Our 4.5 year old is in her second year at MLA. We are so grateful that she has been able to safely…read morecontinue to grow at school with her friends and teachers during this strange year, adding proper mask wear & care, mindful hand washing, and other health-and-safety focused skills to her practical life toolkit! We don't speak Japanese at home, but we incorporate songs and phrases that she has picked up from school, and we sometimes watch Japanese movies and videos, learning together casually at home. Similarly we don't aggressively augment her learning of letters or math, but instead follow her lead regarding what she is working on and enjoying at school enough that she wants to do it at home, too. It's been wonderful to see her drawings develop naturally, to overhear her speaking with her toys in Japanese, and to know what she means when she wakes us up to say she's "peko peko" every morning. As she's gotten older, we hear more about what she's learning and it is always with such true confidence, contagious enjoyment, and deep understanding: cycles of a pumpkin and a flower, details of different planets and their temperature, and how to cut out a heart (& not waste the folded paper with the outline!). She has always loved to do things her own particular way, which we have encouraged within the boundaries of safety and kindness -- it's clear that her teachers similarly support (and enjoy!) that individuality, while thoughtfully guiding her towards opportunities for growth in herself and collaboration with others. Clearly I could go on forever--we love this hidden gem of a community so much! Thank you, MLA!

We originally chose MLA because it is a dual-language Japanese Montessori school. While already…read morefamiliar with the Montessori approach for learning, what we did not expect was dedication of the school's director, Yoko-sensei, to your child's emotional as well as educational development. We also appreciate how the director is willing to offer-up constructive and honest feedback about your child. Our daughter's other schools were quick to say "she's doing fine" - minimizing amount the personal attention they would have to give. That is certainly not the case with MLA - they go out of their way to address your child's individual needs. MLA is so important to us that when we moved to another city 30 miles away, we chose to commute a total of 90 minutes each day just to keep her there.

PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILDREN HERE! Here is a…read moreshort version of a very traumatic experience! My grandson had pinch marks on his arms for several weeks. Finally he told us that his teacher Ms.P pinched him! Ms.K was seen thru the window gripping my grandson by his shoulders and loudly speaking directly into his face after 30 seconds of his arrival. When questioned about this she denied any wrong doing and went on to say that she dreads the time that my grandson gets dropped off! Asked to see the recordings from the camera for the past 3 weeks. After several days and many lies later we learned from their other location in N.Riverside that the cameras do not work. How is this safe? No cameras? In this current world we live in who in their right mind would leave their young children in a place that does not provide cameras. Ms.P and Ms.K should never be allowed to work with children ever again. The entire staff is extremely uneducated and unprofessional! DCFS has been notified! Please keep your children safe and do patronize Let's Play Daycare on 26Th street in North Riverside.

Saw kids walking down my block with staff, witnessed teachers screaming at the little kids :( I…read moreknow I wouldn't want anyone who I pay and trust to look after my kids to speak to them the way the staff was. Kids learn from what they are taught. Please lets try to do better!

We moved to the area at the start of the pandemic and by 2021 were ready to send our 4 year old to…read morea Montessori. So began our hunt for the best of many in the Oak Park area. We didn't know any folks who had sent their kids to one near by so had to do cold calls and tours. I reached out to a few in the area and Mrs Eggerding was the fastest to callback and schedule a tour, starting us off on a great foot about how well the school had their act together. We got to observe a classroom and we're extremely excited by the vibe of the guides (Montessori speak for "teachers") and the children. There was just so much independence and respect that we knew we found the right school. At first our 4 year old was resistant. He had been with his grandmother for the last 1.5 years of the pandemic so I get his resistance. But even after day 1 he was excited to share his experiences. We eventually sent our second child there too in a different classroom, which they were happy to accommodate. We couldn't have been happier with our choice even with a 10+ min drive every day. We're definitely planning to send out third there as well. At first it doesn't seem too different from other schools as far as what they're able to do but by even a few months in they're showing so much more independence and eagerness to do more. It's a challenge to me to expect and enable them more at home. The guides have been wonderful about getting to know our children and guiding them on their journey. We've had a few parent teacher conferences which are helpful to peek behind the current as they're often exhausted in a good way by the end of the day. Our child's guides and the front office staff were very receptive to questions and helped us both understand Montessori better but also our child. It was funny for us as parents to go from a city daycare that sent us his eating, peeing, pooping, and activity schedule with activity photos nearly as they were happening to come to Montessori which is really trying to put the child first and focus on them, not logging everything they're doing. I had been a Montessori student so expected that but it was still funny. We get photos and reports every couple of weeks and had parent teacher conferences that did align with what he was saying or what we figured was going on.

