool Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Lakeview Preschool Academy receives consistently high praise from parents for its nurturing environment, experienced and stable teaching staff, and enriching curriculum. Parents highlight the small community feel, daily Spanish instruction, dance classes, and proximity to an adjacent playground. Children reportedly thrive academically and socially while enjoying hands-on learning activities.

Warm and experienced teachers with low turnoversmall intimate communitydiverse staff and student backgrounds
Address
3536 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 857-0029
Fantasy Island Schools For Kids
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Fantasy Island Schools for Kids receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring staff, home-like environment, and educational quality. Parents consistently highlight the clean facility, fresh-cooked meals, and children's happiness and academic progress. Multiple families have kept their children enrolled for several years, indicating high satisfaction and retention.

Caring and loving staffwarm home-like environmentclean and well-organized facility
Address
6100 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 775-3125
Kids In Harmony Day School
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Kids in Harmony Day School receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring and dedicated staff, strong academic preparation, and children's enthusiasm for attending. One parent reported disappointment with their tour experience, citing excessive screen time and poor customer service. Overall, the center is highly recommended by satisfied families.

Caring and attentive staffstrong kindergarten preparationeducational and fun activities
Address
4332 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 685-8812
Kimball Day Care Center & Kindergarten
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Kimball Day Care Center receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all reviewers who consistently praise the warm, nurturing staff and professional environment. Parents report significant developmental progress in their children across multiple areas including language, social skills, and academic growth. The facility is described as clean, organized, and secure with excellent communication between staff and parents.

Warm and attentive staffnurturing environmentstrong developmental progress
Address
1636 N Kimball Ave, # 38, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 235-7200
The Beverly Castle Academy Of Early Educ
Church Daycare
4.7

The Beverly Castle Academy of Early Education receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring, attentive staff and strong learning environment. One parent reported serious concerns about bullying incidents, inadequate teacher supervision, and a principal who was dismissive and denied conference requests. The facility has a strong neighborhood reputation and serves children with special needs.

Kind and patient staffexcellent teachers who go above and beyondaccommodating with special needs (including medical conditions like type 1 diabetes)
Address
10244 S Longwood Dr, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 239-2299
Guidepost Montessori Wicker Park
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Parents consistently praise Guidepost Montessori Wicker Park for its authentic Montessori approach, caring and dedicated staff, and strong sense of community. The school is noted for its clean facilities, enriching activities, Spanish immersion options, and teachers who foster independence and a love of learning in children.

Dedicated and experienced teachers (especially Ms. Maria)warm and caring staffauthentic Montessori curriculum and materials
Address
1530 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 663-4732
Children International Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Parents consistently praise Children International Academy for its caring, nurturing staff and family-like atmosphere. Children thrive academically and developmentally, with parents reporting high satisfaction across all age groups from infants through school-age care. The center is noted for strong communication, safe environment, and programs that prepare children well for school.

Caring and professional stafffamily-like atmospherestrong teacher-child relationships
Address
5858 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 287-0808
Happy Kids Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
4545 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 866-1405
Lots Of Love Preschool Academy INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
1139 W 79th St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 874-4954
Saint Philip Lutheran Preschool/C.C.C.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Saint Philip Lutheran Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from current parents, who praise the caring staff, joyful learning environment, and strong academic focus with experiential education like nature trips and outdoor camps. One prospective parent expressed concern about the school's lack of responsiveness and willingness to assess a child with learning differences before making enrollment decisions.

caring and professional staffjoyful and meaningful learning experiencessmall school community where staff know children well
Address
2444 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 561-9830
Chicago Youth Centers Dorothy Gautreaux
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
975 E 132nd St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 291-1000
Erie Community Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Erie Community Center receives consistently positive feedback from families who have used their services for extended periods. Parents praise the bilingual staff, attentive doctors, friendly service, and efficient operations. The facility is described as clean, professional, and welcoming.

Bilingual staffknowledgeable and caring doctorsfriendly and helpful staff
Address
1701 W. Superior, Chicago, IL
Phone
(312) 563-5800
Greater Bethel Christian Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
2122 W 79th St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 483-3081
Toddler Town Daycare Too
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Parents consistently praise Toddler Town Daycare Too for its caring, attentive teachers and nurturing environment where children thrive academically and emotionally. Families highlight strong communication, engaging activities, and leadership support as key strengths. All 10 reviews gave 5-star ratings, indicating high parent satisfaction.

Caring and dedicated teachersstrong teacher-child relationshipsengaging educational activities
Address
5934 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 622-9433

Page 7 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.
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.