My son has been going to Haven for Tots for a year and a half now. When we moved to Oak Lawn during…read morethe height of the Pandemic, it was hard to find somewhere with a spot available. Haven was the first place that could accommodate us, so we jumped on in. What a fantastic decision that was. Communication with teachers on eating schedules, the children's learning curriculum, and their daily activities was wide open. We get daily updates, photos, and progress reports monthly to track the progress of our little one and things we can help him work on at home. There's also a monthly news letter that goes out about birthdays, the focuses on each classroom for the month, Holidays, and upcoming events. They spend ample time outside when the weather permits, allowing the children to get fresh air and experience a form of nature. They also have them learning English and Spanish which helps with the growing Hispanic cultures of the Chicagoland area. We've developed such a great bond with the Administrators and Teachers here, and while there is turn over like every daycare, I never felt like the new ones coming on board were less than qualified in their positions. Of course children will be children, sometimes there's bites, and scratches, but we've always been made aware of these instances, and it's been well documented with the DCFS recommendations. As COVID-19 guidelines were loosened up at our friends daycares, the Staff here continued Masking, cleaning schedules for all areas of the facility, and isolation for those with symptoms. Which really made me and my wife feel like they truly cared for the safety and wellbeing of my little one. While I understand this is a touchy subject to some, working in the Healthcare industry, this put me at ease. Their policies and procedures are structured and communicated quickly and efficiently, so you never are guessing on what's going on at the facility. It's also just happens to be one of the cheapest Daycares and Pre-Schools in the area, which is concerning for some, but I never felt like we were paying a "cheap care tax". It's a non-profit, and has been around for decades, and it always felt to me that we were getting way more from our money compared to others in the area. They also are very understanding and accepting of Child Care subsidy programs, Dina the Director puts up a lot with my Federal Employee Child Care Subsidy which requires a lot more information than others. The reviews here that are bad are old, and not at all a representation of the experience we have had here. I send my child here every day during the week, and I trust them with the safety and wellbeing of my Child. He looks forward to going to school, getting excited every morning when we start getting his shoes on screaming "SHOES! SCHOOL!". I look forward to working with them over the next couple of years as my Child grows, and am more than satisfied with our decision to go here. It's worth noting that Haven For Tots is in a Lutheran Church, and is a Christian based Daycare. Which, if you're in the area than you know how common this is. While I did question this before going as our family does not practice but respects others rights to, the most of their religious activities are prayers before meals. Which in the grand scheme of things, is very minor, and there's nothing wrong with saying thanks for food provided. They've found a way to keep their Christian goals acceptable with those that don't follow, without leaving you feeling like something is being forced into your kid's brain. Shout out to Luisa and Dina, who really put us at ease when we first became part of the Haven For Tots family.

Worst response to child abuse from staff and board. 8/19 I dropped off pull ups for my kids at day…read morecare. 8/22 I dropped off clean underwear for them for the week. 8/23 I go and pick up my children and notice my son had on nothing not a pull up or underwear underneath his shorts. When I questioned why I was told by their teacher with a nasty attitude might I add "they need more". Now I knew for a fact they didn't need more because I just brought some and if they needed more of anything no one had informed me. I kindly disagree with the teacher and she comes back with the bag of underwear I dropped off for my children. 8/24 my mom picks up the children for me to take them to a drs apt while I'm at work. She and the teacher had a nasty verbal disagreement in regards to the underwear incident. 8/25 my son throws the nastiest fit ever the entire morning leading up to getting them to daycare as well as after school he was extremely upset. To the point that I recorded these fits in disbelief as to why would my child who is always so happy and excited to run out the door for school was so reluctant to go. I also call DCFS and report the underwear incident this day. 8/26 8:47pm I'm taking my son out of the bath and he's telling me "so and so hit me" I then proceed to record him and ask who hit him, where on his body did they hit him and where were they when this happened. 8/29 DCFS called me to follow up and I make them aware of what my son told me that weekend. They advised me to make a police report. 8/29 at pick up I had the police arrive with me to speak with me about said incidents I've reported to DCFS. I kindly asked the teacher not he arrested considering her child goes to daycare there also and I'm not a monster. Since then I've been emailed letters stating it's in the best Interest of all parties involved that my children remain home until DCFS makes a recommendation(yet I'm being told the teacher was at work that day). Since then I've spoken with DCFS, family attorneys and other parents. I've also tried to contact the daycare personally via phone, email and the app we use to communicate about the children throughout the day. NO RESPONSE AND ALL MY CALLS WERE IGNORED. A letter was sent out to all of the parents EXCEPT me claiming the police were there because "An unfortunate situation occurred with a parent and the Oak Lawn Police Department came to investigate." Apologizing to those students parents for the stress they may have endured. This is wrong on ALL levels. I did what any good parent should ALWAYS do and listen to my child and take whatever he says seriously. I'm highly disappointed in our experience. I'm flabbergasted as the daycares response is to blame the victim and punish the family. Today 11/13 I still have not heard back from DCFS. The daycare refused to answer any calls and the teacher has still been working since the alleged incident. I do have videos of my son telling me what happened. I have videos of him acting out not wanting to go back following the alleged event, as well as letters from the daycare and their response to these incidents. I lost weeks of wages because we were so suddenly "asked" not to come back to daycare. Let's talk about the binder full of "accident reports" my sons accumulated while in their care. A binder full! I'm glad my sons can talk now and tell me what was really going on. If I could give zero stars I WOULD!

