We were only at Green Beginnings for 6 months during the brief time we lived in West Town, but GB made a lasting impact on me and my family! Special thanks to Krissy who did a virtual tour with us via Zoom when we were still living halfway across the country at the time. Once we moved to Chicago, we really appreciated the first few transitional half-days before the official start date. This not only helped ease our child into a new routine, but also eased our minds as well (so helpful as parents who, at the time, were doing childcare for the first time). We loved the community that existed at the center. Krissy and Katie were great at hosting everything from themed events to monthly family gatherings. All the outings were a fun way to meet and connect with other families. Although we're in the Chicago suburbs now and at a different school, we still think back fondly to our time at GB. Thank you for truly being the first place to make us feel at home in Chicagoland! read more

After 7.5 years, my family just made our final tuition payment at Green Beginnings and I truly believe it to be the best money we have spent in the most formative years of our children's lives. For those of you who are new to the daycare search, you have to know Green Beginnings has the best aspects of whatever it is you are looking for. Admirable, Local Ownership . Green Beginnings is a WOMEN-OWNED, local business, fully operated by two incredible ladies - Katie Darcy and Krissy Ramirez. They are compassionate educators (former CPS kindergarten teachers) and contemporary professionals that just genuinely love kids. They run the whole business and when you see Krissy there at 6am every day and Katie there past 6pm every night, you also just see how your money is going to some strong AF, hard-working women who are physically present, emotionally and professionally supporting the staff and families every. single. day. Reliability & Retention But seriously, I swear these women don't take a day off (probably because they know you can't take a day off!). They are reliable and supportive and it shows in how they retain teacher talent for YEARS. Several teachers that cared for my almost 8 year old as an infant are STILL THERE and they are happy and thriving. (For those of you who are new to the daycare search, this is not the normal. Often times, the door on daycares rotates so quickly it's concerning, but not at Green Beginnings). I see the same teachers welcome my son every single morning and he runs to them willingly, always excited about the day ahead. Teachers The teachers are warm and loving, trained in early education, and also excellent communicators. They send thorough email updates once a week that detail all of what your child learned / studied, while not overwhelming you with too much information. Some daycares have an app where they post pictures all day for you, but I think GB is smart and strategic for not doing that. For one, they want the teachers engaging your child instead of pulling out their phone and photographing them. For two, they also want to let you do your job and don't see value in distracting you all day. Routine I have 3 kids and 7 years of sample data with which I can say GB creates kids that are comfortable with schedules and emotionally regulated. The toddlers know how to follow directions and operate many tasks independently before they even turn 2. Very importantly, they also know how to nap. Sustainability The meals/menu at GB are nutritious - organic, sourced locally and filled with variety. (You send their food for the first few months while they're an infant, but after that - all snacks and meals are covered within the tuition). As a result of all the early food exposure, I have some very open-minded eaters that willingly crush fruits and vegetables. Safety, Citizenship & Diversity GB is located on the outskirts of the West Loop, just as you enter West Town. The spot is close enough to the loop to be convenient for downtown commuters, but just far enough outside of the loop to be safe and easy to park. By nature of the location, the surrounding population is truly multicultural and I love that Green Beginnings doesn't shy away. The teachers routinely take the kids on walks around the neighborhood, often over to Union Park to play. I've seen them do it and the way the kids listen to these teachers, cooperate and hold hands is MIND BOGGLING. The staff is so on it they are basically training your toddler in city safety. Doing so makes you child safety-minded citizens when on walks with you too! Front Desk I can't sleep on the administrative support and front desk staff at GB. They are a treasure. Again, the same trusted women have greeted us every day of the 7 years we've gone there; they keep chit chat short, warm and 100% non-judging (and there were LOTS of mornings that merited judgement!). If you need paperwork for taxes or a schedule adjustment - they've got you. They're easy to communicate with and quick to respond to email. Affordability Lastly (and arguably the most valuable detail) - Green Beginnings is affordable and priced correctly. We're moving and, only because of that, I've recently started looking at the price of alternative child care. The GB monthly tuition is comparable to SOME other full time daycares I've researched but lower and more flexible than MANY. Daycare is a huge expense for most families in the city and GB understands that. They run a lean operation to keep the cost accessible while still paying their team well. Inside the window of their office is a little wooden sign that says "little girls with dreams become women of vision" and seeing it everyday reminds me that their commitment to their careers is what has fully allowed me to commit to mine. I'm eternally grateful to them for providing our family this incredible foundation for the last 8 years. read more

