Best Daycares in Chicago, IL - Updated June 2026

Infant Classroom

In the Infant program, our teachers provide your baby with all the cuddles and care they need, as well as opportunities to begin learning about the world around them. Our proprietary education program, Wonder of Learning™, celebrates your baby’s natural curiosity within the classroom environment and models how to explore safely. Nurturing teachers narrate your baby’s experiences to build a strong foundation in 21st century skills for problem solving and building relationships.

Toddler Classroom

As toddlers are rapidly developing both physically and cognitively, the Toddler classroom is where their natural curiosity is fostered, and their language and communication skills are nurtured. A lifelong love of learning starts early, and we believe in providing brand-new learners with the tools they need to be successful. In the Toddler classroom, our proprietary education program, Wonder of Learning™, comes to life as expert teachers harness children’s natural curiosity, guiding them to explore the world around them through hands-on learning, play and asking questions. Teachers support your child's social-emotional growth while helping them develop important physical skills. Your little one will build social awareness, form meaningful connections with others and have plenty of opportunities to strengthen essential skills like persistence and independence.

Infant Classroom

In the Infant program, our teachers provide your baby with all the cuddles and care they need, as well as opportunities to begin learning about the world around them. Our proprietary education program, Wonder of Learning™, celebrates your baby’s natural curiosity within the classroom environment and models how to explore safely. Nurturing teachers narrate your baby’s experiences to build a strong foundation in 21st century skills for problem solving and building relationships.

Twos Classroom

In the Twos classroom, patient, caring teachers guide children through playful exploration. They help your little one navigate big emotions while providing hands-on learning experiences that nurture their innate curiosity. Your toddler is constantly learning new things about the world around them. At The Goddard School®, our team is here to work with your little one every day as they play, learn and gain the skills they need to prepare for preschool. Our Wonder of Learning™ education program will immerse your child in literacy, science, arts and math brought together in one activity for a more holistic—and fun—approach to learning.

Baby Steps Program

Individualized care for infants ages 4 to 18 months, focused on early development, safe routines, sensory stimulation, and support for physical and emotional growth.

Little Explorers Program

Individualized care for toddlers 18 months to 2 years 11 months, focused on early learning, language development, motor skills, social interaction, and safe, engaging routines.

Infant Program

Our infant program is thoughtfully designed with their care as our top priority, providing a nurturing and loving foundation for their educational journey.

Toddler Program

At Rayito de Sol, we believe in nurturing your child's independence, fostering their self-esteem, and encouraging their spirit of exploration as they transition into the exciting toddler years. Our environment is carefully crafted to support their growth and development in various domains.

Infants

Families love the balance of nurturing care and milestone development in this program. In a warm, safe, stimulating classroom, children have a primary caregiver to attend to their needs. Plus, our exclusive, milestone-focused curriculum, Learn from the Start™, was developed by our educational experts to focus on key developmental milestones specific to infants. We emphasize each child’s development, rather than specific age, because all children grow and learn at their own pace, and in their own unique way. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.

Twos

This classroom is the perfect environment for terrific 2-year-olds. As your child grows more active, becoming an explorer, we provide a safe, engaging environment for them to develop. Learning experiences for 2-year-olds are based around key developmental milestones for this age group, as defined by our exclusive Learn from the Start™curriculum. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.

Infants

Families love the balance of nurturing care and milestone development in this program. In a warm, safe, stimulating classroom, children have a primary caregiver to attend to their needs. Plus, our exclusive, milestone-focused curriculum, Learn from the Start™, was developed by our educational experts to focus on key developmental milestones specific to infants. We emphasize each child’s development, rather than specific age, because all children grow and learn at their own pace, and in their own unique way. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.

Toddlers

You’ll love the safe environment for exploration, excitement, and exercise we provide for your active child. Toddler classrooms also feature our milestone-focused curriculum, Learn from the Start™, focused on the key developmental milestones specific to this age group, with learning experiences designed to address the individual needs of each child, in each classroom. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.

Caterpillars

Butterflies

Caterpillars

Butterflies

Infants

Our infant curriculum starts with regular playtime including belly and music time, exploration, stimulation, as well as nap and feeding times that we keep consistent with your baby’s individual schedule.

Twaddlers

Our curriculum helps twaddlers explore, and it nurtures their increasing need to communicate. By this point in their early childhood development, twaddlers have expanded their language skills, and our curriculum helps to enhance their ability to communicate verbally.

Montessori Infant Care

Babies are viewed and spoken to in ways that allow them to be active participants in their daily lives. The deep respect this approach engenders is the start of self-love and self-esteem.

Montessori Toddler Program

Your child explores a world of expression and creativity as they choose colors and textures to explore. Art practice also improves fine motor skills, making things like gripping a pencil easier.

Infant Care

Our Infant Care Program is committed to making the first transition away from home natural and easy for both you and your child.

