Preschool in Chicago

August 9, 2012 10:26 AM

I need information about preschool daycare options in Chicago. Neighborhood is restricted to 45 minutes door to door commute (in good weather) to both the Loop and the Medical District WITH NO DRIVING. Bus or train is fine, but no more than one transfer. This is not a "which neighborhood to live in" question--it's a "What are available preschool daycare options in neighborhoods that meet these commute parameters" question.

Most neighborhoods that meet the commute parameters are going to be fine, so the question is really: do you know a good preschool childcare option in one of those neighborhoods that is readily accessible by CTA (bus or train)? What is it? Which neighborhood is it in?

I can easily answer the neighborhoods part of this question (where to live in Chicago, with a 45 minute max commute to the Loop & to the Medical District, no driving, not more than one transfer) but I have no clue about preschool age day care options. Suburbs are not an option. Not Evanston, not Oak Park, not River Forest. Doesn't matter if it's on the Metra--Suburbs are not an option. Chicago city limits only.

So, if you've got information, please share.

posted by crush-onastick to Home & Garden (4 answers total)

One thing I did was use google maps to center my location(s) and then type in "daycare" in the "search nearby" bit.

Then I went to my county website to look up licensure of those places.

This and this seem to talk about HeadStart and other assistance services.

Here is where to look up licensing for a specific provider, or you can call the hotline: [phone].

I wish it was as nice as my state, you can look by typing in your geographic location, and it provides links to recent reviews by the state/county boards.
posted by tilde at 10:35 AM on August 9, 2012

My mom, who taught Child Development at City Colleges of Chicago, was on the board of North Avenue Day Nursery. It's in Wicker Park, which easily meets your commute requirements.
posted by hydrophonic at 11:41 AM on August 9, 2012

My kids are grown, so this reference is dated, but I was very happy with Kidwatch, which should be within 45 minutes via the blue line. (My 23 year old daughter was one of their first infants.)
posted by she's not there at 11:04 PM on August 9, 2012

Response by poster: Thanks, folks, I'll pass this along!
posted by crush-onastick at 7:57 AM on August 13, 2012