See all

Green Beginnings is truly amazing. We have both of our children at GB and could not be more satisfied! We made a switch from nanny to daycare and while we were anxious at first, those anxieties quickly went away within the first couple of days. This place has got it going on. It is so organized, so structured, so thought-through - in all the right and comforting ways. It operates so smoothly and is so well coordinated and connected, without being rigid or stiff. Katie and Krissy, the owners, are such genuine people. They are warm and welcoming. They make you feel right at home and instantly comfortable with your children being there all day. Honestly, every day I look forward to seeing each of them. They have a staff of equally genuine people. All of the teachers and assistants are so friendly, so calm and so "on top of it". I am amazed at what they are able to do day in and day out. They are so good with children of all ages and have a personal touch on all interactions. Curriculum and learnings are also wonderful and it's great to see the weekly updates / photos of what they are doing each week. The layout of the classrooms and general facility is great. It's thought-through, it flows well, it's an open space concept for the older kids and that's just great. It's clean and neat and tidy. There is always fun stuff happening on the walls and updated for birthdays, holidays, festivities, etc. What a gem of place! We are so happy here. read more

Green Beginnings is incredible! I truly cannot say enough positive things about the staff and the curriculum. My son, now 3, has been at GB since he was 4 months old and has thrived. The owners, Katie and Krissy, are so involved and hands on with the kids. My son gets upset on the weekends when he can't go to school to see his "best friend Ms. Delilah." (one of the amazing teachers at GB). I would recommend Green Beginnings to everyone!! read more

We were SO lucky to have discovered Green Beginnings after frantically pulling our 16 month old daughter from another daycare that didn't meet our needs. We were on high alert and nervous to start somewhere new... and I'm happy to say we have been blown away by our experience. When you join GB you will be warmly welcomed and throroughtly informed about all aspects of their program. You will be listened to and your child will be given a comfortable approach to transitioning into the program, with intentional, loving, experienced and capable teachers, staff and most importantly, leadership. You can expect clear and consistent communication, an immaculately clean and bright physical space, and creative, thoughtful programming that will keep your children learning, engaged and happy all day long. I am so impressed with GB. We toured many daycares and there is nothing out there quite like this. It has been an amazing choice for our daughter and our family and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a calm, educational, comforting and personalized daycare experience. read more

A place to foster babies all the way up to toddlers. My child loves all her teachers and classmates there. Often times, kids don't even want to leave when it's pick up time. I also appreciate the directors creates opportunities for families to know each other. I witness countless learnings and-- dare I say, wisdoms that my child have acquired through Green Beginnings that they couldn't have if they didn't go here. read more

Green Beginnings is our extended family. Our son was born in June 2017 and prior my maternity leave, we made sure to tour daycares in the West Loop/West Town neighborhoods. First on our list and highly recommended via coworkers, was GB. As new parents, evaluating the spaces and teachers your child will spend 3-5 days a week, we came prepared with our long list of must-haves: 1. Credentials: Directors have extensive childhood development and CPS experience. Teachers have a background in Early Childhood Development and invest in continuing education/certification training. 2. Environment: Safe, clean, healthy, organized, open, bright (natural light = bonus), and visually stimulating. 3. Curriculum: Overall development of sensory, motor and social skills. 4. Community: Opportunities to connect with and learn from other parents, teachers, etc. Every family is welcomed with love in the GB Family. In total, we toured four daycares, all were good options but Green Beginnings was the BEST option for us. It's been four years now and our family has built friendships with students and their families that will last forever read more

