How do I choose the right daycare in Chicago?

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

What types of daycare are available in Chicago?

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.

Before or After School Daycare in Chicago, Illinois (11 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in Illinois?

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.

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.

Caterpillar Care Corporation

4.8 score

5(20)

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

Park West Cooperative Nursery School

4.8 score

5(20)

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

The Little Scholars Club Co.

4.8 score

5(20)

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

Promiseland Learning Center

4.8 score

5(20)

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

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

Caterpillar Care Corporation

4.8 score

5(20)

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

Luna Park Nursery School & Kindergarten

4.8 score

5(20)

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

North Park Church Preschool

4.8 score

5(20)

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)

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

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

Before or After School Daycare in Chicago, Illinois

There are 11 before or after school daycare in Chicago, Illinois, making up 1% of the 766 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 Chicago, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

Frequently asked questions

There are 11 before or after school 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.

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.

11 Before or After School Daycare in Chicago, Illinois

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Chicago

Top Rated

Lake Shore Schools Rogers Park

Kidwatch Plus

Something To Build Upon INC

Map

Daycare types in Chicago

Browse by type in Chicago