Toddler Program

Our Toddler Program is specifically tailored to the needs of your busy toddler. We lovingly nurture your child through important early milestones, from “self-help” learning skills such as hand washing and putting away their toys, to socializing and forming first friendships.

Infant Daycare

Infant program offering a physically and emotionally safe place for your baby to explore and learn about the world around them. Shoe-free policy ensures that classrooms are clean and safe for little ones to move around. Daily routine includes time outdoors, group time, and discovery baskets for sensory exploration. Trained teachers spend time cuddling, singing, and reading to your child.

Toddler Daycare

Toddlers are on the go, exploring and learning new things throughout each day. Classrooms are kid-size in design, allowing children to do more things independently, building their self-confidence. Photos of the children’s families cover the walls of the classroom, creating a sense of community. Daily routine includes: outdoor play, circle time, dance & movement, reading, art, music, and free play.

Infant Daycare

Infant program offering a physically and emotionally safe place for your baby to explore and learn about the world around them. Shoe-free policy ensures that classrooms are clean and safe for little ones to move around. Daily routine includes time outdoors, group time, and discovery baskets for sensory exploration. Trained teachers spend time cuddling, singing, and reading to your child.

Toddler Daycare

Toddlers are on the go, exploring and learning new things throughout each day. Classrooms are kid-size in design, allowing children to do more things independently, building their self-confidence. Photos of the children’s families cover the walls of the classroom, creating a sense of community. Daily routine includes: outdoor play, circle time, dance & movement, reading, art, music, and free play.

Infants

The Gardner School’s infant program provides a warm, nurturing environment where babies build trust, confidence, and early learning skills. Guided by The Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers, and Twos, teachers foster exploration through responsive, individualized care. Nursery suites feature personalized touches like individual cribs and family photos, while small ratios, a shoe-free policy, and flexible feeding and diapering routines ensure a safe, clean, and tailored experience. We maintain strong parent communication through real-time updates, developmental assessments, and shared moments via our app. Teachers use American Sign Language to support early communication and incorporate Itsy Bitsy Yoga to promote sleep, digestion, and well-being. By honoring each infant’s unique schedule, we provide attentive care that supports growth, connection, and development from the start.

Toddlers

The Gardner School’s toddler program nurtures independence, growth, and socialization in a supportive, engaging environment. Using The Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers, and Twos, teachers encourage exploration through play and responsive interactions. As children transition from American Sign Language to early language, communication is supported through stories, songs, puzzles, and hands-on learning. Group activities build confidence, social skills, and emotional development. Families stay connected through real-time updates, photos, and app notifications. Monthly themes introduce colors, sensory exploration, cooperative play, and self-expression. Itsy Bitsy Yoga supports sleep, digestion, and well-being. By fostering curiosity and creativity, we build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Infants

The Gardner School’s infant program provides a warm, nurturing environment where babies build trust, confidence, and early learning skills. Guided by The Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers, and Twos, teachers foster exploration through responsive, individualized care. Nursery suites feature personalized touches like individual cribs and family photos, while small ratios, a shoe-free policy, and flexible feeding and diapering routines ensure a safe, clean, and tailored experience. We maintain strong parent communication through real-time updates, developmental assessments, and shared moments via our app. Teachers use American Sign Language to support early communication and incorporate Itsy Bitsy Yoga to promote sleep, digestion, and well-being. By honoring each infant’s unique schedule, we provide attentive care that supports growth, connection, and development from the start.

Two's

The Gardner School’s two-year-old program supports rapid physical, cognitive, and social growth through play and exploration. Using The Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers, and Twos, teachers foster autonomy, confidence, and early learning. Interactive centers focus on language, math, science, fine motor skills, and dramatic play, while group activities and circle time build socialization and self-help skills like feeding, hand-washing, and sharing. Teachers partner with families to support potty training when children are ready. Parents stay connected through real-time updates, photos, and progress reports. Children can also explore enrichment classes such as music, dance, language, and sports. Through engaging, individualized experiences, we build confidence, independence, and a love for learning.

Infants

BeeCurious experiences are tailored to each infant's developmental stage and individual schedule. Educators observe and intentionally plan for each child's physical, social-emotional, and cognitive growth. The program immerses infants in a language-rich environment, with American Sign Language introduced through twenty core signs to support early communication, reduce frustration, and strengthen the bond between children and caregivers. Sensory exploration and daily outdoor experiences extend learning beyond the classroom.

Toddlers

The BeeCurious Curriculum supports active toddlers as they develop increased mobility and begin exploring the world around them. Children engage in hands-on learning centers - dramatic play, blocks, table toys, art, and a cozy area - with toys and props that change regularly to reflect current curriculum studies. Language development is central, with children immersed in daily communication and supported by American Sign Language using twenty core signs, plus additional signs tied to each theme of study. Music, movement, peer interactions, and group projects are woven throughout the day, with outdoor play twice daily extending curriculum experiences into well-equipped play spaces. Process-oriented art and sensory experiences encourage creativity and self-expression.

