Bright early learning classroom with children playing at Lakeview Development Center in Uptown Chicago

Uptown Chicago Daycare and Preschool, Ages 6 Weeks to 5 Years

Over 24 years in Uptown. ExceleRate Silver rated. Every teacher holds an early childhood degree.

1531 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 Mon to Fri, 7am to 5pm Ages 6 weeks to 5 years

ExceleRate Silver · Head Start & Preschool for All · DCFS Vouchers Accepted · Brightwheel Updates · Meals Included

Now enrolling infants, toddlers, and preschool for the current school year. Spots are limited and fill by age group. Book a tour.
Why Uptown parents choose us

Facts, not feelings

A over 24 years center in Uptown where every teacher holds an early childhood degree and the team stays for a decade.

1:4 infant ratio

Infants 1:4, toddlers 1:5, preschool 1:10. Low ratios mean more attention for each child.

Every teacher is degreed

Minimum AA in early childhood, up to a Master's on our team. Our preschool teacher holds a PEL.

Teachers who stay

Our team's tenure runs from 7 to 14 years. Your child keeps the same familiar faces.

ExceleRate Silver

Illinois' Circle of Quality rating, earned and renewed.

Everything included

Breakfast, lunch, snack, diapers, wipes, and rash cream are all provided.

Real-time updates

Brightwheel sends photos, meals, naps, and diaper changes to your phone as they happen.

Programs

Three classrooms, one continuum of care

Infant program at Lakeview Development Center1:4 ratio

Infant

6 weeks to 15 months

  • Responsive caregiving and feeding routines
  • Safe exploration and daily Brightwheel updates
See program details
Toddler program at Lakeview Development Center1:5 ratio

Toddler

16 to 35 months

  • Play-based sensory and language learning
  • Emerging independence and social growth
See program details
Preschool program at Lakeview Development Center1:10 ratio

Preschool

3 to 5 years

  • Creative Curriculum and kindergarten readiness
  • Group projects, literacy, and outdoor time
See program details

Full-time and part-time day schedules available.

Ways to enroll

Several funding pathways, one enrollment process

Head StartPreschool for AllIllinois Action for ChildrenDCFS VouchersPrivate Pay

We accept several funding pathways. We will help you figure out which one your family qualifies for on the tour. No tuition figures are published on the site.

Daily life

A day at Lakeview

A predictable rhythm of handwashing, meals, learning, outdoor time, and rest. Every Friday includes PreFit gym class for little learners.

1Handwashing2Breakfast3Circle time4Small group5Free choice6Outdoor time7Library8Lunch9Nap10Physical activity11Free choice12Prepare for departure
Children during circle time at Lakeview Development Center
Outdoor play at Chase Park behind the center
Safety and security

Built around safe, supervised care

Doorbell entry

Controlled access. Staff buzz families in.

Brightwheel sign-in and sign-out

Every drop-off and pickup is logged.

Photo ID for first-time pickups

Anyone other than a parent shows ID the first time. A copy goes in the child's file.

DCFS background checks and training

All staff cleared through DCFS. Annual CPR, First Aid, and Active Supervision training.

Our risk management plan is posted on the parent wall and available to review any time.

What Uptown Families Say

Reviews from families we have cared for over over 24 years in Uptown.

Family Stories

Book Your Tour

Tours run Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM and take about 20 minutes. We will confirm your time by phone or text.

FAQ

Questions parents ask on tours

Do your teachers potty train?
Yes. Our toddler and preschool teachers support children through potty training at each child's own pace. We work with you so the routine at school matches the routine at home. Ask our team about your child's stage on the tour.
How do you handle discipline?
We use positive guidance and redirection. Our teachers set clear, age-appropriate expectations and help children name their feelings and solve problems. We focus on teaching behavior rather than punishment, and we keep you informed through Brightwheel.
What will my child learn?
We use a play-based Creative Curriculum aligned to the Illinois Early Learning Standards. Children learn through guided activities, small groups, free choice, and group projects. That covers early literacy, language, math concepts, social-emotional skills, and physical activity.
How often will my baby's diaper be changed?
Infants are changed on a responsive schedule based on each child's needs, and every change is logged in Brightwheel so you can see it in real time. Ask our team about your child's individual diapering routine on the tour.
Will you call me if my child is upset?
Yes. We use Brightwheel for real-time communication, so you receive photos, updates, and messages throughout the day. If your child is having a hard time, we will reach out. We encourage you to share your communication preferences when you tour.
Do the children go outside or to the park every day?
Outdoor time is part of our daily rhythm. We use Chase Park, which sits directly behind the center, for supervised outdoor play and movement. Weather and age determine the exact schedule each day.
Is there a late fee, and how much is it?
Yes. The late pickup fee is $2.00 per minute. The complete policy, including grace periods, is in the parent handbook, which you receive at enrollment.
What do I need to enroll?
You will need immunization records, a current physical, a birth certificate, and a dental record. Our enrollment team gives you the full document checklist when you apply.
Do you accept vouchers or Head Start?
Yes. We accept DCFS vouchers, Illinois Action for Children, Head Start, and Preschool for All, alongside private pay. We help you figure out which pathway your family qualifies for on the tour.
How much is tuition?
Tuition depends on your child's age group and your funding pathway, so we review it with you on the tour. Registration is free. For infants, a $350 deposit holds a spot more than 14 days out. A sibling discount is available for cash-paying families.
Location

Visit us in Uptown

Getting here is easy. We are on Lawrence Ave in Uptown, with an on-site parking lot for drop-off and pickup. Chase Park sits directly behind the center.

See the classrooms before you decide.

Tour the classrooms, meet our team, and get tuition and availability for your child's age group. Tours take about 20 minutes.

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