The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Daycare in Chicago

A young girl plays with her newborn baby's binky in mom's arms while sitting on a couch after visiting Best daycare chicago

As moms, it’s in our nature to try and do it all, but we only set ourselves up for failure in doing so. You know that saying, “It takes a village to raise a child?” Well, it’s true, and if you haven’t figured it out for yourself just yet, help is on the way! Daycares can be a fantastic resource for helping to care for your child(ren), especially if you’re also balancing a career and, dare I say, a social life. But you don’t want to entrust your babies to just any establishment. Finding the right daycare is a matter of finding a place that provides compassionate, nurturing care and encourages your little ones to play, learn, and grow. If you’re considering adding a new daycare to your village, here are some of the best daycares in Chicago!  

Discover the Best Daycare in Chicago for Your Little Ones to Grow & Play

Wise Owl Daycare

2734 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

Wise Owl Daycare is a sensory-rich environment that encourages exploration and growth in a safe and secure environment. They have programming for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, prioritizing family engagement and participation. Daily communications with parents also mean you get to keep a close eye on your little one while they’re away from home. 

ChooChoo Chicago

2941 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60657

ChooChoo Chicago offers little ones a loving and home-like environment where they can thrive socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. Their explorative, play-based learning programming encourages independence, while peer collaboration reinforces important social skills and growth. It’s a beautiful multicultural facility representing families of many diverse backgrounds! 

A mom and dad sit on a couch with their newborn baby and toddler daughter in their laps after visiting Best daycare chicago

Bright Horizons at Cook County

40 North Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60602

Bright Horizons offers a discovery-based approach to childcare, making learning an adventure! Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers can all find a comfortable place to learn and explore at Bright Horizons, with warm and welcoming learning environments designed to inspire imagination and bring comfort. 

Children’s Lighthouse

2600 W Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60618

Children’s Lighthouse’s Infant and Toddler Childcare helps little ones build the foundation for future success. They foster the joy of learning while curating activities to support higher-thinking skills. Age-appropriate opportunities focus on physical, social-emotional, language, and cognitive development as your little one grows! 

The iLearn Center of Chicago

West Town: 1801 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Lincoln Park: 2650 North Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614

The iLearn Center Daycare of Chicago is a home away from home for children ages six weeks to six years old. Their holistic approach to learning introduces lessons through play, arts, language, and home connections. Your child’s day will be filled with fun activities that excite and help them develop important lifelong skills and confidence. 

A toddler girl sits with her newborn baby sibling in her lap

Ladybug

336 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661

Ladybug provides a safe, joyful environment for children to engage with others and learn important social skills. Using activities like songs and nursery rhymes, reading books aloud, and other age-appropriate activities, your little one will foster a love of literacy, music, and, of course, learning! 

Nook Daycare

2151 W. Armitage Chicago, IL 60647 (and others!) 

The Nook’s five childcare centers offer small, low-capacity learning environments throughout Chicago where little ones receive warm and welcoming individualized attention. Their curriculum is based on the Reggio Emelia approach, which is all about individualism for each student and their classrooms. 

Best Daycare Chicago

These best daycares in Chicago are fabulous institutions that offer the best care and support for little ones and their families. Be sure to schedule a few tours to see the facilities in person and meet some people joining your big, beautiful village! 

Once you’re feeling comfortable, it’s time to start thinking about booking some pictures. That’s where I come in! I’m a Chicago family photographer, and I positively love getting to be there with families to celebrate the big moments. So I want to make sure you have gorgeous pictures you can treasure for years. If you’ve been thinking about getting a photo session on the books for your newborn, then let’s chat so we can make it happen!

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