Guide Category: Early Childhood/Day Care
The Guide to Jewish Living offers a comprehensive, up-to-date directory of Chicago-area Jewish organizations, resources, products, and services. The guide acts as a community driven lexicon sponsored by Jewish Chicago: The JUF’s Magazine to foster connection and support. Email [email protected] with questions or for information on advertising opportunities.
* Listings with an asterisk are part of the JUF/JF partnership of agencies serving the Chicago and worldwide Jewish community.
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Akiba-Schechter Jewish Preschool
Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School provides an excellent secular and Judaic education in Hyde Park to a diverse community of Jewish children from all over Chicagoland. Under the auspices of ATT and Community Foundation for Jewish Education. Early childhood program open to the community and Jewish Day School for Grades 1-8. We pride in teaching children, not subjects; we value Jewish Unity, Joyful Judaism, and respect for all humanity.
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Arie Crown Hebrew Day School Early Childhood Pre-School
Pre-nursery and nursery.
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Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School
Independent Jewish Day School for the 21st century where academic purpose, collaborative learning and a deep commitment to humanity develops engaged, confident learners and compassionate leaders for a stronger, more vibrant community and world. Nursery to eighthgrade.
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Beth Tikvah Congregation Early Childhood Center
Half-day preschool, enrichment classes, summer fun program and family events for children infants through 5 years of age.
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BJBE Early Childhood Center at the Chava Center
Preschool for children 2 years old through preK, and Parent-Tot programs for younger learners. Joyful Judaism, love of learning and caring community infuse every aspect of our program. Children are seen as capable and creative individuals. A foundation of strong relationships allows each child to develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively to be their best self. Using the Jewish calendar as a guide, staff follows best practices in early childhood education to create high-quality learning experiences.
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Board of Jewish Education Early Childhood Centers
Support for Jewish education and cultural activities; preschools; center for teacher enrichment; multimedia resource center. For a complete list of services and programs offered, please contact BJE directly, or visit their website.
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Cheder Lubavitch Preschool
Toddler, pre-nursery, nursery and Kindergarten classes
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Chicago Jewish Day School
Multi-denominational Jewish Day School on the cutting edge of best practices in progressive education Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8. Students develop a strong Jewish identity through knowledge of Torah, Jewish values, and Hebrew language and learn to think deeply, gain knowledge and acquire judgment, and respect diversity. Our fully integrated curriculum inspires a passion for lifelong learning and develops critical thinking and socially engaged intelligence that enables students to understand and participate effectively in the affairs of their community, country, Israel, and the world at large in a collaborative effort to achieve a common good.
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Congregation Beth Shalom Preschool
772 W. 5th Ave. Naperville IL 60563 (630) 961-1818 [email protected] http://www.napershalom.org Robin Frisch None false
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Congregation Kneseth Israel Torah School
Early childhood program.
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Glasser Preschool of Oak Park Temple
Parent/child programs ages 1-2, half-day preschool ages 2-5, lunch and enrichment programs, parenting workshops.
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Hillel Torah-Alana Beth Stein Pre-School
A Modern Orthodox preschool with a child-centered developmental approach to education focusing on the social-emotional, physical and intellectual growth of each child. Children learn through play and open-ended activities and are given opportunities to explore the world around them, ask questions, and discover how things work. Teachers support the children with a wide range of interests and abilities as they become increasingly independent in the classroom.Our integrated approach emphasizes Torah and chesed, Israel and an Ivrit language curriculum.
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Jacob Duman Early Childhood Center at Lake County JCC
Housed on our sprawling 37-acre Jewish Community Campus at Lake County JCC, Jacob Duman Early Childhood Center reflects the beauty around it. Children engage in exploration inside and out. Sunny classrooms and our two custom-built, developmentally appropriate playgrounds create an opportunity for learning and outside exploration.We strive to provide the foundation for children to develop and grow while bringing Jewish values to life. For ages 6 weeks - 4 years.
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JCC Chicago ‘Z’ Frank Apachi Day Camp
“Z” Frank Apachi Day Camp is located on our beautiful 10-acre campus in Northbrook. With large green spaces, manicured athletic fields, shaded areas and shelters, it's the ideal place for kids who love to play, create and explore. Our camp features air-conditioned spaces, two large heated outdoor pools, an outdoor cooking classroom, arts and crafts studio, adventure tree, boating, tennis court, a climbing wall and more. Campers can try everything from sports, arts and crafts and gaga, to clowning, cooking, drama, yoga and rock climbing. Music is always in the air, theme days are legendary, and our Shabbat celebrations foster a true sense of community and connection. 4 years-7th grade + CIT.
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JCC Chicago Early Childhood at “Z” Frank Apachi
At 'Z' Frank Apachi, we enjoy the outdoors during all seasons, letting children explore their surroundings while nurturing their natural curiosity. Educators encourage children to follow their interests which emerge into meaningful learning opportunities where they are fully engaged in the process. Here, your child is at the center of all we do. We strive to provide the foundation for children to develop and grow while bringing Jewish values to life. For ages 20 months - 4 years.