Really great daycare. They are kind and friendly. Extremely trustworthy. My 2 year old goes there…read moreand he is so happy there. He's been going since he was 6 months. He knows his ABC's, colors and can count to 20.

My children have attended this daycare for years and I never had a problem this is a great…read moreestablishment and I would bring my grandchildren here when there ready for daycare

I recently interviewed here and the facilities were clean, inviting, and home-like! The Director,…read moreMs. Payne, is so refreshingly professional, kind, courteous, and welcoming. I hope to work here in the near future!

We had our child at JFK for about 7 years. The service was excellent and our child enjoyed going…read morethere. Over that time, there were a few minor issues, but staff resolved the problems to our satisfaction. Although much of the original staff has moved on, the consistency to maintaining a safe environment has been a priority. Special thanks to Ms. Antoinette.

I love everything about this KinderCare facility. My grand daughter has been going to this location…read moresince she was a year old. The staff here care very much about the kids. They pour into them like they're family.

My kids go here. It's a decent experience they love their teachers. Very open and clean facility.read more

Several members of our family have used this child care and been very happy with it. The owner is…read morefriendly and makes the kids feel at home, and they enjoy spending their days here. They have nice toys and outdoor play equipment.

I have Huggie Bear the school is great. My oldest son, who is now nine, went to to the school and…read morehe learned so much. At the tender age of 5 years old my son wrote a song, Beyond Measure, for Shekinah Glory Ministry on the 2nd cd. My two youngest sons attend the school now. This will be my middle sons last year at Huggie Bear. He is so smart. He can do double digit math, multiply, add and subract. He can spell and read. My yougest son is 2 years old. He is also learning so much there they take their time with each and every child. I feel very comfortable with the teachers, directors and owners it's like one big happy family. I recommend this school to everyone. My children started at the age of 6 weeks. I have been a patron of Huggie Bear since 2000/2001 and my children have enjoyed everysecond.

Our family loved Peter Pan preschool! Both of our daughters went through the program - both 3 year…read moreold and 4 year old preschool. Mrs. V and her staff took excellent care of them and they were both well prepared for Kindergarten. Not only that, because of Peter Pan, we have made lifelong friendships. I highly recommend this preschool to anyone looking for a fun, loving environment to send their child for a great learning experience.

Peter Pan preschool is an amazing preschool, best in the area honestly. Both of my children went…read morethrough their program and I have to say they were more than prepared for kindergarten. They have a play based approach, but don't let that deter you, the things my children have learned is astonishing. Mrs. V and all the other teachers are awesome. They care so much about the kids. My daughter cried when leaving the first day because she was going to miss her teacher, that should give you an idea of how the kids are treated and how much the kids love it as well. Peter Pan also follows the district, they start a bit later and end a bit earlier than the district so you have time to drop off and pick up your other kiddos. If I could I would give them 1,000 stars. I did read some of the negative reviews and I disagree with them; this is an absolutely spectacular place to send your children. My kids love school and Peter Pan helped build that foundation for them. For that I will forever be grateful. I will always recommend this school to whoever asks or is looking. I would like to add to Dominic Leodoro. He stated in his initial review that Mrs. V was a nice woman, yet he keeps his review. Mrs. V can't go back and own the business, so she did the best she could being an employee. She has taken this business over and made it into a wonderful place and program. Replacing what the problems were there. Now while this does not change your experience with the previous owner I think there should be an acknowledgement of the positive changes that have been made since Mrs. V acquired the business. You stating that the program is laughable and that they are babysitters is not a reflection on what it has been changed into.