Infants

BeeCurious experiences are tailored to each infant's developmental stage and individual schedule. Educators observe and intentionally plan for each child's physical, social-emotional, and cognitive growth. The program immerses infants in a language-rich environment, with American Sign Language introduced through twenty core signs to support early communication, reduce frustration, and strengthen the bond between children and caregivers. Sensory exploration and daily outdoor experiences extend learning beyond the classroom.

Toddlers

The BeeCurious Curriculum supports active toddlers as they develop increased mobility and begin exploring the world around them. Children engage in hands-on learning centers - dramatic play, blocks, table toys, art, and a cozy area - with toys and props that change regularly to reflect current curriculum studies. Language development is central, with children immersed in daily communication and supported by American Sign Language using twenty core signs, plus additional signs tied to each theme of study. Music, movement, peer interactions, and group projects are woven throughout the day, with outdoor play twice daily extending curriculum experiences into well-equipped play spaces. Process-oriented art and sensory experiences encourage creativity and self-expression.

Infants

BeeCurious experiences are tailored to each infant's developmental stage and individual schedule. Educators observe and intentionally plan for each child's physical, social-emotional, and cognitive growth. The program immerses infants in a language-rich environment, with American Sign Language introduced through twenty core signs to support early communication, reduce frustration, and strengthen the bond between children and caregivers. Sensory exploration and daily outdoor experiences extend learning beyond the classroom.

Toddlers

The BeeCurious Curriculum supports active toddlers as they develop increased mobility and begin exploring the world around them. Children engage in hands-on learning centers - dramatic play, blocks, table toys, art, and a cozy area - with toys and props that change regularly to reflect current curriculum studies. Language development is central, with children immersed in daily communication and supported by American Sign Language using twenty core signs, plus additional signs tied to each theme of study. Music, movement, peer interactions, and group projects are woven throughout the day, with outdoor play twice daily extending curriculum experiences into well-equipped play spaces. Process-oriented art and sensory experiences encourage creativity and self-expression.

Infants

Our infant classrooms provide a safe, clean, organized, and intimate learning setting for your baby (ages 6 weeks to 15 months old). Teachers work with parents to create consistent daily care routines, and implement curriculum activities to create a stimulating environment. We also incorporate infant sign language and babies partake in weekly Spanish and music classes! Diapers & wipes provided.

Toddlers

Our toddler class is for students 15-24 months old, and creates a nurturing, safe, and structured day that reflects a toddler’s need for play and exploration. Each day, students partake in play-based curriculum activities and spend time in our indoor play area and private outdoor playground. We provide organic meals, as well diapers and wipes, and weekly Spanish, yoga, and music classes.

Daycare Program

Infant Daycare

Infant program offering a physically and emotionally safe place for your baby to explore and learn about the world around them. Shoe-free policy ensures that classrooms are clean and safe for little ones to move around. Daily routine includes time outdoors, group time, and discovery baskets for sensory exploration. Trained teachers spend time cuddling, singing, and reading to your child.

Toddler Daycare

Toddlers are on the go, exploring and learning new things throughout each day. Classrooms are kid-size in design, allowing children to do more things independently, building their self-confidence. Photos of the children’s families cover the walls of the classroom, creating a sense of community. Daily routine includes: outdoor play, circle time, dance & movement, reading, art, music, and free play.

Discovery Preschool

Preschool program designed to create a strong academic and social foundation. Teachers introduce math, literacy, and science. Activities also include music, movement, art, pretend play, and group games. Children become an active part of their classroom community.

Preschool Program

Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.

Infant Daycare

Infant program offering a physically and emotionally safe place for your baby to explore and learn about the world around them. Shoe-free policy ensures that classrooms are clean and safe for little ones to move around. Daily routine includes time outdoors, group time, and discovery baskets for sensory exploration. Trained teachers spend time cuddling, singing, and reading to your child.

Toddler Daycare

Toddlers are on the go, exploring and learning new things throughout each day. Classrooms are kid-size in design, allowing children to do more things independently, building their self-confidence. Photos of the children’s families cover the walls of the classroom, creating a sense of community. Daily routine includes: outdoor play, circle time, dance & movement, reading, art, music, and free play.

Infant Daycare

Infant program offering a physically and emotionally safe place for your baby to explore and learn about the world around them. Shoe-free policy ensures that classrooms are clean and safe for little ones to move around. Daily routine includes time outdoors, group time, and discovery baskets for sensory exploration. Trained teachers spend time cuddling, singing, and reading to your child.

Toddler Daycare

Toddlers are on the go, exploring and learning new things throughout each day. Classrooms are kid-size in design, allowing children to do more things independently, building their self-confidence. Photos of the children’s families cover the walls of the classroom, creating a sense of community. Daily routine includes: outdoor play, circle time, dance & movement, reading, art, music, and free play.

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