14 Child Daycare & Preschools in Crystal Lake, Illinois
Browse all 14 child daycare & preschools in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Crystal Lake
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.
- 1Thunderbird Preschool4.8 score5(20)
625 Rudat Ct, Crystal Lake, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children
Thunderbird Preschool in Crystal Lake receives consistently excellent reviews from parents. All reviewers praise the caring, welcoming staff and warm, family-centered environment where children thrive academically and emotionally. Parents highlight strong communication, organization, and the school's commitment to supporting both children and families.
Caring and passionate teaching staffwarm and welcoming environmentstrong parent communicationdaily updates and summary sheets - 2First Church Preschool4.75 score5(15)
236 W Crystal Lake Ave, Crystal Lake, IL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 69 children
First Church Preschool receives universal praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the caring and dedicated staff, strong academic and social preparation for kindergarten, and welcoming faith-based community environment.
Caring and compassionate teachersstrong academic and social developmentexcellent communication with parentsfaith-based education - 3Crystal Lake Head Start4.56 score4.7(20)
76 W Crystal Lake Ave, Crystal Lake, IL · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 40 children
Parents consistently praise Crystal Lake Head Start/Kiddie Academy as a safe, clean, and nurturing environment with a family-oriented atmosphere. Staff members are described as caring, skilled, and dedicated, with children showing measurable academic and developmental progress. Parents report feeling confident and at peace leaving their children in this facility's care.
Strong curriculum and educational focusstructured daily updates via parent portalbuilding security and controlled accessmeals and snacks provided - 4Friendship House INC4.55 score4.9(8)
100 S Main St, Ste 400, Crystal Lake, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 142 children
Friendship House Inc is highly regarded by parents who praise the exceptional level of care, education, and emotional support provided to children. Parents consistently highlight the dedicated staff, family-like atmosphere, and lasting positive impact on their children's development and relationships with teachers. The center has a strong 50+ year reputation in the Crystal Lake community.
Caring and compassionate staffhigh-quality educationsafe and clean facilityfamily-like atmosphere - 5Sage Ymca - Crystal Lake4.24 score4.3(20)
701 Manor Rd, Crystal Lake, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children
SAGE YMCA - Crystal Lake receives consistently high ratings (all 5-star reviews) with parents praising the facility's cleanliness, friendly staff, and welcoming family atmosphere. The center offers comprehensive amenities including pools, fitness equipment, steam rooms, and child care services. Parents appreciate the reasonable pricing and professional service.
Clean and well-maintained facilityfriendly and helpful stafffamily atmospherechild care available during workouts - 6Mchenry Cty College Childrens Lrng Ctr4.16 score4.2(20)
8900 Us Highway 14, Bldg C, Crystal Lake, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 55 children
This appears to be reviews for McHenry County College, not a children's learning center daycare. The reviews praise the college's instructors, educational quality, and supportive learning environment, though some note administrative and website issues.
Excellent and caring instructorshigh-quality educationstrong support for student successaffordable tuition options - 7Barlina House Preschool4.1 score4.2(5)
705 Barlina Rd, Crystal Lake, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 49 children
Barlina House Preschool receives mostly positive feedback from parents, with many praising the teachers, staff, and quality of instruction. Children show measurable academic progress in letters, numbers, and writing. One parent reported dissatisfaction, citing minimal educational rigor compared to another preschool.
Dedicated and caring teacherswelcoming staffnotable academic progress in literacy and math skillsfield trips and school events
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Crystal Lake based on parent reviews
Thunderbird Preschool
625 Rudat Ct, Crystal Lake, IL
Thunderbird Preschool in Crystal Lake receives consistently excellent reviews from parents. All reviewers praise the caring, welcoming staff and warm, family-centered environment where children thrive academically and emotionally. Parents highlight strong communication, organization, and the school's commitment to supporting both children and families.
Friendship House INC
100 S Main St, Ste 400, Crystal Lake, IL
Friendship House Inc is highly regarded by parents who praise the exceptional level of care, education, and emotional support provided to children. Parents consistently highlight the dedicated staff, family-like atmosphere, and lasting positive impact on their children's development and relationships with teachers. The center has a strong 50+ year reputation in the Crystal Lake community.
My Father'S World Preschool
932 S Mchenry Ave, Crystal Lake, IL
Sage Ymca - Crystal Lake
701 Manor Rd, Crystal Lake, IL
SAGE YMCA - Crystal Lake receives consistently high ratings (all 5-star reviews) with parents praising the facility's cleanliness, friendly staff, and welcoming family atmosphere. The center offers comprehensive amenities including pools, fitness equipment, steam rooms, and child care services. Parents appreciate the reasonable pricing and professional service.
