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

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
Little Tykes Pre-School INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Parents highlight the staff's warmth and dedication, noting that children thrive in this engaging environment with convenient hours. Reviewers appreciate the open communication and the teachers' investment in each child's individual growth and social development.

convenient hourshelpful staffstrong communication
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
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

One parent describes their experience at Happy Kids Learning Center as great. The single review provided is positive and does not mention any specific details beyond this general sentiment.

Great experience
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

One parent highlights the center as a supportive environment where staff are friendly and loving, ensuring children are prepared for kindergarten. Another reviewer expresses deep gratitude for the program's existence, stating they would not know what to do without it.

friendly and loving staffkindergarten readinessfun learning environment
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

One parent highlights the facility's spiritual environment and community outreach, noting the excellent sermon and local television broadcast. Another reviewer describes it as an excellent place for fellowship, while a third simply states the service was good.

spiritual healingexcellent sermonlocal television broadcast
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
Touch By An Angel Day Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Parents highlight the center's highly qualified staff and engaging after-school activities, noting that the program feels like a supportive village. However, one review points out that administrative communication can be inconsistent and disorganized at times.

highly qualified and credentialed staffengaging after-school activities (boxingSpanish
Address
6224 W North Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 385-8222
Tots Land
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Parents consistently praise Tots Land as one of the best daycares in Chicago with highly caring and professional staff. Children show strong academic development, speak multiple languages, and are eager to attend. The facility is noted for cleanliness, healthy meal plans, diverse activities, and responsive leadership.

Caring and professional staffstrong academic developmentbilingual education
Address
7460 W Addison St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 589-0500
Roseland Community Good News Day Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Roseland Community Good News Day Care receives mostly glowing reviews praising the Christian-based curriculum, caring staff leadership under Ms. Pearl, and strong early academic results. However, one parent reported physical discipline including hitting children with a ruler and threatening language toward toddlers.

Christian-based educationloving and attentive staffstrong early literacy development
Address
212 W 113th St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 264-0410
Marys Abc Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Mary's ABC Academy receives consistent 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and nurturing environment. Parents report their children are happy, safe, and engaged in learning activities, with regular communication and updates throughout the day.

Warm and caring staffstrong teacher-child relationshipssafe and clean facility
Address
5081 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 481-7580
Little Angels Learning Center Of Chicago
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

One parent rates the center 2/5 stars, citing poor facility conditions and inconsistent communication. They also note frequent dismissals due to illness and inadequate hygiene practices during those incidents.

good curriculum
Address
5819 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 282-4469
Tiny Giants Early Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Parents consistently praise Tiny Giants for exceptional, loving care and strong communication. Children thrive academically and socially in a safe, welcoming environment that values individual development. The center stands out for its music program, community involvement, and staff dedication.

Caring and attentive teachersexcellent daily communication with photos/videoschild-centered curriculum
Address
4648 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 683-1333
Live And Learn Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Live and Learn Child Development Center (also referred to as Joyful Learning Center by reviewers) receives consistently positive feedback from parents. Parents praise the warm, welcoming staff and director for creating a family-oriented environment where children feel safe, learn, and thrive. First-time parents particularly appreciate the reassurance and support provided by the center.

Warm and welcoming staffPatient with childrenStrong child development and learning
Address
10721 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 941-8121
Tots Land
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Tots Land receives exclusively positive reviews from parents who praise the caring, experienced teachers and structured learning environment. Parents consistently highlight the fresh home-cooked meals, multilingual exposure, cleanliness, safety features, and strong developmental progress their children make during their time at the center.

Caring and attentive teachersfresh home-cooked meals prepared dailystructured intentional learning
Address
2639 N Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 622-4779
Paulo Freire Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Paulo Freire Center receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the staff's caring, professional approach and structured educational environment. Parents highlight strong teacher-child relationships, adherence to proper student-teacher ratios, and a welcoming atmosphere for families. The center is recommended across multiple languages and has maintained quality care over many years.

Caring and patient staffprofessional teachersstrong family c
Address
1653 W 43rd St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 826-6260
Fairyland Nursery School INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Fairyland Nursery School receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the caring teachers, structured academic curriculum, and developmental progress of their children. One parent raised concerns about cleanliness in certain areas of the facility.

Compassionate and caring teachersstructured daily activities including science experiments and creative playacademic preparation (reading and writing skills)
Address
4350 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 725-1246
Higher Learning Daycare & Education Ctr
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Higher Learning Daycare & Education Center in Chicago receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, professional staff and nurturing environment. Parents highlight the director Ms. Hannah and teachers as loving and attentive, with strong accommodation for family schedules. One negative review provides no details.

Caring and loving staffprofessional environmentindividual attention to each child
Address
2526 E 73rd St, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 734-1251
Lake Shore School
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Lake Shore School receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight exceptional staff, strong communication, and a particularly beloved music program led by Mr. Ray. Parents report feeling heard and supported, with children developing academically and emotionally in a nurturing, community-focused environment.

Passionate and skilled staff who know children individuallyexcellent communication through Tadpoles appenriching music curriculum with Mr. Ray
Address
5611 N Clark St, # 21, Chicago, IL
Phone
(773) 561-6707

Page 7 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.