Kindercare in chicago: University Children’s Center | Daycare, Preschool & Early Education in Chicago, IL
Chicago | KinderCare
Why do Windy City families like yours love KinderCare? It’s the little things we do to keep you connected to your child even when you can’t be there. And it’s the big things we do with our curriculum and industry-leading safety practices that help kids build confidence for life so families feel safe and sound!
At KinderCare, your child’s day begins with a warm welcome from nurturing teachers. In our classrooms, your child is safe to explore the world around them. And by the time the day’s done, you won’t feel like you’ve missed a thing. The KinderCare App keeps you connected with pictures and updates from your center, so you’ll always know who your child played with, when they napped, how much they ate, and what they learned!
So, what are you waiting for? Contact a KinderCare center today in the Loop downtown, the suburbs of the North or South side, or other Chicago neighborhoods!
Stories and Events
To School or Not to School: Making Sure Decisions in Uncertain Times
If there’s an upside to the 2020 adventure that’s been “childhood education,” it’s that parents like you have truly learned exactly what they’re made of. When weighing the decision of when to return to school or child care, consider three factors.
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Give Your Kids a Hand! Studies Show KinderCare Kids Are Better Prepared for School
A great preschool sets kids up for long-term success, building their confidence and giving them the tools they need for what’s next. See the latest data on how our kids perform.
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How to Choose a Child Care Center
Starting your search for the best daycare for your child can feel a little overwhelming.
But don’t worry—here’s what you should look for on your tour.
Read more
Chicago KinderCare Center Locations
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South Loop KinderCare
Karissa Foltz, Center Director
(312) 913-1557
Center Details
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Marcey Street KinderCare
Susan Turrise, Center Director
(312) 274-1850
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Elmhurst KinderCare
Lisa McMillen, Center Director
(630) 832-3153
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Randall Road KinderCare
Nicole Lynch, Center Director
(847) 854-8545
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South Arlington Heights KinderCare
Rebecca Endres, Center Director
(847) 593-7510
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Constitution KinderCare
Amber Simmons, Center Director
(630) 906-6582
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org/ChildCare”>
University Children’s Center
Elizabeth Hill, Center Director
(312) 867-7056
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org/ChildCare”>
North Elston KinderCare
Gabrielle Cathey, Center Director
(773) 267-7660
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org/ChildCare”>
North Arlington Hts KinderCare
Jacqueline Pericolosi, Center Director
(847) 255-7335
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org/ChildCare”>
Bensenville KinderCare
Kristy Ann Johnson, Center Director
(630) 766-2727
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University Children’s Center | Daycare, Preschool & Early Education in Chicago, IL
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University Children’s Center
Welcome to University Children’s Center
Welcome to University Children’s Center in Chicago, IL! We are located in the Streeterville neighborhood and here, everyone belongs in our circle.
We offer a range of fantastic enrichment programs, from phonics adventures to music explorers to our cooking academy – not to mention our Spanish and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning programs! Our curriculum focuses on early academics, physical activity, and social emotional learning to nurture healthy bodies, happy hearts, and growing minds.
Our classrooms are places to thrive!
In our safe and healthy classrooms, your child will be engaged in learning experiences that meet them where they are, both socially and academically. With fun daily activities, passionate teachers, and great friends, a lifetime of confidence starts here. Contact the center director to learn more about our child care options and schedule a tour!
Meet Elizabeth Hill, Our Center Director
Meet Liz Hill! She is the Center Director at University Children’s Center in Chicago, Illinois. Liz attended Rock Valley Community College, where she earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education.
She also attended Kendall College, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been with KinderCare since 2012 and before that she was a teacher and an assistant director. Outside of work, Liz enjoys reading, going for walks, spending time at the pool, and spending time with her family. “By doing what you love, you inspire and awaken the hearts of others.”
- University Children’s Center Programs
- Our Teachers
- Family Stories
- FAQs
AMERICA’S MOST ACCREDITED
We’re so proud!
Nationally only 10% of daycares are accredited – nearly 100% of our learning centers are. That’s a big difference,
and that means KinderCare kids are getting the very best. Here’s why.
SCHOOL-READY
What Learning Looks Like
Our talented early-childhood teachers set kids down the path toward becoming lifelong learners in a positive, safe, and nurturing environment.
University Children’s Center Programs
Infant Programs (6 weeks–1 year)
Leaving your baby in someone else’s care is a big step. Everyone at our
centers—most importantly, our naturally gifted infant teachers—will work with
you to make sure the transition goes smoothly. When you step into our infant
classroom, you’ll see how much we want your infant to feel safe, loved, and
ready to explore their world.