If i could rate this place half a star i would. i took my daughter here for preschool and she loved…read more1 teacher only 1. as soon as she got into her 1st year at that school she was getting bullied by everyone and the teachers because she had a physical disability. the classrooms are VERY packed, my kid was in a class of 35 from preschool to 6th grade. she was the happiest little girl and she loved dressing up and having parties, but as soon as she got into 1st grade she was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. she was CONSTANTLY having fights with her teachers because of her depression, later she was diagnosed with explosive anger issues. because of her teachers . she was coming home crying because of the kids bullying her. she eventually had to leave in the middle of her 6th grade year because her mental health was super bad. she is now happily at gwendolyn brooks middle school and doing much better.

We have been with ALC 1 for going on 6 years & we love the environment, staff, safety features,…read moreplay area, classrooms and outdoor/garden area. Our boys have everlasting memories thanks to the teachers, support staff, & director. We are truly grateful for the integral part they played in our boys' childhood's. They are well prepared for kindergarten & excited to continue on with art projects & reading when they get home. They are all personable & friendly and will truly love & care for your child while they're there. The app they use gives real time updates & pictures. You will always know what's going on with the detailed communication.

My two year old and infant attend ALC #4 in La Grange Park. We started in April 2023 and have been…read moreSO pleased with our experience. We were transferring from our Lincoln Park daycare and found it to be a very smooth transition. The teachers have been very nurturing and my two year old is genuinely happy walking into school each day to see her teachers and friends. They offer great programming, ample outside time and lots of arts and crafts. My infant just started and I feel very comfortable entrusting her care to the wonderful teachers here. It's a big decision finding the right fit for full day childcare and I am very happy our family found ALC #4.

Our child just completed their third and final year at Montessori Children's Community, finishing…read morewith the Kindergarten program -- and what an incredible journey it has been. Today, I watched with immense pride as my 5-year-old stood in front of a room full of parents, children, and teachers to deliver a confident, three-minute presentation on "Castles" -- a topic they researched, wrote about, and presented entirely on their own. This moment perfectly captured the kind of growth MCC fosters -- not just academically, but socially and emotionally. Under the steady guidance of Ms. Rocio and the dedicated MCC team, our child has transformed from a shy, curious preschooler into a self-assured, articulate learner. MCC adheres closely to the Montessori method, and while the environment of independent exploration may take a little adjustment at first, the results are extraordinary. Over time, the children develop deep concentration, intrinsic motivation, and a love of learning. I've seen my child confidently use words like ruminate, tenacious, and paroxysm in writing and conversation. They've explored the life cycle of a moth, practiced addition and multiplication, and developed a genuine enthusiasm for knowledge. Beyond academics, MCC creates a nurturing and joyful community. From field trips and holiday celebrations to visits from local business leaders and sweet traditions like sending postcards to grandparents, the school experience is rich, well-rounded, and deeply personal. The bonds between the students are strong -- they support each other like siblings, and that emotional intelligence translates into real-world confidence. This also extends among the MCC families as well! (Shout out to the PTO and the MNO/DNO activities!) If you're seeking a school that invests deeply in your child's development -- academically, socially, and emotionally -- and a place where your family can plant lasting roots, look no further. Montessori Children's Community is a place where children truly flourish in ways you can't even imagine.

