Best Preschools in Illinois

WARNING: The reviews provided are for RIFAC (Rock Island Parks & Recreation Facility), a public fitness center, not for Rock Island Park & Rec. Dept. Preschool. No actual daycare reviews are available to summarize.

Peppermint Preschool receives mostly positive reviews praising staff attentiveness, cleanliness, educational activities, and individualized child care. One parent reported concerns about facility cleanliness, odors, and lack of incident communication.

Peppermint Stick Preschool receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the attentive and friendly staff, particularly teacher Karla. The center is described as clean, safe, educational, and caring, though one parent reported cleanliness concerns and an unresolved incident involving their child's injury.

PALS Preschool and Kindergarten receives universal praise from parents who describe it as a caring, family-oriented facility with attentive staff and strong educational programming. Parents consistently highlight the teachers' genuine care for children, regular communication through photos and updates, and the welcoming environment that makes them feel confident leaving their children there.

River Forest Community Center Preschool is a multi-purpose community facility with consistently positive reviews (all 5/5 ratings). Parents praise it as a spacious, well-maintained venue with good amenities, friendly staff, and reasonable pricing. However, reviews focus primarily on facility rentals and community programs rather than preschool/daycare operations.

One parent describes the program as a 'saving grace,' highlighting its value to their family. Another review notes enjoyment of the service with an intention to return for future needs.

Sugar Plum Tree Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring, professional staff and well-rounded curriculum that balances academics with play. Most reviewers highlight strong child development outcomes, engaging activities, and excellent teacher-child relationships, though one parent reported organizational issues and another had a negative experience with director responsiveness to separation anxiety.

One parent describes the center as an amazing preschool environment filled with caring and truly compassionate teachers.

First Federated Church Preschools receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the knowledgeable and personal staff, strong faith-based community, and quality children's programming. The facility is noted for its welcoming atmosphere and professional care. One negative review cited rudeness from staff when calling.

Wee Care Preschool receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the warm, family-like atmosphere and individualized attention their children receive. Parents highlight the caring staff, engaging activities, and strong sense of community, with many noting their children love attending and have thrived developmentally. Multiple families have remained enrolled for years and report feeling genuine peace of mind about their children's care.

Noah's Ark Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring teachers, structured curriculum, and strong academic preparation for kindergarten. The facility is described as a learning-focused school rather than daycare, with individualized attention to each child's needs. One parent reported a negative experience from 2016 involving an unhelpful teacher.

One parent reports that their child enjoys attending and is learning significantly, while another notes that teachers appear only partially competent and may be managing too many children for the staff available.

These reviews are for Wheaton Bible Church, not its preschool program. Reviewers praise the church's biblical teaching, pastoral leadership, and community atmosphere, with particular appreciation for children's ministry and family-friendly services.

Parents praise the Canton YMCA as a welcoming, family-oriented facility with excellent staff and diverse amenities. Reviews highlight quality programming including swim lessons, tumbling classes, fitness classes, and recreational activities for all ages. Many families report long-term membership satisfaction spanning decades.

One parent highlights the loving staff and strong Christian curriculum, noting their son's enthusiasm for attending daily. Another reviewer found the Christian framework and facilities appealing but reported significant dissatisfaction due to poor staff communication.

Immanuel Lutheran Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its warm, welcoming staff and strong focus on children's developmental, academic, and Christian growth. Teachers are highly trained and genuinely invested in knowing their students. One recent review notes a decline in program quality under new leadership, with cancelled activities and less engaging events.

Reviews praise this facility as a clean, safe, and well-maintained park with modern playground equipment and amenities for families. Parents appreciate the variety of play features, ample seating, open space for children to run, and additional fitness equipment for adults. The facility offers recreational opportunities for multiple age groups and recently underwent upgrades.

These reviews appear to be for Bulger Park, not Bulger Preschool daycare. The reviews praise the park's extensive facilities and cleanliness, making it a popular venue for family events and gatherings.

Reviews praise the church's welcoming community, engaged pastors (Claude and Anna), and programs like the free angel choir for young children. Most reviewers highlight the friendly atmosphere and relevant spiritual messages. One negative review criticized the P.A.D.S. food service wait times, and another expressed doctrinal disagreement.

MFS-Jefferson Preschool Expansion receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring and phenomenal staff, student growth, and supportive services including IEP programs. One parent expressed frustration with staff inattention to a child's costume during a school parade and concerns about the child being outside inadequately dressed.

Parents highlight the center's engaging, child-led curriculum and strong communication, noting that staff provide a safe and loving environment where children develop a desire to learn. However, one review alleges physical harm to a child and defensive behavior from the staff when concerns are raised.

Parents highlight the school's exceptional teacher communication, use of the Brightwheel app, and engaging learning environment as key benefits. However, one parent reports a negative experience with staff rudeness during an initial inquiry call.

Sandbox Pre-School & Learning Center in Palos Hills receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring and patient staff, particularly for children with special needs. However, one parent reported a serious negative experience involving staff rudeness, failure to address bullying, and inadequate response to a child being hit.

Rainforest Preschool and Infant Center in Chicago's South Loop receives consistently high praise from parents. Teachers are described as nurturing, engaging, and genuinely caring, with strong administrative responsiveness. The center is particularly noted for its creative seasonal performances and art programs.

Parents describe Bethel Lutheran Church Preschool as a welcoming and family-oriented religious community. Reviews consistently praise the loving atmosphere, Christian teachings, and pastoral leadership. Parents express strong satisfaction with their experience at the facility.

Parents consistently praise Kiddie Campus/Little Learners for its welcoming, clean environment and exceptional staff leadership under Director Michelle. Children show strong developmental progress in academics and social-emotional skills, with parents appreciating regular communication and flexible scheduling options.

Reviews praise Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool for its faith-based instruction and welcoming community atmosphere. Parents highlight the caring congregation and pastor, describing the overall experience as positive and comforting.

Several parents highlight the center's strong kindergarten preparation and caring staff, particularly noting the positive impact of the current ownership. However, one reviewer contrasts this with a negative experience under previous management, citing unqualified staff and a lack of patience.