Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Chicago, IL
Compare 728 child daycare & preschools 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
- Programs
- 728
- Avg rating
- 4.3/5
- Parent reviews
- 6,073
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 297
Chicago has 728 licensed child daycare & preschools 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
Child Daycare & Preschools in Chicago, Illinois
Navigating childcare options in Chicago involves exploring a diverse landscape of 728 facilities, ranging from large centers to intimate home-based programs. Parents frequently highlight the importance of clean environments and attentive staff when selecting a provider for their little ones. For those seeking highly-rated options, the 60642 zip code stands out as a neighborhood with exceptionally positive feedback 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 Child Daycare & Preschools in Chicago
Showing 728 results
One parent reports that their children enjoy the after school program, noting that the staff members are friendly and helpful.
- Address
- 5244 N Lakewood Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 907-0278
One parent highlights the daycare's long-term reliability and the staff's caring nature, while another reviewer responds to a complaint by emphasizing the facility's safe play area and dedication to children. A third review mentions positive past experiences with friendly and respectful staff, and a fourth notes the accessibility of the director.
- Address
- 6401 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 434-3100
One parent describes the center as caring and professional, noting that their daughter feels well-prepared for Pre K. The single review highlights a positive experience with the staff's approach to early childhood education.
- Address
- 7750 W Devon Ave, # 54, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 763-3770
One parent highlights an incredible experience at the Belden location, noting that teachers were amazing, dedicated, and created a strong sense of community. Families appreciate that children were happy to attend and maintain connections with staff years after graduating.
- Address
- 312 West Belden, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 665-0110
One parent describes the center as cool and informative, while another expresses appreciation for staff efforts to improve services. The few reviews so far highlight a positive and engaging environment.
- Address
- 1110 West Belmont, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 537-3393
One parent describes a positive experience, noting that they love the program. No specific details regarding curriculum, staff, or facilities are provided in the single review.
- Address
- 5849 N Nina Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 631-3129
Parents highlight the faculty's passion and organization, noting proactive communication and a structured curriculum that supports developmental milestones. Reviewers also appreciate the nutritious food, emphasis on play-based learning, and engaging activities like field trips and science projects. One short review mentions positive interactions during a dance class.
- Address
- 2044b W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 281-4411
- Address
- 3034 West Devon, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 761-0522
Parents highlight the facility's exceptional cleanliness, professional staff, and engaging environment, with one reviewer specifically praising the outstanding Spanish teacher. Feedback emphasizes the happiness of the children and the flawless nature of the leadership team.
- Address
- 1845 E 79th St, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 221-4442
Parents highlight the center's dedicated staff, particularly Ms. Smith, Ms. Robinson, and Ms. Ross, noting that children form strong emotional bonds and often experience separation anxiety when leaving. The program is praised for its hands-on director and an 'old school' approach that emphasizes early academic preparation, resulting in children learning letters, numbers, and vocabulary at a young age. Long-term impact is evident, with former students recalling the positive educational foundation provided by the center.
- Address
- 2816 W Marquette Rd, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 925-2859
- Address
- 6043 N California Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 764-5705
- Address
- 2600 E 83rd St, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 768-0880
A few parents highlight the high quality of the staff and the positive environment for their children. One reviewer expresses a long-term commitment to the center, noting their daughter enjoys attending, while another mentions their son's enjoyment.
- Address
- 941 E 132nd St, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 468-3055
- Address
- 3107 W Devon, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 262-3107
- Address
- 1401 E 79th St, # 09, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 221-7171
One parent highlights that the center successfully helped their son adjust during his first week, noting he enjoys being with peers and is well-prepared for school. The review emphasizes that the staff handles the child's needs effectively.
- Address
- 7209 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 846-5393
Montessori Magpie is a single-location, owner-operated daycare in Chicago that parents consistently praise for high-quality Montessori and Reggio Emilia-inspired education. Parents report significant developmental growth in their children, a nurturing environment, and dedicated, caring staff led by owner Ana who is actively present daily.
- Address
- 835 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (312) 465-2196
- Address
- 4323 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 521-9499
One parent describes the center as clean, professional, and caring, strongly recommending it to others. Another review expresses strong affection for the staff.
- Address
- 10650 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 468-1128
One parent describes a highly loving environment where staff treat children as if they were their own. The reviewer highlights that the program successfully fosters a sense of being loved.
- Address
- 11223 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 568-9000
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
- Address
- 5752 S Pulaski Rd, # 54, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 582-7529
Parents describe Smart Child Preschool as a welcoming and helpful environment where staff facilitate smooth transitions from home care. Reviewers highlight the educational expertise of the owner, reasonable pricing, and the teachers' ability to keep children engaged and informed about their development. One family notes that despite moving away, they maintain a positive connection with the center.
- Address
- 5100 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 478-2434
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.
- Address
- 6203 W Montrose Ave, # 05, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 747-7147
- Address
- 5700 South Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 778-4850
- Address
- 7322 S Damen Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 434-6552
5 Peas in a Pod Learning Academy is highly rated by parents who praise its family-oriented environment, caring and professional staff, and individualized attention to children's learning and development. Parents report feeling comfortable and supported, with children forming strong bonds with teachers and making significant academic progress. The center is also noted for going above and beyond, including community support during holidays.
- Address
- 5635 W North Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 887-3447
Parents highlight the welcoming staff and engaging learning environment, noting that children enjoy their time and often return home tired from active days. Feedback emphasizes the positive impact on children's social interactions and overall happiness.
- Address
- 4310 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 384-4226
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.
- Address
- 4809 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 681-0116
Tiny Giants Infant Center receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents. They consistently praise the caring, engaged staff, developmentally appropriate curriculum with enrichment activities, strong communication through daily updates, and family-oriented community culture. Parents highlight the center's role in supporting major developmental milestones and creating an environment where children are excited to attend.
- Address
- 4421 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (773) 683-1333
One parent highlights that the staff genuinely cares for the children and provides excellent education, expressing gratitude for the recommendation. Another reviewer describes the facility as a great environment for children to learn and grow.
- Address
- 1000 W 103rd St, Chicago, IL
- Phone
- (708) 548-5568
Page 2 of 25· 728 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