My husband and I feel so lucky to have MCC in our lives to help us care for our three little ones…read more(now 6, 3, and 1). We would not be able to pursue our professional callings while also fulfilling our high standards for family life and child upbringing if we did not have such a trusted support system and partner in place. We not only see MCC as partners in raising our children (they are a great force for instilling positive behaviors and perspectives and growing the individual), but we also learn so much from Ms. Rocio and her staff. They have opened our eyes to a great way to co-exist with children that gives them the guidance they require but in a way that is peaceful, enjoyable, and just plain sensible. We especially value MCC's Parent Education Nights and Parent-Teacher Conferences, which give us new insight every time. The kids have pretty much always been happy to be dropped off at school, which is pretty amazing, and they are growing into amazing little humans. Moreover, MCC's community is larger than the classroom--we love that we really know and spend time with the other families and even teachers; when the kids are brought to school, it feels more like they are off to spend time with their loving extended family, a comforting effect for both us and them.

As a grandmother, you pay close attention to where your grandchildren are spending their time, and…read moreI am so grateful for King's Kidz Academy. Since my grandson started attending, the growth has been beautiful to watch. He's more confident, more expressive, and clearly excited about learning. But what stands out most to me is how comfortable and cared for he feels when he's there. You can see it in his smile and through his expressions everyday. The staff creates a warm environment that truly supports each child's development. I also really appreciate the strong leadership present. That kind of influence is so important for our youth. It's comforting to know he's in a place that not only cares for him, but is helping shape him into a kind, confident young person. This academy is such a blessing to our family.

In the past 3 years we had horrible luck finding childcare who cared about my children. They would…read morecry and yell "mama" and broke my heart. Until We went to Kiddie Academy! My 2 Boys absolutely enjoys Kiddie Academy! On the 1st day they didn't cried or scream. The smiled and waved goodbye. My Oldest Son (3yrs old) Goes to Part-Time to PreK in a Public School and is very flexible and understanding with his schedule. My Youngest Son (1yr old) is Thrilled to be there every morning, already knowing the class routine. The Infant room taught him how to walk and captured his first steps and was able to send it to me through my kids daily reports on the tadpole's app! I also love the fact that when they are transitioning into another classroom, they would give out a transition notice for me to sign and give me a head up when they will be starting permanently and would let my child visit the classroom to have to smoothly transition before his start date to the toddler room! I also want to point out the owner Ms. Olga and the director Ms. Ms. Autumn. Autumn is always available to speak with me and always responsive and always listening to my concerns. Ms. Olga goes above and beyond my expectations and super accommodating. Thank you, ladies, for everything you have done for us.

I cannot say enough great things about this daycare/school. My daughter is at the Forest Park…read morelocation and the teachers are ALL amazing especially Ms. Elbanet & Ms. Elizabeth. They love her like she's their own and take exceptional care of her. The owner, Luisa, is wonderful! She's always available if you have questions (provides personal email & cell phone) and sends frequent emails updating everyone on what's happening at the school. My husband and I went to several daycare's/schools and were horrified by what we saw at most places. The second we met Luisa at the Forest Park location we knew our daughter would be in great hands there. I would recommend everyone send their kids here!

My son has been attending MCP since of October of 2015 and we feel so lucky to have found it. My…read moreson loves his friends, his teachers, and has found a very secure home away from home. We will truly feel a loss when he starts Kindergarten next year, but I am so grateful that we found a wonderful place with Ms. Funmi and her team for so many years. Hours are very convenient for working parents, plenty of outdoor time is offered when the weather cooperates, and safety and kindness prevail. My son loves his teachers like family. Couldn't ask for more.