Cannot describe how much of a "family" this place is. Not only will they know your child, but they will know all the best ways possible to help your child develop. I cannot thank GB enough for their teachers and admin to show the love and care for my son. He is striving and looks forward for to seeing his family every day weekday! read more

You truly could not ask for a more caring group of teachers and owners! As any parent knows, sending your infant off to daycare can be a stressful time but this group truly does everything in their power to ensure you and your child are comfortable, happy and thriving. Also, the facility is bright, fun and buzzing with happy energy. We were truly sad to leave the GB community when we moved, but grateful for all their love, attention and dedication to our child's learning and development. read more

When we found out we were pregnant with our first, we did an extensive amount of research on daycares. All signs pointed to Green Beginnings, so we signed our daughter up with a start date right at the expiration of our parental leaves (she was 12 weeks old). The owners are awesome, hands-on, there every day, both CPS veterans, and know every student, their stories, and their needs. The teachers are fantastic as well, our daughter lights up when she's Ms. Larrita, who runs the Seedlings (Infant) room. We're so happy we found this place. If you're debating whether this is the place for your little ones or not or not, stop. This is the place! read more

Can't recommend this place enough! Sending your firstborn to daycare can be an intimidating process, but I felt so comfortable sending our son here. The feel is unlike any other daycare - family oriented, creative, bright, and collaborative. They've really created something special! All of the teachers and directors genuinely care about your child. They have many family events to meet other families, in fact we've met some amazing friends we will be in touch for life with. Our son has truly thrived here. Thank you GB family! read more

We have all three of our kids at Green Beginnings and love it! GB is everything you want in childcare with loyal founders that care for kids and family, low turnover of teachers, and seamless transition between levels of development without the additional cost of corporate overheard and marketing. A gem in the west loop that shouldn't be hidden! read more

Our son attended Green Beginnings for 1,5 years and we have been super happy with the care he has gotten ! The owners are wonderful and very involved. We loved the sprouts and buds room for our son, they do the most creative, fun and educational activities. Recommend !! read more

We absolutely LOVED Green Beginnings! When my son was an infant it was the best place with the most caring and lovely people. Trusting someone with your child is a very tough decision and GB us one I would make over again in a heartbeat! read more

Words cannot express how much I love Green Beginnings. My son started at 12 weeks old, and it's amazing how much he's grown under the guidance of his teachers. My son's development plan is personalized for what he needs; he doesn't follow a generic development template based on his age but is instead given help and encouragement in the areas most needed. But the real value in Green Beginnings is the people. My son's teachers truly care about him. Katie and Krissy, the directors, are warm, wonderful women who want to best for my son and my family. They know every child's name and story, proof that each one's development is important to them. Family events are hosted frequently, and community is a big focus. There's no other place like Green Beginnings, and I'm so happy I found this kind of care for my son. read more

Almost a year and a half later, and we're still here despite the overwhelming options in the city. My love for GB continues to grow parallel to our child's progress that she has made since her first day here. One thing that stands out to me here is the sense of community. GB provides plenty of opportunity for families to know each other so we're not just awkwardly passing each other by at drop-off. From family breakfasts to holiday events to field trips to fundraisers...GB really cares not only about the students but the community overall. I have to admit that our child had some personal challenges, but GB walked along with us every step of the way without making us feel like we were bad parents. I think it's a sensitive topic--something that's hard to talk about. They continued to provide consistent love, care, and support and our kid eventually blossomed into who she is today. Her progress continues to make us so happy. Our kid made a complete 180, and I owe it a lot to everyone here. read more

My daughter attended GB from 4 months to 16 months and we had the best experience. The teachers are all very kind, warm, and nurturing women. The owners Katie and Krissy are also the directors and very hands on. They are always available and helping out in the classrooms. From making friends, doing art projects, reading, singing, dancing- my daughter has truly thrived at GB. She has learned things I would never have thought to teach her on my own. We only took her out because we moved to a new area and the commute was too much. After being in a new daycare, I have even more appreciation for GB and how great their staff is. We really miss them! read more

