Children’s Learning Place

My son started at CLP Lakeview on opening day and we have been impressed from the start! From the moment we walked in, we felt the warmth, care and professionalism that encompass the entire center. Laura, the Director, and Tasia, the Assistant Director, have done a wonderful job getting to know all the students and families and making us all feel welcome and a part of the CLP family. Any questions or concerns I’ve had have been immediately answered or addressed.
My son has been in two classrooms since he started and I feel that all the teachers here genuinely care and get to know each student individually and provide plenty of one-​on-​one time with the children throughout the day… and extra TLC during times when they need it! From the infant room to the now toddler room, the classes have an appropriate amount of playtime/​organized activities. The breakfast. lunch and snack options are a good variety and always healthy. I never worry that my son is bored or not getting enough developmental learning activities They have music class with a real musician weekly, Spanish programs, and they even taught him sign language! I feel that their selection criteria for teachers is at a VERY high standard and that they treat the employees well in order to reduce turn-​over and attract the best staff possible. The reassurance that I am leaving my son in a loving, safe and educational environment is worth every penny!!!

I called this afternoon (11÷23÷5) and spoke to a lady named Maria (downtown center), who was very unsophiscated and rude. First, every question I asked her she asked me to hold on and she asked her co-​worker, and then she answer. She did not mute the conversation for me to not hear everything that they were saying, instead she cover the phone with her hand (i could by the muffles sounds), allowing me to hear everything. I had several questions; she then told me that I would not be able to visit until march. I told her that I had to make a decision before then to see where my child would go, and then it appeared that she changed her mind telling me that I could go this month. What i really got angry at, was that I asked it there was a discount for people who worked for the government (other daycares give discounts), and of course she asked her coworker and the coworker stated laughing uncontrollably. And when she got back on the line she told me that I would have to speak to the owner about that. I have not even been to this daycare, and already i do not like it because of the administration. I would suggest that the owner get a mute button, have someone who can answer the questions or be transferred to someone who can, and educate the admiration on how to be people friendly. I am sending my child to a home away from home, this will not be the place!!!

I’m writing about the Lakeview location of CLP. First things first: Ms. Laura, the center’s director, is an angel. We had had a bad experience with our nanny –she was neglectful and deceiving– and we had to dismiss her before having time to find a replacement. After that bad experience I wasn’t comfortable entrusting my child to a nanny again, so I contacted CLP/​Laura. I explained our situation, and she immediately helped us. I’ll never forget how kind and understanding she was.
The first month I was anxious, as my son had not been in childcare before. I’m sure I drove teachers and staff crazy! But they understood why, and they were patient and reassuring, and made us feel welcome. The caregivers gave us as many updates as we needed about our son, and I felt I was well-​informed.
Since May, when our son started at CLP, he has blossomed. He’s only 20 months old, and he’s already learned good manners, ABC’s, numbers, and colors/​shapes (both in English and Spanish), etc. (My husband and I make sure every day that we go over the things he’s learning at CLP.) He used to cry, the first week, when we would drop him off in the morning. But now he looks forward to spending time with all his wonderful teachers. They’re all kind, loving and patient educators. We’re so happy that our son is at CLP. My heart is at ease when I drop him off. I know he’s happy and nurtured, and I couldn’t ask more from a daycare center.

My daughter Cleo is now attending The new CLP location in Lakeview while transitioning to Preschool. Wow, what a lovely place!
It has a strong team with Director Ms. Laura, and Teachers Ms. Tasia and Ms. Emily, who came from the Bucktown CLP. In addition to a SEASONED STAFF, it has a modern, large and open space plan with lots of windows… everything new.
It’s definitely a feel good place.

Children’s Learning Place, any location, is the best daycare in the Chicagoland area. Although I am a bit partial, like any other parent, safety and a nurturing staff are key criteria. You will find that the environment is very friendly. The teachers and specialty instructors are often parents themselves, and possess the nurturing instincts that make good teachers, GREAT teachers. Everyone is very professional and the owners take great pride in making sure that their staff is well trained and compliant with DCFS policies. I hear other parents rave about how awesome the teachers are and most children return to Children’s Learning Place year after year. There is no higher compliment in any service industry than repeat business! If you are looking for spectacular child care, nurturing teachers and a nationally comparable curriculum, take your children to Children’s Learning Place!