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JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Am Shalom
At JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Am Shalom, building caring relationships with children and their families is central to what we do. Our director and teachers are dedicated professionals who focus on the individual needs of each child. We provide a warm, nurturing environment, enriched with exciting curriculum and a love of Judaism. We strive to provide the foundation for children to develop and grow while bringing Jewish values to life. For ages 18 months - 4 years.
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JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Bernard Horwich JCC
At JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Bernard Horwich JCC, located in Chicago’s West Rogers Park neighborhood, your child is at the center of all we do.We strive to provide the foundation for children to develop and grow while bringing Jewish values to life. We believe children flourish and grow in an environment where they can explore, discover and create. Our director and teachers are dedicated professionals who focus on the individual needs of each child. We provide a warm, nurturing environment, enriched with exciting curriculum and a love of Judaism. For ages 2–4 years.
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JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Bernard Weinger JCC
At JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Bernard Weinger JCC, in Northbrook, your child is at the center of all we do. We strive to provide the foundation for children to develop and grow while bringing Jewish values to life. Our professional, loving, one-of-a-kind teachers will help your family feel that Bernard Weinger JCC is your home away from home. From incredible classrooms to our beautiful outdoor space, your child will have endless opportunities to learn, play, grow and make friends that last a lifetime. For ages 6 weeks – 4 years.
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JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Florence G. Heller JCC
At JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Florence G. Heller JCC, located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, your child is at the center of all we do. We strive to provide the foundation for children to develop and grow while bringing Jewish values to life. Our professional, loving, one-of-a-kind educators help your family feel that Florence G. Heller JCC is your home away from home. From incredible classrooms to our beautiful outdoor space, your child will have endless opportunities to learn, play, grow and make friends that last a lifetime. For ages 6 weeks – 4 years.
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JCC Chicago Early Childhood Education
JCC Chicago Early Childhood education provides children with a solid foundation for future learning success, socially, emotionally, cognitively, physically and spiritually. JCC Chicago Early Childhood Centers guide each child to reach his or her individual potential. The approach is simple: JCC Chicago puts your child at the center of everything. NAEYC accredited program covers core curriculum based on national and state standards including math, literacy, science and social studies. The JCC Chicago preschool program integrates Jewish curriculum that is rich in culture and tradition. Premier programs for families with children (infants through 5 years of age) are offered at locations throughout Chicago and the suburbs. Programs include full- and half-day preschool, infant/toddler care, pre-kindergarten, enrichment classes, adult/child classes, parenting classes, JNew Mom's Group, Stay and Play, preschool summer camp, summer fun programs and family events.
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JCYS George W. Lutz Family Center
Offers early childhood education programs and child care for children 12 months through 5 years old. JCYS Early Childhood Education lays a foundation for intellectual, social, emotional and physical development through play-based curriculum. In each classroom, children freely choose from different learning centers throughout the day, helping to build confidence and develop their social and problem-solving skills. Group time for stories, singing, language development, science, cooking activities, and games adds structure to each day.
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JCYS Iris & Steven Podolsky Family Center
JCYS Iris & Steven Podolsky Family Center offers early childhood education programs for children age 15 months through 5 years. JCYS Early Childhood Education lays a foundation for intellectual, social, emotional and physical development through play-based curriculum. In each classroom, children freely choose from different learning centers throughout the day, helping to build confidence and develop their social and problem-solving skills. Group time for stories, singing, language development, science, cooking activities, and games add structure to each day.
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JCYS Michael R. Lutz Family Center-Wicker Park
JCYS Wicker Park offers early childhood education for children ages 15 months-5 years through school year and summer camp programming. As our center grows, after-school programming for grades K-6 and summer camps for grades K-8 will be added.
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JCYS Northwest Family Center
Offers early childhood education and child care for children 6 weeks through 6 years old. JCYS Early Childhood Education lays a foundation for intellectual, social, emotional and physical development through play-based curriculum. In each classroom, children freely choose from different learning centers throughout the day, helping to build confidence and develop their social and problem-solving skills. Group time for stories, singing, language development, science, cooking activities, and games adds structure to each day.
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Jewish Council for Youth Services
Guided by Jewish values and culture, Jewish Council for Youth Services provides educational and recreational programs for Chicagoland's children, and through board service, develops the next generation of Jewish civic leaders.
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Joan Dachs Bais Yaakov
A state-accredited Orthodox Day School for girls kindergarten through eighth grade. A co-ed nursery; onsite REACH program; onsite Keshet classes for children with developmental disabilities.
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JUF Early Childhood Collaborative
The Early Childhood Collaborative is a network of educators and community members working together to maximize the number of families who have access to and enroll in high-quality Jewish early childhood programs in greater Chicago. This includes consulting and professional development.