We could not love this school more. We toured nearly every daycare in the west loop and found GB to be very special. Our 3 year old twins thrived in the preschool program. We loved that they offered a part time option. The teachers are warm, caring and educated. The curriculum is excellent. There is a very low turnover rate which is more rare in this field. We highly recommend this school. There is usually a waitlist so apply early. read more

My daughter and our family love Green Beginnings! She is truly excited to go to school everyday. There is such a sense of community! The projects she completes on a daily basis, the connections that she has made with the teachers, the socialization with kids her age, and the encouragement for her independence I truly know has made her a better person. read more

Such a loving and caring team. We loved every moment at GB and knew that he was in great hands. The directors and teachers are warm, loving, and genuinely care for the kids. read more

My daughter has attended GB since she was 15 months. She goes part time, which is really convenient to have as an option at a day care. The entire staff is super friendly and extremely caring, providing feedback as soon as we walk in the door. Our daughter clearly loves the staff as well, which was a great relief. I would recommend a visiting tour to anyone searching for possible daycare. You will feel the warmth of the staff and directors as soon as you are greeted. read more

I am truly unable to find the words to express how grateful we are for Krissy, Katie and the whole Green beginnings Team! They have had such a positive impact on our family and have been the biggest support, especially during these Covid years. Not only have they helped my children build strong and solid foundations but they do it with so much love and warmth. My kids would get excited to go to daycare every morning. It was their home away from home. That is the type of environment they have created. All the teachers are caring and nurturing and the facilities and curriculum are second to none! I genuinely cannot recommend this place more! They have become our extended family. read more

We switched our toddler to Green Beginnings in the middle of the pandemic, and they have been absolutely wonderful - the staff/teachers and owners too. Our son has THRIVED, is now fully potty trained and is learning to count and identify letters. Their play-based curriculum really resonates with us and we love that they offer such a supportive environment. He loves going to school and sometimes even calls me by his teacher's name he loves them all so much :) read more

Don't waste your deposit because you are never getting in. Total communication breakdown with the management of the waiting list. They have no method. They just take your money and keep pushing the date out further and further. They never contact you that availability is pushed back. Go elsewhere. read more

What a well-thought out and planned child care center! This shiny and new operation opened this month and is quite impressive to see. I was lucky to tour Green Beginnings and I highly recommend doing this. The space was re-done with bamboo floors, brand new kitchen, spacious bathrooms, etc. Much of the furniture is from the company Community Playthings, which is top of the line. Ok, enough about how it looks because the most important part of a child care center are the teachers and curriculum/programming. Started by two long-time CPS teachers, they know their stuff. The programs cover everything to make children well-rounded and ready for school. I have no qualms about enrolling my child here. This new child care center will fill up fast once word gets out. What a gem to have in Chicago and I love the "green" theme! read more

Our daughter has been a Seedling at GB for almost 7 months and our experience has been beyond positive. Prior to finding GB, my husband and I toured other daycare facilities and interviewed nannies but it wasn't until we visited GB with our 8 week old that we finally had the "aha" moment and got the positive vibes. At first glance, we loved the lay out, the vibrant colors and the small to medium size. The facilities are immacutlate and cleaned daily. We also loved the green mission. We were also really impressed with the owners/directors and their longterm plan for GB and the CPS teaching background. The teachers in the Seeding room are amazing. We receive weekly emails of the Seedlings lesson plan and photos all the time of the kids interacting and learning. All the teachers are extremely friendly. I have first hand experience with the Seedling teachers and they are wonderful. We feel that our daughter's activity level, language and growth is a direct result of the care and attention that the teachers give her all day long. read more

