Children at daycare

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.

  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

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

Pathways To Learning II
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3416 1/2 3418 West 79th Str., Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 776-5439
The Learning Experience At Avondale
Child Daycare & Preschools

The Learning Experience at Avondale receives consistently high praise from parents. Reviews highlight exceptional staff care, clean facilities, engaging curriculum with extracurricular activities, and strong child development outcomes. Parents report children are excited to attend and note excellent communication through the facility's app.

Warm and attentive staffclean and organized facilityeducational curriculum
Address
2642 N Jones St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 993-1689
Gads Hill Center After School
Child Daycare & Preschools

Gads Hill Center After School has received mostly positive reviews praising staff like Edwin, Cari, and Lety for their professionalism, child safety, and community involvement. However, some parents express concerns about management quality, staff treatment of children, and enrollment policies for early childhood programs.

Professional and caring staffsafe environmentreliable communication with parents about pickup schedules
Address
1919 West Cullerton, Chicago, IL
Phone
(312) 226-0963
Christopher House Logan Square
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3255 W Altgeld St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 235-4073
Children'S Creative Center
Child Daycare & Preschools

Children's Creative Center in Chicago receives consistently high praise from parents. Parents highlight the caring, dedicated staff and Director Maria's leadership, along with strong developmental focus and excellent daily communication. Families report their children are happy, learning, and thriving in a clean, well-organized facility.

caring and nurturing teachersDirector Maria's leadership and communicationdevelopmental milestone focus
Address
1911 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 281-0980
Bright Horizons At The Atrium
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
300 West Hill Street, Chicago, IL
Phone
(312) 266-2020
Presence Resurrection Child Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
7435 W Talcott Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 792-5253
Mc Cann'S Day Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
8612 South Stony Island, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 375-7932

Page 25 of 25· 728 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 728 child daycare & preschools daycares in Chicago, Illinois, out of 766 total childcare facilities in the city. 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 holds the distinction of being the best-rated area, with an average rating of 4.88/5 stars calculated across seven facilities.
Out of the 728 total facilities, 565 have been rated on Google, contributing to a directory average of 4.28 stars based on 5821 analyzed parent reviews.
Review analysis shows that parents most frequently mention three key factors: a clean facility, caring and attentive staff, and a safe environment.