Both of our children (4.5 years and 15 months as of this review) have attended CLP since they were 12 weeks. I can’t say enough about how happy I am that we found this great day care and pre-​school for our children. The staff is so caring and nurturing — both of our children have adored every single teacher that they have had.
From very early on, the staff begins developing the kids — teaching them sign language before they can speak, and eventually teaching them colors, animals, and numbers as they grow through their toddler years. As they grow into the pre-​school age, they expand the curriculum to include alphabet, spelling, Spanish, math, and science. I have no doubt that my oldest is being well-​prepared for a transition to kindergarten.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about CLP is their consistency in hiring quality staff. Our kids have transitioned through several classrooms as they’ve progressed and grown. When you add in both morning and afternoon staffers, you can imagine that we’ve experienced quite a few teachers. We have been satisfied with literally every. single one.
The kids at CLP also have lots of fun. They take tons of field trips (the location has its own bus with trained CLP staffers to drive), take tons of neighborhood walks to the park, and bring in experts to teach music, Spanish, gymnastics, and more.
Lastly, the hours at CLP are great. My wife and I both work and the 6:30 pick up time is a life saver.

My oldest daughter went to preschool at CLP a year ago and we had a great experience. It really helped with the transition to full day kindergarten. She is an incredibly shy kid and really blossomed at CLP. We tried a different daycare when she was younger and I was traumatized by the experience so it took a lot for CLP to convince me they were the real deal :)
Last year I had another little girl and turned to CLP once again for our nursery school needs. I was way more apprehensive sending a teeny one to CLP than a 5 year old and my boyfriend was downright terrified. I must say they have once again blown me away. They are not only great with my little girl they are awesome with my nervous boyfriend! They calm us all down. They are there for us at all times. They are very understanding and helpful… we are spoiled here!
I recently started a new job in the suburbs so our family looked into moving. One of the main reasons we decided to stay in Chicago was because of CLP. We toured other facilities in the burbs and we were not impressed and the prices were pretty much the same. However the biggest reason we stayed is because CLP is family to us. The teachers in other rooms all know your face and a lot of them even know your name. I regularly see the owners and it seems a lot of the teachers own children go to CLP.
I couldn’t dream of taking my lil one away from her family at CLP…

I toured this daycare and was not impressed. There is a long row of cribs with babies in them who wake up and no one notices. The place seemed really cramped.

Amazing. I, like other parents have always been really weary about trusting strangers with my two little ones. My youngest girl is attached to my hip and I knew when I returned to work leaving her was going to be near impossible. I had left her with her aunt and cousins for a couple days and she cried for 7 hours straight every day, so I knew leaving her with strangers was not going to work. I went with her on her first day and of course she cried, but only for an hour or so. I dont know what it is about the place, but they are excited to go, and they get upset now only when I stay at home.

CLP is a wonderful place for our child to learn. We have been more than happy with our son’s results since the beginning. My niece also attends and she is brighter than the sun and mostly due to CLP’s teacher’s educating.
Their hours are so convenient with my schedule and husbands and the tuition is very affordable. The teachers and staff are so friendly and approachable they are beyond our expectations. We love it here at CLP and so does my son! Sign up now on the waiting list because it is worth the wait.
–R. Clancy

I cannot say enough good things about this place. I know the waiting list is not short but please believe me when I say that the wait is worth it. I have a 2.5 year old daughter in CLP and she has been there since she was 1 years old. Every classroom she has been in offers great classes and learning experiences. The teachers are all wonderful and make my job as a parents that much easier… they give me full reports daily and even have stand-​by nannies for when my daughter is sick and I still have to work. When I look at Lila’s meals for the week I am so envious of the well-​rounded and organic meals that CLP offers that I want to stop by for lunch. If you have the option to enroll your child here then do not hesitate.