We started our childcare search when I was 7 months pregnant (knowing the good options are in high demand). We had a spreadsheet of over 15 daycares, home daycares, and nanny options within a 2 mile radius. We decided on GB because of the warmth of the staff. The main thing we want for our daughter is to feel loved. The staff have provided a rich, educational experience since day one. It's been 4 months since we started (little one is 6 months old) and has been awesome getting to know the Seedling Teachers. They all have a unique relationship with our baby, have been consistent (no turn-over), and many of the staff are working towards or have an early childhood education degree. The curriculum is very creative, and we love getting weekly reports and pictures of the little one. GB offers plenty of opportunities to get to know other families and participate - which definitely feels more like a school than a daycare. We look forward to watching our baby girl grow up within the GB community! read more

My 3 year old son just started at Green Beginnings about a month ago and I cannot tell you enough how happy I am with the growth I see with him, in just a month. Every teacher here seems to love what they do: nurturing, caring, patient with kids. And most importantly my son love it here. read more

Green Beginnings - First day at Green Beginnings - Preschools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I cannot begin to explain how thankful that my wife and I found Green Beginnings for our daycare needs. Calling it a daycare is almost unfair; it is more of a school and the owners (Katie & Krissy) and their staff do a wonderful job in creating a sense of community and learning for all of the kids. We sent our first child there and were extremely scared to do so being new parents; immediately we were put at ease by the staff at Green Beginnings. They are trust worthy, health conscious, and very safe. The progress that my children (we ended up sending both of our kids there) made cannot be measured; it was incredible. My kids were exposed to learning, structure, art, science, music, reading, as well as exposure to socializing with other children. Green Beginnings creates a sense of community for the parents as well; there are tons of fun events that families can attend and get to know one another. Honestly I could go on forever about how great GB is and how thankful I am for their involvement in the early childhood development of my children, but all I can really say is that I couldn't recommend anything more than I recommend GB. If you're still looking at daycares....stop and go to GB, you and your kid(s) will be all the better for it. read more

My son attends GB, he attended two other childcare centers prior to GB. We just weren't crazy about the level of care he was getting at the other two. He settled into GB so nicely. the teachers and staff are amazing. Katie, Krissy and the entire GB staff are genuinely interested in the progression and well-being of each child. They really nurture the children by working with them on all of the behavioral engagement, but also with sensory skills and exercise. GB isn't just a day care, it's more like a school. Our son loves it there, and everyone who works there, knows him by name. I would recommend to anyone! read more

We sadly just left GB to start a pre-k program but Ms. Devon, Katie and Krissy are amazing. My son was in the morning glories program 3 days a week. He was always so excited to see Ms. Devon and learn from her. GB is one of few half day options in the area and the only one that lets you pick days. The flexibility, cleanliness, awesome staff, communication are just a few things I love about this place. Katie and Krissy, the directors, are involved on a day to day basis. I saw one, if not both of them, everyday at either drop off or pick up. You can really tell they care about this place. My son really thrived here....I was so sad to leave. They do so many neat things here...hatch chicks, kids kitchen which was always a hit at my house, grow plants, family breakfasts so parents can meet other parents, I could go on and on. Thank you GB for a great experience! read more

I highly recommend Green Beginnings. After doing much research and visits to child care facilities in the area, I decided to send my infant son to Green Beginnings and have been happy with my decision every since. Their space is safe, open, clean and bright. Everyone from the owners to the front desk staff to the teachers, especially the Seedling teachers, are so welcoming and caring towards both my son and me. They do a wonderful job at creating a curriculum that fosters learning, creativity and physical and social development, and I also feel that communication with GB is also very open and frequent. I can tell my son loves his school and teachers, and his eyes light up with excitement and curiosity every time we walk through the door. read more

We've been taking our two year old son to Green Beginnings since he was three months old. He loves going here. They do an awesome job and take very good care of the kids. I would highly recommend Green Beginnings. read more