Toddler Programs (1–2 Years)
Everything in our toddler classroom is designed for little explorers. That’s
because a lot is going on at this age. When your child is wandering all over the
place, that means they’re learning and discovering new things every day. We’ll
help them explore their interests (and find new ones!) as they play and learn.
Discovery Preschool Programs (2–3 Years)
This age is filled with so much wonder and curiosity.
That’s why we offer a ton
of books and toys and bring artwork down to kids eye level. Children in
discovery preschool also begin to learn how we all work together in a
classroom. Simple math and science, pretend play, and group play help them
get used to a more structured school setting.
Preschool Programs (3–4 Years)
This age is all about expression, when kids really start to form their own ideas
about what they want to play and how they want to create. Every day in our
preschool classroom, your child will explore science experiments, create
artwork, and play pretend—all the skills needed for their big next step:
kindergarten!
Prekindergarten Programs (4–5 Years)
When you walk into one of our pre-K classrooms, you’ll see artwork and
writing displayed around the room. Labels are everywhere to help kids connect
letters with words. You’ll also see pictures on the walls that reflect the families
in our community.
Your child will also deepen their knowledge in language,
math, science, Spanish, and social skills.
School Break Programs (preschool, prekindergarten, and school-age)
Winter break, spring break, summer break—when school’s out (but you still need to work), you
can count on KinderCare to provide a safe and supportive learning environment that’s focused
on fun. We welcome children ages 5–12 during school break times and make sure they have a
sensational, screen-free experience they won’t forget.
Learning Adventures – Enrichment Program
Cooking Academy™ (3 – 12 Years)
In Cooking Academy, kids learn new recipes from cultures around the world and
develop a healthy relationship with food. They’ll whip up everything from Southwest
rainbow lettuce wraps to pumpkin muffins, building their skills in STEM, communication,
and more along the way. And yes—little chefs get to eat their culinary creations!
Music Explorers™ (2 – 4 Years)
KinderCare families are already giving a standing ovation to our newest Learning
Adventures program: Music Explorers! Kids will learn to sing, move, listen, play
instruments, and even create their own tunes.
Our original curriculum blends math,
science, social studies, literacy, and mindfulness (think yoga!) for a uniquely KinderCare
way of learning the foundations of music.
Phonics Adventures® (2 – 4 Years)
Learning how to read is a whole lot of fun at KinderCare! We help kids grow to love
books and words (and get ready for kindergarten) in our Phonics Adventures program.
From discovering the basics of vowels to practicing poetry, kids learn all about letters
and sounds in small-group lessons made just for their age group. (Bonus: Kids who
attend our phonics program are more prepared than their peers for school—and we
have the data to prove it.)
Spanish
Spanish Adventures provides young learners with a foundation for later success with
the Spanish language. Music, games, children’s Spanish literature, and other tools give
children multiple opportunities to hear, practice, and see Spanish language to develop
vocabulary and conversation skills.
Curriculum includes lessons on greetings, numbers,
colors, animals, family, body parts, and pets, as well as how to engage conversationally
during common scenarios at home, a restaurant, or at the zoo.
STEM Innovators (3-8 Years)
You’ve probably heard a lot about how important STEM education is for your child, but
what does that really mean? Our STEM Innovators program takes kids’ natural ability to
make sense of the world and applies it to robotics, chemistry, coding, geology, and
more. While your child experiments, they’ll discover how to use technology to do
amazing things!
Science Adventures
Our Teachers
We’re the only company in early childhood education to select teachers based on natural talent. Being a great educator isn’t enough though.
KinderCare teachers are also amazing listeners, nurturers, boo-boo fixers, and smile-makers.
Put more simply,
we love our teachers and your child will, too.
Meet just a few of our amazing KinderCare teachers!
A KINDERCARE TEACHER WITH
An Artist’s Heart
“My classroom is full of art!” says Mary Annthipie-Bane, an award-winning early childhood educator at KinderCare. Art and creative expression, she says, help children discover who they really are.
We put our best-in-class teachers in a best-in-class workplace. We’re so proud to have been named one of Gallup’s 37 winners of the Great Workplace Award.
When you put great teachers in an engaging center, your children will experience
an amazing place to learn and grow.
Family Stories
Share Your Story
If you have a story about your experience at KinderCare,
please share your story with us
.
Who Are KinderCare Families?
