West Town is an edgy, urban neighborhood that’s shaped by diverse cultures and influences. It’s attracted artists and students for decades, fostering a fun bohemian culture.
The community spans areas many would consider distinct neighborhoods—Wicker Park, Noble Square, and Ukrainian Village. Residents love the quaint, walkable districts and unique shops. They also appreciate the booming restaurants and cultural events.
1. Caterpillar Care
Caterpillar Care is a west town daycare center that nurtures children’s development by fostering a warm and welcoming environment. They believe that young minds should be stimulated through discovery, creativity, and play. This is why they integrate the best concepts from various philosophies of child education to provide a truly unique and enriching experience for every family that chooses them as their provider. They also take great pride in their environmental sustainability efforts and have recently received the Stellar Business Award for their innovative approach to child education.
Located in the West Town area, near Anne Loftus Park and Payson Playground, this licensed childcare facility offers an intimate setting for infants through preschool age children. They offer a variety of educational activities and hands-on experiences that encourage independence and age-appropriate development through exploration. The staff at Caterpillar Care also takes great care to ensure the safety of their students by implementing a comprehensive safety and security plan.
Parents have access to detailed information about their child’s progress through an online portal. This allows them to monitor their child’s progress and communicate with teachers at any time. The facility also provides healthy meals and snacks throughout the day.
In addition, Caterpillar Care is committed to supporting the communities they serve. They have invested in programs and projects around the world to build resilient communities. The foundation’s work in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, workforce readiness, natural infrastructure, access to basic services, and disaster relief has helped many families improve their lives.
This agreement is governed by the laws of the state of illinois, without regard to its choice of law provisions. any disputes arising out of this agreement shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the commercial arbitration rules of the american arbitrators association. both you and caterpillar care, corporation agree to waive any right to trial by jury in any dispute arising out of or relating to this agreement.
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2. Kemit Academy
Kemit Academy offers a nurturing setting dedicated to fostering curiosity and encouraging a passion for learning in children. Its convenient operating hours, emphasis on children’s safety, and strong communication with parents position it as a premier childcare provider in the area.
The Proska Park Area is a family-friendly neighborhood with a friendly atmosphere and easy access to local parks, schools, and amenities. Known for its affordable housing options, the area combines suburban peace with the sense of community that makes it a great place to raise a family.
Located on the western edge of Oak Park, this diverse community focuses on residential comfort and convenience. With accessible transport links and a range of local services, the neighborhood maintains a tight-knit feel while welcoming new residents and promoting economic growth.
The community is home to many parks and landmarks, including the Oak Park Conservatory. This serene green space is an ideal location for nature-based educational activities that foster environmental awareness and a deeper respect for biodiversity. Kemit Academy regularly visits the park as part of its science and ecology curricula, enabling students to learn through engaging outdoor experiences.
Another notable local attraction is Freedom Park, a hub for recreational activities and natural beauty. Known for its playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails, the park is an ideal setting for physical education and team-building exercises. Kemit Academy uses the park for outdoor classes and activities, allowing children to embrace fitness in a fun-filled environment.
Central Berwyn is a lively neighborhood with a wide variety of residential and commercial activities. Its well-preserved bungalows and Victorian houses reflect the community’s rich history and serve as a source of inspiration for local artists and entrepreneurs. Located along West North Avenue, the area is an important economic hub and features a selection of shops and cultural sites that provide a unique blend of commerce and community. Kemit Academy uses excursions to the area as a means of exposing students to local commerce and building a strong appreciation for their own community.
3. Allison’s Infant & Toddler Center
This distinguished Developmental Child Care (DCC) facility is known for its dedicated staff and specialized academic programs that support children’s holistic growth. From music classes to outdoor play, Allison’s Infant & Toddler Center offers a nurturing educational environment where children can thrive.
As gun violence ravaged her Englewood neighborhood, Allison Perkins-Caldwell knew that to make a lasting change in her community, she had to start with its youth. She founded Allison’s Infant & Toddler Center in 2004 with a mission of empowering kids through positive experiences.
Located in the heart of Chicago, Allison’s has multiple locations in the city’s most underserved communities. Each location provides a safe, nurturing environment where kids are encouraged to explore their creativity and express themselves freely. Allison’s also teaches kids about social responsibility and how they can help make their own positive impact on the world around them.
With a focus on the well-being and individual needs of each child, Allison’s Infant & Toddler is an ideal choice for parents who want their kids to have the best start in life. The company’s founder, Allison, has a military background and a passion for helping her community.
Having served in the Army National Guard, Allison has a deep understanding of the importance of providing safe environments for kids to learn and grow. She has built a network of trusted providers and partners to ensure that every kid gets the care they need. Allison has also established a number of community outreach programs to connect kids with their families and encourage them to engage in positive activities.
4. Community Hills Early Learning Center
Aside from offering child care, Community Hills Early Learning Center provides a variety of other services. They provide education, housing, health care and career technical training to individuals in the community. Their holistic approach enables them to empower people with the resources they need to thrive.
The center offers both full-time and part-time programs for infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children. Instruction is guided by a research-backed curriculum, even for the youngest students. In fact, Sherrer El intentionally named the facility a “learning center” rather than a “care center.” She hopes the choice sends a message that even the youngest students can learn in a high-quality environment.
Despite the many benefits of quality early learning, access to affordable, safe childcare remains a struggle for families and providers across New York City. While federal funding during the COVID-19 pandemic enabled some centers to continue operating, the loss of this support has forced many to close and others to scale back. The city’s licensing and accreditation systems, which outline minimum provider qualifications and training requirements, are an important starting point, but they alone will not address the current shortage of quality childcare.
To reduce the financial burden of child care for parents and to give providers a more sustainable income, the Comptroller’s office is proposing a comprehensive package of solutions. NYC Under 3 calls for a $500 million capital commitment to build more space for infants and toddlers, with priority given to providers located in neighborhoods that currently have a low ratio of child care capacity to births.
The plan also includes start-up and expansion grants for child care providers who are poised to add seats in infant and toddler classrooms, with a focus on the City’s lowest-income communities. It will also provide a grant program that provides subsidies to pay for training and professional development for child care providers. Finally, it will expand the educational Incentive Program to include home-based providers, whose workforce often lacks the financial resources and training opportunities offered by the City’s center-based programs. This will allow more child care educators to earn a Child Development Associate credential and build the skills and confidence to improve their own programs.