Purple Moose Enrichment Preschool
3419 Walkup Rd, Crystal Lake, IL
Little Minds Learning Cntr Crystal Lake
290 Memorial Ct, Crystal Lake, IL
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Daycare types in Crystal Lake
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Child Daycare & Preschools in Crystal Lake, Illinois
There are 14 child daycare & preschools in Crystal Lake, Illinois, making up 78% of the 18 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.
When choosing a daycare in Crystal Lake, 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 Crystal Lake
Showing 14 results
Thunderbird Preschool in Crystal Lake receives consistently excellent reviews from parents. All reviewers praise the caring, welcoming staff and warm, family-centered environment where children thrive academically and emotionally. Parents highlight strong communication, organization, and the school's commitment to supporting both children and families.
- Address
- 625 Rudat Ct, Crystal Lake, IL
- Phone
- (815) 459-2266
- Address
- 932 S Mchenry Ave, Crystal Lake, IL
- Phone
- (815) 455-3200
- Address
- 290 Memorial Ct, Crystal Lake, IL
- Phone
- (815) 893-6494
Friendship House Inc is highly regarded by parents who praise the exceptional level of care, education, and emotional support provided to children. Parents consistently highlight the dedicated staff, family-like atmosphere, and lasting positive impact on their children's development and relationships with teachers. The center has a strong 50+ year reputation in the Crystal Lake community.
- Address
- 100 S Main St, Ste 400, Crystal Lake, IL
- Phone
- (815) 459-6552
- Address
- 3419 Walkup Rd, Crystal Lake, IL
- Phone
- (815) 459-7299
SAGE YMCA - Crystal Lake receives consistently high ratings (all 5-star reviews) with parents praising the facility's cleanliness, friendly staff, and welcoming family atmosphere. The center offers comprehensive amenities including pools, fitness equipment, steam rooms, and child care services. Parents appreciate the reasonable pricing and professional service.
- Address
- 701 Manor Rd, Crystal Lake, IL
- Phone
- (815) 459-4455
This appears to be reviews for McHenry County College, not a children's learning center daycare. The reviews praise the college's instructors, educational quality, and supportive learning environment, though some note administrative and website issues.
- Address
- 8900 Us Highway 14, Bldg C, Crystal Lake, IL
- Phone
- (815) 455-8555
Barlina House Preschool receives mostly positive feedback from parents, with many praising the teachers, staff, and quality of instruction. Children show measurable academic progress in letters, numbers, and writing. One parent reported dissatisfaction, citing minimal educational rigor compared to another preschool.
- Address
- 705 Barlina Rd, Crystal Lake, IL
- Phone
- (815) 477-5403
La Petite Academy in Crystal Lake receives consistently high praise from parents, who highlight the caring staff, strong leadership from director Nadine and assistant director Sherry, and nurturing environment. Parents appreciate the flexible scheduling, safety measures, daily communication app with photos/videos, and excellent curriculum that balances learning with fun.
- Address
- 190 N Il Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL
- Phone
- (815) 477-8840
Most parents highly praise KinderCare Learning Center for its caring, attentive staff and strong leadership under Director Amber. The center is noted for hands-on learning activities, cleanliness, and a family-like atmosphere. However, one parent reported serious safety and supervision concerns from several years ago.
- Address
- 14 Berkshire Dr, Crystal Lake, IL
- Phone
- (815) 459-5490
- Address
- 485 W Woodstock St, Crystal Lake, IL
- Phone
- (815) 479-9770
Parents consistently praise Kids R Kids Learning Academy Crystal Lake for exceptional care, attentive staff, and strong communication. Children show developmental progress and emotional growth, with parents reporting their kids are happy and excited to attend. The facility is highly recommended by families who have used the center from infancy through kindergarten.
- Address
- 475 Alexandra Blvd, Crystal Lake, IL
- Phone
- (815) 455-5437
Parents consistently praise Kiddie Academy Crystal Lake as a safe, clean, and nurturing environment with highly skilled staff who provide excellent educational programming and individualized care. Children show strong developmental progress and parents report feeling confident leaving their children in the center's care. The facility uses modern technology for security and parent communication.
- Address
- 720 Cog Cir, Crystal Lake, IL
- Phone
- (815) 893-0924
Parents consistently praise this KinderCare location for exceptional staff, welcoming environment, and developmental support. Children show improvement in communication, motor skills, and social adjustment. The center maintains strong parent communication through a user-friendly app and daily updates.
- Address
- 645 Dakota St, Crystal Lake, IL
- Phone
- (815) 477-2580
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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 — 14 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
- Church Daycare — 1 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 1 facilities