If any one is considering this place, please do so ! My daughter has been there for three years and by far in comparison to other daycare facilities in the city this one is top notch. The activities are interactive and encourage hands on participation. They include science experiments, cooking and painting. The fieldtrips are incredible experiences for the kids from museums to parks to even tipsy cake. All the food is organic and the menu is well balanced. The teachers have an extremely low turn over and all have terrific attitudes. You can tell they have a wonderful work environment. There are parent’s nights out, great get togethers over holidays, a graduation, ect.
We absolutely LOVE it there! Our daughter has special needs and the team there treats her just like everyone else. She has grown so much there. I would trust them with any and all ages of children.
The evaluations are exceptional and you always know how your child is developing. You also know what the kids are doing during the day since they take a zillion photos.
Terrific place!

Our 2.5 year old daughter has been attending CLP since she was approximately 16 months old. They are tremendous! Our girl is well adjusted and learning at a great pace. She can count to 10 in French, Spanish and English and recently came home singing «take me out the the ballgame.» She loves it when I drop her off and it is hard to get her to leave. The children go on field trips to the museums and nearby parks. They eat all organic foods. The teachers and administration are top notch and I highly recommend this place to my family and friends. We love CLP!

My son started here just after they opened, when he was about one, and stayed about a year and a half – until we moved out of town a few months ago. Unfortunately, my standards for a daycare are now impossibly high. This is an awesome place to send your kid. It has the perfect mix of «school» and free playtime. There is a curriculum for teaching letters, colors, animails, etc.; daily sheets detailing how your kid’s day went; «parent-​teacher conferences» every three months; and detailed record-​keeping on your kid’s development. The communication is amazing, which is so important when you are leaving your precious snowflake there all day every day. My son learned so much, and loved his teachers and friends. Miss Arlinda is particularly great, if you are lucky enough to land in her classroom, as we did. And the owner/​director, Miss Alicia, is a bundle of friendly energy who is always around keeping things running smoothly. Her husband is also often around helping out, and her son is enrolled, so despite its size and professionalism, there is a touch of «family» feel here. The receptionist knows everyone’s name, and the whole place has a friendly, happy vibe. You get the feeling that the people who work there really love what they do. My son’s new «school» has five acres, a rabbit, chickens, cherry trees, and a pumpkin patch, but I still miss CLP …

As a first time mom, I was extremely nervous at the thought of leaving my three month old child in the care of strangers. That is until I met Alica the owner of CLP and her top notch staff. The location is very convenient for anyone who lives in the Bucktown/​Wicker/​Ukranian Village area and has a loading zone right in front that makes drop off and pick up a breeze. My son has thrived in this environment over the past year+ and gets to participate in art, singing, reading as well as many other activities. He is fed organic/​natural meals for breakfast, lunch and snacks and the parents of CLP get to reap the benefits one a month for a «parents night out». Special shout out to Stephanie S and Ms. Tiffany for being extra sweet and 100% genuine. I highly recommend this daycare facility.

YES! YES! YES!
I was so daunted by the idea of selecting a childcare facility for my daughter. You see, we never planned on needing it. I planned to stay home with my children — until my second baby daughter came along. She was very sick for the first 3 months and we just didn’t have a choice. My older daughter desperately needed to get outside (our 2^nd baby was born end of May and we spent an entire month in the house).
CLP was the perfect answer. We started at their downtown facility until Bucktown was ready. But wow! I was impressed day 1. The teachers were so sweet with my daughter and she is very shy. I went to class with her for an hour each day during my baby’s nap (she napped in the carseat while we sat in class). It helped my toddler get acclimated with the school.
Then when the Bucktown facility opened — it was like magic! A few of the teachers came over from the downtown location. Everything was brand spanking new. They served organic food. They served them breakfast (so I didn’t have to worry about it in the morning). They gave us detailed daily reports of everything down to how many times they went potty. When we started potty training, they helped with that too. Additionally, they had parent’s night out one friday a month. You could bring your kids in for snacks and a movie and the parents could go out on a date.
I can’t say enough about this wonderful establishment. I can’t wait for my older daughter to go to school there. :)