Preschool / Child Care Center in Chicago, IL

Smart Love Preschool:
Smart Love Preschool offers a play-based curriculum within an eco-friendly environment as five day or half day (morning and afternoon) care programs for toddlers and children of 3- 5 years. Located in North Side Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, near Irving Park and the Lake, Smart Love Preschool serves families from Lakeview, Ravenswood, Irving Park, Avondale and surrounding Northside communities. The Smart Love philosophy has been successfully applied by trained professionals in a broad range of settings for over three decades.

Toddler Explorations Program:
Smart Love's new early preschool class for parents and toddlers (15-36 months.). We have created a unique and inspiring program designed especially for your child's optimal development. Our teachers have integrated messy arts and creations, spacious motor play and lively group times, with the Smart Love™ approach.

Meet like-minded parents in your community at the toddler classes, as well as at our complimentary evening parent seminars, focused on supporting families raising young and school-age children. There is so much to be a part of at Smart Love.

Preschool Program:

Welcome and Transition Play Time:
The children arrive, take off their shoes, hang their backpack in their cubby and wash hands. The teachers welcome the children and the children greet each other.

To help with transitions from home to school, children choose from several enticing and enjoyable activities that have been set up in the room for them.

Well-Being Together Time:
We will say our hellos together on the big rug with our special welcome song, notice who is here and who is absent, check the weather, listen to a child's show and tell, or engage in a fun group activity such as creative movement or yoga.

Child's Choice:
The children can make choices as to what they enjoy doing during this time. Areas of play include: the block corner, water play and nature station, messy arts and crafts, puzzles, dress-up and play kitchen, or a comfy book nook.

Snack Time:
Children wash their hands and have a bathroom break and then sit down for a healthy snack and lively conversation.

Learning is Fun:
Theme-based, age appropriate content will be taught in an engaging way that stimulates children's natural curiosity about the world around them and incorporates early math and literacy skills. Examples might be a child-friendly custom, art or music from our own or another culture, a nature project like building nests or creating a village. Children may visit the Children's Library for storytelling, puppet theatre or magic shows.

Outdoor Time:
Children play outdoors, tend the children's garden or create their own imaginary fun. Teachers will engage the children in fun outdoor games and activities.

Good-Bye Time: 
Children and teachers, sing, wriggle and dance a group good-bye.