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Lincolnwood Place
Continuing-care retirement community with apartments, washers and dryers and on-site health care options.
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Moadon Kol Chadash
Gan Gani:Hebrew-immersion preschool through Kindergarten program. Moadon:After-school experience; junior kindergarten through eighth grade with a special program targeted at post-b'nai mitzvah students; provides an opportunity for immersion in Jewish culture, religion, tradition, and Hebrew language through collaborative learning; integrated bar/bat Mitzvah preparation.
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Moriah Congregation Early Childhood Center
Half-day and extended day options for children 6 weeks through 5 years of age.
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North Suburban Synagogue Beth El-The Paul S. & Sylvia Steinberg Pre-School
Kehillah accredited. Preschool classes ages 2-5. Lunch and enrichment program. Infant, parent-toddler and transition classes.
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Pearl of Israel
Hedva Yitzhak, founding director of Pearl of Israel Home Daycare, is a driven, energetic, educational leader in Jewish studies with an expertise in teaching modern Hebrew. With a passion for the development of young children’s Jewish identity both academically and culturally, Hedva is motivated with a vision to instill the passion for continued Jewish growth and learning. Open to children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old, POI is a Hebrew spoken program that believes that children need to feel unconditional love and acceptance from the adults who take care of them. Secular and Jewish education with warmth, love, professionalism, and competence. Inspiring children to lifelong learning!
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Sager Solomon Schechter Day School
Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago is an independent Jewish Day School where our unique combination of General and Judaic Studies imparts a deeply-rooted values system enabling critical thinkers to thrive. From our Ginsburg Solomon Schechter Early Childhood Center in Skokie, to our Sager Solomon Schechter (K-8) in Northbrook, we ignite our students' Jewish souls, educate them to their highest potential, and empower them to use their knowledge, skills, and creativity to enrich our world. Schechter’s award-winning faculty and staff focus on developing students as learners whose passion and drive enables them to create a true impact on the future. A firm grounding in Jewish values and traditions creates a meaningful framework for our student's moral and character development. At SSDS, children gain more than academic strength, they gain the strength of identity. Our families gain a strong and vibrant community that shares a commitment to academic excellence and Jewish life.
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Shaarei Chinuch Day School
A Jewish Montessori day school for ages 3 years old through third grade. We integrate Judaism with the Montessori method to give each child a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience catered to his/her unique strengths and talents. Each child works at their own pace, using specialized hands-on learning materials, with individual instruction from the teachers, in the way that works best for them. Our program includes a comprehensive Judaic and secular curriculum, as well as a special focus on kindness, respect, and care for each other and the world around us. Our unique classroom style fosters self-esteem, confidence, and a love of learning.
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Sinai Preschool
Preschool and Parent-Tot classes 0-5 years old. NAEYC accredited preschool for children 2-5 years old. Optional early care,enrichment classes and extended day.
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Temple Sholom of Chicago Gan Sholom Early Childhood Center
Parent/child programs ages 4 to 36 months; nursery school ages 2½ to 4; day care age 2 to 4; enrichment programs ages 3 to 5.
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The Children’s Center
Lakeside Congregation 1221 County Line Road Highland Park IL 60035 (847) 432-4766 [email protected] http://www.lakesidecongregation.org Paula Davis None false
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Tiny Tots Incorporated
A Hebrew immersion childcare center for children from 6 weeks up to 6 years of age. Tiny Tots Incorporated was founded in 2008 by a loving Israeli-American mother with four young children of her own. Unique Hebrew immersion program enables children to learn in a truly bilingual environment with exposure to Jewish, Israeli and American culture. Nutritious kosher meals and snacks are provided. Full time care available between 7:30am - 6:00pm Monday thru Friday.
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Torah Academy North Shore
Our Early Learning Center is a place filled with warmth, wonder, and the sweetness of early childhood. Every day is an opportunity for exploration—through play, creativity, hands-on discovery, and meaningful Jewish experiences that help our youngest learners feel connected, confident, and loved. We believe that children thrive when they feel safe, understood, and inspired. That’s why our teachers create classrooms full of joy, structure, and gentle guidance, laying the foundation for strong academic readiness and soulful personal growth. In our ELC, children grow through a blend of joyful learning, Jewish experiences, and hands-on exploration. We nurture the whole child—mind, heart, and spirit—through moments that inspire curiosity, confidence, and connection.
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West Suburban Temple Har Zion Early Childhood Program
At the Temple Har Zion Early Childhood Center, our mission is to foster an energetic and innovative learning community where child-focused exploration, creativity, collaboration and Jewish tradition inspire the curriculum while creating a lifelong love of learning. We offer full and half day options for children ages 2-5. five days a week, with optional lunch and enrichment classes. We accept children into the 2-year-old program in diapers and partner with the families when toilet training. Come join our family!