They hail from hundreds of cities across the country from countless backgrounds, and proudly represent every walk in life. What our families have in common,
though, is the want to give their children the best start in life. We are so proud to be their partner in parenting.
Hear from just a few of our amazing KinderCare families.
A Globe-Trotting Family Finds A
Home in Houston
Four young children, four different passports, two languages, two full-time jobs…oh, and a few triathlons thrown in for good measure.
Meet the globe-trotting Colettas—a family on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accreditations does KinderCare have?
We are your trusted caregiver. Our centers are state-licensed and regularly inspected to make sure everything meets or exceeds standards, including child-to-teacher ratios and safe facilities.
Our centers aren’t just licensed—most are accredited, too! Find out more.
Do you offer part-time schedules at University Children’s Center?
Everybody’s schedule is different. We’re happy to offer quality, affordable part-time and full-time childcare. Drop-in care may also be available. Reach out to your Center Director to learn more.
How does naptime work at University Children’s Center?
Our teachers meet every child’s needs during naptime. Our teachers know how to get babies to nap. In fact, they are pros at getting children of any age to nap. Visit our article on “10 Ways We Help Kids Get a Great Daycare Nap” to learn more.
Do you support alternative diets?
We strive to be as inclusive as possible. To that point, we provide a vegetarian option at mealtime, take care to not serve common allergens and can adapt menus based on your child’s food sensitivities. If your child has additional needs, we’ll work with you to figure out a plan.
Are meals included in tuition? Can I choose to send my child with lunch?
We provide nutritious meals and snacks developed by a registered dietician to meet the needs of rapidly growing bodies and minds.
If your child has special dietary requirements and you would prefer to bring in their lunch, please make arrangements with the center director.
Does my child need to be potty-trained?
Every child begins toilet learning at a different age. Until your child shows an interest in toilet learning, we’ll provide diaper changes on an as-needed basis. When your child shows an interest, we’ll discuss how to work together to encourage toilet learning.
How to open a kindergarten at home in the USA. Home-Based Kindergarten in America
In the US, mini-kindergartens for a few hours are very common. This activity is in high demand. And, as studies show, the service related to the care and education of children will only gain its popularity among consumers. After all, according to US statistical funds, 85% of working Americans have families. At the same time, 78% of married employees have working spouses and partners, while the same indicator in 1977 was 60%.
46% of working Americans have minor children who live with them. Approximately one fifth of working parents are single.
A mini-kindergarten is usually located in a private apartment or house. An American kindergarten teacher at home – the landlady – takes care of a small group of children – from 2 to 5 people, while their parents go to visit, go to the store or leave for a few hours in the office and for some other then deeds. An hour of a child’s stay in an American mini-kindergarten varies from $15 to $50. For $15 an hour, a nanny will simply take a walk with the child, play with him and read a book. For 50 bucks an hour, an American parent can require the entrepreneur to feed their child lunch, let him sleep in the teacher’s house or apartment, and even take the child to the cinema, theater or on a tour (tickets and transportation are paid separately).
This business is most popular among mothers who have received postnatal leave to care for their own child.
Retired in this business and pensioners – former teachers, kindergarten teachers, nannies and nurses. Americans are scrupulous people, so having a medical or pedagogical education for a nanny for an hour is a necessary condition. The freedom of the work schedule – you can look after the children only on weekends, only in the evening, at night or on certain specific days – makes this business option attractive for working educators, teachers and medical workers.
The benefits and profitability of the educational business are obvious. The average hourly earnings of a public kindergarten teacher after income tax is $30-40, about the same as a nurse in a public clinic. If the nanny undertakes to take care of at least 2-3 children at the same time, her income can be at least 45, or even all $ 150 for 1 hour. Naturally, it is quite difficult for the fiscal authorities to trace such a business, and they have no time to deal with such “small fish”. Therefore, most of the income from the teacher for an hour goes “in gray” (something is shown for reporting, but something is not).
So, with the payment of minimum tax deductions up to 90% of earnings settles in the pocket of the entrepreneur.
What is good about this business is the minimal financial investment. To organize this type of business, 1000 bucks may be enough. A set of children’s toys and entertaining games, a good TV and VCR are needed, as well as several cribs, clean bed linen, special dining and tea sets for small clients. If a parent wants his child to be fed, he warns about this in advance – i.e. It is not necessary to keep a constant set of products in the refrigerator.
Everything for children’s breakfast, lunch or dinner can be bought after the fact. And do not forget that in the United States the service for the delivery of groceries and ready-made meals to your home is very developed.
