Near The Pier Development Center is a child daycare & preschools daycare located at 540 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois IL. Find contact info, location details, and similar daycares nearby.
What Parents Say
Near the Pier Development Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviewers giving 5-star ratings. Parents highlight the caring and dedicated staff, personalized attention to children's development, and family-oriented atmosphere. The facility is noted for its flexibility, in-facility camera monitoring system, and engaging educational programs.
I am incredibly grateful for the support and care Near the Pier has provided our family! From the very beginning, they welcomed us with open arms. Their warmth and professionalism have been constant, and they’ve truly become a vital part of the village we’ve built around the girls. The staff is not only understanding but also accommodating. They’ve adapted to our family’s unique needs with compassion and flexibility, always going the extra mile to make sure the girls feel safe, nurtured, and included. Near the Pier isn’t just a place of care, it’s a community! I can’t thank them enough for the love, structure, and genuine partnership they’ve provided. Highly recommended!
I would not recommend Near the Pier Development Center. A faculty member found my niece’s debit card and instead of returning it, they tried to use it to make purchases. They were caught on camera and then lied about not having it. This is completely unacceptable. The fact that staff would steal from a child shows they are not honest or trustworthy people. Parents should think twice before leaving their children in the care of individuals who engage in this type of behavior. Then the woman claims “it’s been in her desk for a few days and she meant to call my sister “ but never did and the card was attempted to be used yesterday 8/20/25 at a shells gas station for gas then a male staff member attempted to call and activate her card because it was lock like what ?!! How low down and dirty are you people
We absolutely love Near the Pier!! Our son has been going since he was 4 months old and we have fallen in love with the entire staff. Every teacher cares deeply about their students and the community of other children and parents is lovely. Ms. Tonya works hard to make sure every child makes positive core memories--especially during the holidays. Huge thank you to Mrs. Sonja who has single-handedly become one of our child's favorite humans. Thank you for taking such good care of our baby!!!
From day one Ms Tonja , has consistently gone above and beyond to accommodate my family’s childcare needs. As a parent initially walking in clueless, her support and guidance have been invaluable. My journey began with enrolling my first son, and I was so impressed by the care and attention he received that I didn’t hesitate to enroll my second son in their after-school program. This decision has proven to be a godsend, especially for someone juggling two jobs and using lunch breaks to manage pickups and drop-offs. The convenience and reliability they offer is truly unmatched. What sets NEAR THE PIER apart is not just their exceptional care but also the peace of mind they provide. The monitoring cameras installed throughout the facility allow parents like me to keep an eye on our little ones anytime, ensuring their safety and happiness. It’s a feature that I value immensely, knowing that there are trustworthy adults looking after my children. Moreover, the environment at NEAR THE PIER is incredibly welcoming and family-oriented. My sons absolutely adore it there; my youngest, Zeeks, constantly expresses how much he enjoys attending what he affectionately calls “David’s school.” It’s a testament to the positive atmosphere and engaging activities that keep him excited about going each day. In summary, I cannot recommend NEAR THE PIER highly enough. Their dedication to providing a nurturing, safe, and enjoyable experience for children is evident in everything they do. For their outstanding service and the profound impact they’ve had on our lives, they truly deserve a five-star rating.
I love Near the Pier! My daughter (3 years old) started with Ms. Sonja when she was a little over a year old. Now she’s with Ms. Kayla and just continues to flourish. When people compliment us on how well she speaks, I always brag on Near the Pier! Everyone on their staff has played a huge role and has helped so much with her development, and I couldn’t be more grateful! This is definitely a place I recommend everyone to send their children!!