As a mom of two little ones, I know that one of the most stressful choices to make is who will take care of your children when you are not able to. If you’re anything like me, the questions can really start to spiral.
Do I want a nanny? An in-home daycare? A daycare center? Are they going to feed her junk? Will he miss me? When should my little genius start preschool? Will he get into a good college if he only goes 2 days a week?!
While I can’t answer all of your questions, or tell you every option out there, I can provide a little insight into Park Ridge preschools and Park Ridge daycares. It’s a start, right? I’ve divided the list below into two categories:
- Those programs that offer daycare and preschool, providing a seamless transition for families with two full-time working parents, and;
- Programs that are primarily for preschool.
One thing is for sure: if you’re looking for child care in Park Ridge, you have a lot of great options!
Daycare + Preschool
1. Christie’s Carousel of Learning
You may know this daycare center at “St. Mary’s Merry-go-Round of Learning”, as it spent 25 years in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. But in 2006, they moved to the Presbyterian church and gained the name, Christie’s Carousel of Learning. This rich history is based on promoting family values, and a loving, caring environment. This is no surprise, as the creators of the program raised 9 children of their own, right here in Park Ridge!
- Age: 2 years – 6 years
- Hours: 7:30am – 5:30pm
Christie’s Carousel of Learning, 1300 W Crescent Ave – (847) 512-7861
2. Daycare Children’s World
This unique facility offers flexible schedules including full-time, part-time, and drop-in options. Each child is given opportunities to learn Spanish and is encouraged to participate in age-appropriate STEAM and sensory activities. This center is also conveniently located right in Uptown Park Ridge.
- Age: 6 weeks – 6 years
- Hours: 7:00am – 6:00pm
Daycare Children’s World, 652 Northwest Hwy, Suite B – (224) 585-6211
3. Kiddie Academy of Park Ridge
Founded in 1981, Kiddie Academy is founded on the principles of safety, education, and trust. Care starts with infants, continues through preschool, and into kindergarten. As a bonus, there is “club style” programming for school-age children as well. Children are encouraged to pursue their interests in science, technology, health and fitness, and more.
- Age: 6 weeks – 12 years
- Hours: 6:30am – 6:30pm
Kiddie Academy of Park Ridge, 109 S Washington Ave – (847) 692-5000
4. Messiah Lutheran Childcare Center
This proud, Christian program began in 1966 but has grown greatly since then, in order to meet the needs of the community. They now offer full daycare for preschool-aged children, as well as kindergarten, parent-tot classes, and a Summer program. Their goal is to provide an environment where physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual growth is encouraged and fostered.
- Age: 2.5 years – 6 years
- Hours: 6:30am – 5:30pm
Messiah Lutheran Childcare Center, 1605 Vernon Ave – (847) 825-3767
5. Sugar Plum Tree
This program began in 1976! It was created by a woman, Mrs. Waters, who was director of the Park Ridge Park District Preschool for many years. She took her expertise to begin Sugar Plum Tree, located in the Redeemer Lutheran Church. Proud to use the STEM method, this program encourages children to reach new benchmarks, which are shared with parents weekly.
- Age: 18 months – 5 years
- Hours: 6:30am – 6:00pm
Sugar Plum Tree, 1006 Gillick St – (847) 823-1978
Preschool Only
6. Jefferson School
Jefferson School is home to District 64’s preschool program, and we all know that district 64 is a good one! Not only do they offer 3 and 4-yr-old preschool classes, but there is extended care for kindergarteners as well. Preschool programming follows both a creative curriculum as well as a research-based curriculum. Music, art, and physical education are featured daily.
- Age: 3 years – 6 years
- Hours: 7am – 3:30pm
Jefferson School, 8200 Greendale Ave (Niles) – (847) 318-5360
7. Maine East Preschool
This unique preschool program is located right in one of our award-winning high schools. As a lab-based program, high school students prepare lessons daily, which will prepare the preschoolers for kindergarten. The perfect mix of play and academics, this program educates both our older (high school) students and younger (preschool) students.
- Age: 4 years – 5 years
- Hours: 9:20am – 11:20am (Mon, Tues, Fri)
Maine East Preschool, 2601 Dempster St – (847) 825-4484
8. Maine South Preschool
The preschool program at Maine South High School follows the same ideology as that of Maine East. The preschoolers love learning from the older “kids”. The high school students are overseen by a professional who has worked in the field for many years. It is a well-loved program by students, you and old, and their parents.
- Age: 4 years – 5 years
- Hours: 9:30am – 11:30am (Mon, Tues, Fri)
Maine South Preschool, 1111 S Dee Rd – (847) 825-7711
9. Mary Seat of Wisdom
Mary Seat of Wisdom offers many choices for preschool students, including choosing your number of days per week and a half- or full-day, for your preschooler. When your 3-yr-old starts, they’ll quickly be introduced to social skills, and by the time they finish their second year, they are well-equipped socially, emotionally, and intellectually for kindergarten. A bonus element is that the Catholic faith is woven into the curriculum each day.
- Age: 3 years – 5 years
- Hours: 8:00am – 3:05pm
Mary Seat of Wisdom, 1352 S Cumberland Ave – (847) 825-2500
10. Park Ridge Park District
Many Park Ridge parents look no further than the Park District for their preschool needs. A unique trait of this program is that students can start at 2-years-old. As a play-based program, kids learn through daily activities, in a nurturing environment. All classes are half-day, and extended care options are available.
- Age: 2 years – 5 years
- Hours: 8:00am – 3:00pm
Park Ridge Park District, 2701 W Sibley St – (847) 692-5127
11. St. Andrews Lutheran School
This diverse program offers options for 2, 3, 4, and 5 days as well as half-day, full-day, and extended care options. The passion these teachers have for children and this school is so intense, that two of them have sent their own kids to the school, all the way through 8th grade! With a strong faith-based curriculum and a loving environment, this school has a great reputation around town.
- Age: 3 years – 5 years
- Hours: 7:00am – 6:00pm
St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 260 N Northwest Hwy – (847) 823-9308
12. St. Paul of the Cross
Popular Park Ridge, Catholic Church, St. Paul of the Cross, offers schooling for preschool through 8th grade. This flexible preschool offers a variety of day options as well as half-day, full-day, and extended care, to meet all families’ needs. In addition to dramatic play, art, music, and language development, students will be given a religious background.
- Age: 3 years – 5 years
- Hours: 7:00am – 6:00pm
St. Paul of the Cross, 140 S Northwest Hwy – (847) 825-6366
13. Wildwood Nature Center
This program is for early preschool-aged children, and it offers morning or afternoon options, 2 or 3 days a week. Wildwood Nature Center offers a unique program that combines traditional, age-appropriate practices with exciting nature adventures, like hiking the trails and visiting the animals.
- Age: 3 years – 4 years
- Hours: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Wildwood Nature Center, 529 Forestview Ave – (847) 692-3570
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This is just the tip of the iceberg for these wonderful programs, as a short description certainly cannot do them justice. The next step is to give them a call and check them out for yourself!
I do hope that this list gives you a little encouragement as you find the Park Ridge preschool and/or daycare that is the perfect fit for you and your little angel.
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