Our son started at MCP at 15 mos after we were referred by a friend. We were looking for a daycare…read morecenter that opened before 7am for work reasons, and MCP fit the bill. During our time there, we were really pleased with the care and attention our son received. Our son is now 3 yo. He had 2 amazing years with Ms. Funmi, her staff, and his friends. There was great structure to his days, lots of outside play time, and a lot of laughter whenever I arrived to get him. I'm pretty surprised by that 1 star review, and in my experience, the discipline, diet, and teaching were all great and in compliance with Montessori theory.

I made an appointment online, showed up with my 2 year old) hired a babysitter (for my baby twins)…read more so that I could tour), and the front desk lady said she had no idea (even though I got a thorough email confirmation). The lady wouldn't even let me peer into the classroom though no one was In there (no children/teachers). She literally put her body in front of the door to block me as I tried to peer in. She kept saying they are not touring due to Covid (over and over), yet not once even acknowledged the fault of booking me a tour appointment. Her tone in general was condescending, and the way she spoke to my daughter and kept TOUCHING her hair without even asking was NOT Montessori. This place really needs a new front desk person. This could be a good school, but based on the front desk lady alone, I was completely turned off, and was not interested in trying to book another tour.

terrible place, went for a tour and as I was walking in I heard teachers yelling aggressively at…read morethe children. Through the tour nothing was Montessori about this place. not welcoming at all, a short blonde worker was dressed inappropriately for the childcare setting another classroom smelled like mariJuana.

Post Covid I was so hesitant to place my now 27 month old in daycare. I feared not only the virus…read morebut the thought of leaving my son in the hands of a stranger tore my heart into a gazillion pieces. Fast forward---- I finally decided it was time to help my son with his social skills; which were impacted due to Covid. I started researching for daycares in my area. I read reviews after reviews. Then, I came across Little Bright Minds. The reviews were great. I looked at the pictures. Read and re-read their goals and mission. So I made the call. I spoke with Oscar who was so professional. He scheduled me for a visit. When we arrived the first thing I noticed was their Covid protocols posted on the outside door. Hand Sanitizer. This was already a big PLUS. I was greeted by Oscar along with Alicia. This place is MAGICAL. You can smell how clean and sanitize everything is. So organized. Spacious. Alicia- she is truly AMAZING. The most Professional Childcare Provider I have ever came across. Her patience and kind soul is palpable. I was already sold and I had yet to see their curriculum. As I sat and listening to then explain their day to day activities; Alicia allowed my Son to play with the blocks, and cars. They where very thorough in explaining their policies. Their goals. Their expectations. They listened to my concerns and they were willing to accommodate my son. I was so ecstatic to learn that they finally had a space for us. LBM a has been a huge blessing in our lives. My son loves going to daycare. He is thriving and I see such a huge improvement In his social skills, speech, and overall behavior. If you are looking for PROFESSIONAL, COMPASSIONATE, GOAL ORIENTED, TEACHING childcare- Little Bright Minds is the answer! Alicia and her team are so so amazing and I'm so lucky to have my son under their care! Daily Updates Healthy Meals Pictures Family Oriented These are just some of the many things that have made my heart so at ease

Little Bright Minds Daycare is a hidden gem! After my wife spent three years at home raising our…read moretwo boys, we were anxious about her returning to work and finding quality care, but the Little Bright Minds family made the transition incredibly smooth. We were immediately impressed by how seriously they take their interview process. They focus on ensuring the children and parents are a perfect fit, which gave us a great deal of confidence and reassurance. Everyone at Little Bright Minds is exceptionally patient and easy to get along with. Thanks to their attentive care, our sons adapted to their new routine much faster than we anticipated. It's amazing to see our boys eager to attend every morning and come home with big smiles. We love the Montessori-based curriculum and the creative activities they provide daily. The arts and crafts they bring home are always great to see! We are truly grateful to have found a place where our kids are safe, growing socially, and genuinely learning. We highly recommend them to any family!