We cannot say enough good things about our experience at Green Beginnings! They are an extension of our family and have taken such good care of our daughter from 6 months old until now (almost 5 years). Our daughter is moving onto Kindergarten in a few short days, and I am truly sad to leave the GB community. However, I am also so incredibly thankful as Green Beginnings has prepared her more than I ever could have imagined. The teachers here truly love and care for the children, and the children have such enriching and full days. The teachers have gone above and beyond to show their care - including coming to my daughter's birthday parties over the years (even though they didn't have to and it was outside their working hours!) Also, the two directors are amazing women who take all the right steps to create this amazing day care / pre-school experience each and every day. From navigating the pandemic like champions, to properly caring for our daughter's food allergies, to reassuring me with hugs and words the day I first dropped her off as a baby, to planning age appropriate lessons and activities for the children - this place is amazing and your children will be in good hands!! read more

My husband and I enrolled our daughter at Green Beginnings when she was just 14 weeks old. While going back to work after maternity leave was one of the more difficult decisions I had to make, leaving our daughter with the teachers in the Seedlings (infant) room made it easier. Knowing that Ms. Larrita, the Seedlings' head teacher, had been there since Green Beginnings first opened made the transition easier, and soon our daughter formed a sweet bond with all of her teachers, Ms. Larrita, Ms. Sharlene, Ms. Crystal, and Ms. Kira. What mattered most to us, especially when our daughter was still so little, was that she was nurtured and loved during her time at daycare. Her teachers did that and so much more. We could not be happier. After 10 wonderful months, we recently moved and had to take our daughter out of Green Beginnings and enroll her in daycare closer to our home in the suburbs. While she enjoys her new daycare, we are now even more aware of how special the Green Beginnings family is. We will miss them dearly. read more

My son has been attending Green Beginnings for about 5 months now and my husband and I couldn't be any happier. Before deciding on Green Beginnings we toured around 7 or 8 daycares and chose GB because of its family environment. The directors/owners at GB are teachers and are very much involved in the day to day at GB. One of them is always there, and not just in the office, but in the classrooms with the children. They are very hands on. The teachers are great. All the teachers know my son's name, even if he is not in their class. They are all extremely sweet and attentive to his needs. Also, they all have degrees in early education. You won't have any issues with teachers leaving the center since they have all been there a long time. The growth we've seen in our son is amazing! He is much more verbal, independent and outgoing. He feels at home at GB! He absolutely loves it. Every time we get there on Monday morning he is eager to go in and almost doesn't even wave goodbye. We would recommend GB to anyone looking for good quality early education for their children. read more

Our daughter attended Green Beginnings for 2 years from 8 months to nearly 3yo. She has flourished at GB and teachers like Ms Lily, Ms Gisela and Ms Janet have cared for our daughter with warmth and incredible attention. She's made friends and learned a lot and was truly happy here. It's a great community of families and we'd have kept our daughter in this daycare longer if it were closer to our home. read more

Green Beginning Review My son has been going there since age 2 and not once have I felt that there would be a better place for him. It has been a wonderful environment. Green Beginning has a sense of family and warmth and the staff has felt less like people we pay to watch our son and more like loving people who are walking beside is in our journey of raising a child. The staff has helped our son be potty trained and has helped him to speak more clearly and be more confident. It's been a wonderful place for him to make memories and I will be sad when his time there ends. Special Thanks to Miss Janice, Miss Liz, Miss Maria, Miss Margaret and Miss Manira.) read more

We're sending our infant son here to the Seedlings room and could not be happier. The space is beautiful, all new with bamboo flooring, high ceilings and overall just feels warm and "homey." It's run by two former school teachers who are young, energetic and passionate. Their programs include some really thoughtful and creative ideas that I didn't see at all the other daycares in Chi including a kid-friendly kitchen. They get outside a ton, which is awesome. The whole staff has been really helpful, considerate, patient and flexible during my and my little man's transition into daycare. It's also convenient to driving into the loop and right off the green line. I'm very comfortable leaving my son here everyday in their care and will recommend to friends. read more

My son has been attending GB for the last 4 months and so far it has been great! He started in the "Seedlings" room for under 2 year olds, and then he transitioned to the "Buds" room for 2 year olds. The teachers and staff made the transition so smooth and he is learning so much every day, he seriously never wants to leave when I go to pick him up! I love that they serve the kids an organic breakfast, lunch and snack, so I don't have to worry about packing him food. read more