Initial advertisements can be placed in local newspapers or simply placed in mailboxes. The prices of ordinary leaflets are minimal. After all, you can even make them yourself.
The main thing for the owner of a kindergarten at home is to love children and their parents, as well as to enjoy communicating with them. And then the ever-busy moms and dads will constantly use the much-needed service.
MKRU
[Article]
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, Chicago: Best tips before visiting
847 Reviews
9000 9000 9000 9000 very well, very good These reviews have been translated from English automatically.
Translations made using Google technologies can be displayed here. Google makes no warranties, either express or implied, with respect to translations, including warranties of accuracy and reliability, and any warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-counterfeiting.
Natalya G
61 publications
unusual
sept.
2016 • For two
It’s probably better to take a tour of this sight – there is more information, it’s more interesting to walk and look at the details.
Published December 14, 2016
This review represents the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and is not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews.
Solly_Van
St. Petersburg, Russia343 publications
Not bad
oct. 2015 • With friends
For an independent sightseeing purpose, the building is probably not up to par, but coupled with a visit to the university nearby – a great idea!
Published March 18, 2016
This review represents the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and is not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews.
Olga K
Moscow, Russia562 publications
Interesting architecture.
May 2015 • With friends
We were here on an individual tour, the guide is very professional, interesting presentations, interesting, beautiful architecture, we liked everything!
Published March 9, 2016
This review represents the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and is not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews.
Roam618332
1 publication
Tours often canceled without notice
Nov. 2022
We traveled from Columbus, Ohio to tour this home. Before leaving, we made sure to check their website and see if they offer tours at 13:30, 14:00 and 14:30. They were. Since we were traveling far, we did not know which tour we would arrive on time and did not buy tickets in advance. We arrived and found out that they arbitrarily and for no reason canceled all the remaining tours. No apologies, completely ignored my emails ever since. Totally unprofessional and very disappointing.
I’d say Robie’s House is an international destination, but if you’re traveling from any distance outside of the Chicago metro, just be aware that your tour can be canceled at any time (including daytime) without notice.
Review for: Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House Admission
Posted November 9, 2022
This review represents the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and is not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews.
RonL40
Utica, NY3,353 Publications
Beautifully Restored Prairie School Classic
Oct. 2022
Outstanding home comparable to the Wright Museum – quality homes in Buffalo, New York and a hall at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Classic Frank Lloyd Wright exterior and impressive interior. Windows are a delight. A real showcase of the mind of a designer and architect who is probably even more significant in the history of design and architecture than he is credited for: providing source material for the Glasgow School and through his visual and theoretical influence on the Vienna Secession and the Wiener Werkstatte, the Bauhaus movement.
Wright’s design and architecture changed the world.
Review for: Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House Admission
Posted October 28, 2022
This review represents the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and is not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews.
Jeffrey B
1 post
Disappointing
Sept. 2022 • For two
We showed up on Friday as scheduled and the house was closed because they were removing a large tree. We requested a refund from Trip Advisor.
Review for: Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House Admission
Published September 17, 2022
This review represents the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and is not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews.
nicholebowers
Stamford, Connecticut67 publications
Family experience
Aug.
2022 • Family Vacation
Our family toured the Robie House while in the Chicago area and had a great experience. This is definitely an activity for adults or older kids; my child is a very mature teenager and she liked to look at the house and ask questions, but she was used to these excursions and behaved accordingly. Our guide was fantastic and I believe he runs the site so perhaps he has more knowledge and interest than other reviewers commenting on the guide. Having never seen the FLW house in person, I thought it was well done and I appreciate the restoration that kept the house in its original shape 1920s. My child was disappointed that there was little furniture (some are), but the house changed hands several times.
The gift shop had a wide variety of items at different prices and all the staff we spoke to were great. Would highly recommend this experience as it was convenient from downtown Chicago at Meatra ($2 discounted one way ticket per person) and our taxi was $20 for a family from downtown – note we didn’t see many taxi options going back to Chicago, so we took the train.
There are many parking spaces on the street, BUT the school did not work. Great neighborhood with many other cool buildings on the University of Chicago campus. Also close to the Museum of Science and Industry.
Published August 27, 2022
This review represents the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and is not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews.
gp
Klamath Falls, Oregon8 publications
The exterior of the home contrasts with the interior beauty.
June 2022
Fantastic sights in the area and more FLW designed homes just around the corner!
Posted August 1, 2022
This review reflects the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews.
kimwV7714KS
Seattle36 publications
Amazing landmark in the city
July 2022
We only did the tour, but it was interesting and well kept.