Absolutely one of the best places to bring your family. The staff and owner truly care about you…read moreand your children!

I loved this place! My mother enrolled me in Small Stride back in the 80s. I am now 38 and I still…read moreremember my time there. Great memories! Ms Harrison was my teacher and Mrs Beck was very nice. Ms Harrison treated me like her own and I always felt safe and taken care of. If I lived in Chicago my children would definitely be there at Small Stride. Belinda Marsaw Lowery

We've had such a great experience with the Joyful Learning Center! From day one, the staff has been…read moreso welcoming, patient, and genuinely caring with our toddler. The environment is clean, safe, and full of fun, educational activities that keep our little one engaged and excited to go every day. We've seen so much growth in his language and social skills--it's truly been a joy watching him thrive. Highly recommend to any parent looking for a nurturing and positive daycare!

From the owner: Joyful Learning Center is equivalent to having your child go to Montessori without the higher costs…read moreof educating them. We offer the comfort of parents knowing that their child is receiving a quality education in a setting where they are treated like family. At Joyful Learning Center we nurture the whole child by allowing exploration of the world around them while building on a global future, while also keeping them grounded.

Great experience. Teachers and staff are great with the kids. They do so many fun art projects and…read moretheir summer activities are so much fun as they do splash days, trips to nearby library, etc. Both of my boys really loved it and learned so much while they were there. Highly recommend and the price is definitely competitive. Great value for such a wonderful experience.

I was a student here at Papoose Nursery School as a 4-5 year old in 1964-65. All good memories…read more Especially about the food....chili Mac was my favorite...but the liver and onions not so much. Still better than anything my mom cooked. The blocks and train sets....omg. The kids were nice too. I remember "strawberry girl". She didn't say much if anything, but she was nice and often wore a smock with a strawberry on the front. I'm so glad my mom took me here so she could have some "mommy time".' It opened my eyes to a new world and much better food. I'll never forget it.

79th is approving more and more over the years from the amazing transformation inside and outside…read moreof the building. The staff is incredible from the infant room Ms.Danielle and Ms. Desire the toddler room Ms Julissa the twos room Ms Laina & Ms Tammy the pre school rocks with Ms Georgia as the teacher! Pre k is always in for an amazing experience with Ms Brittay and Ms Kayla as their Teacher. The after school room Have two new teachers who's also their transportation driver Ms. Shantell Ms . Dezarai Have so many great activities for them that keeps them busy! Ms. Stephine. Will keep the kids full & happy she prepare a great and fresh meal every day! Ms. Oshana and Ms Katrina Are like Batman & Robin to the daycare! 79th Smart From The Start Is Totally A Blessing for all families in and out of the Community‼

The cook at SFTS, Ms. Andrea, is so amazing! I just got my Basic Culinary certificate and I STILL…read morecan't get my son, Kaobi, to eat half of my meals! But he wants seconds and thirds at daycare when Ms. Andrea is cooking! At 12 months Dad and I didn't allow him to eat any meat for a while and Ms. Andrea made sure she remembered all of his dietary restrictions and when I said he can eat meat at 18mons she was more excited to cook for him than I was! She's just so sweet and loves my baby to the fullest! We love her! I literally can not explain how grateful I am for Ms. Julissa and Ms. Michelle. I love how patient Ms. Julissa is with my son. Ms.Michelle makes my day when she sends pictures of the toddlers doing activities. They keep me on my toes with my son and what he's learning, what he needs, and his progress. I know handling toddlers all day isn't easy at all so I really appreciate them. I've seen a change at SFTS since Ms.O arrived. She's always there ready to help with whatever I need when it comes to paperwork or pick up times. Ms. O also keeps communication open so I always know what's happening at SFTS. She's very kind and understanding!