As a new mom, there were much guilt that accompanies the role. The biggest of all and a myth IMHO is that a child thrives best with the mother for its first five years. So it was with a lot of trepidation and questions when I toured childcare facilities around me. With so many by me, and upon the recommendation of neighbors who had lived in the area for a while, The Learning Tree has consistently been the lauded choice. The building was very unassuming, a low-lying ranch nestled between an auto parts place and a furniture store, off a busy street. Inside, while it lacked the fanciness and spaciousness of some facilities, it was clean. It smelled clean (and not in a chemical way), felt clean, looked clean, and continues to be so to this very day. I want my house to be this neat and clean! How do they do it??? I enrolled my child when he was 9 months old, and every day, I continue to marvel at the progress he has made under their care. I honestly can attest that I will not be able to prep him for all the development that he has undergone if he had stayed home with me, or a private caretaker, or an au pair. The teachers and staff are warm, loving, firm, and highly knowledgeable. I have sought them out for advice on numerous occasions. from discipline to teaching/learning. They even helped potty-trained him before he turned 2! Every teacher knows all the children by name, even those whose classes he had not even attended. As I write this during the COVID shelter in place, I am tearing up at the thought that he would not be back with them as this is his last year there. He should be spending fun summers with them, growing even more robustly. I can only take comfort that when this COVID is over, we are still near enough to drop by to visit. Field trips and holiday activities are included in the experience. My son has met Mrs. Claus, the Easter Bunny, fire fighters, librarians. He's been apple picking, visited maple farms, fire stations, libraries, parks. He's had "cooking" lessons. What was enviable among my other parent friends in other suburbs is that my son got an additional enrichment by learning Spanish, which was an option when he turned 4. Plus, at the end of every school year, we received a folder of his progress. That was also unheard of with my friends' children at their daycare. I cannot recommend The Learning Tree enough. I could go on, but I highly suggest you give them a consideration. read more

I can't say enough good things about the learning tree the staff is amazing and you can tell the teachers truly love what they do they are all very attentive and I couldn't think of a more safe place to have my babies! I have two children enrolled a two year old and an almost 6 month old they have an app that they update through out the day and I love that I can open it and see pictures of my kids and see what they're up to and the fact that I can message the teachers throughout the day if I need anything gives me such peace of mind read more

We have been very happy with our experience at The Learning Tree - Elgin West over the past 6+ years. After touring several centers, we chose them due to the family feel. Yes, the curriculum is important as they have helped our children learn & grow, but we also wanted to know they were with staff that would love on them. The staff has become an extension of our family and they treat our children like their own. read more

My daughter (3) and son (1.5) have both been attending the Learning Tree since 18 months old and it's been such a great experience. The staff and teachers are amazing and and stay in touch with us regularly about our kids progress. My kids love going there and they have so much fun with activities and learning. I highly recommend this place to any parent in need of childcare. read more

We love The Learning Tree-Elgin East, and they love our children. Children blossom when given the opportunity and that's exactly what our two children have done here. Dropping them off each morning I know that their days will be filled with adventure, learning, and plenty of love and guidance. The staff has become an extension of our family, asking about events and milestones along the way. Always eager to support our children, in whatever they do. After a horrible in-home experience, we transitioned our daughter to Learning Tree when she was about 18 months old. From that moment on, I never had to worry about who was caring for my children. Our son started at Learning Tree at age 10 weeks and has flourished. It has been amazing to watch them build such a strong bond with all of the staff here. Even the teachers outside of our children's classrooms know them by name and have built strong relationships. This is a great place that strives to do what's best for children each day. read more

After 3 years of having family lovingly care for my daughter while I worked, I found myself needing daycare as she headed into Kindergarten. I had a horrifying experience when my daughter was very young at another facility, so I was very cautious. Beginning the day we took our first tour of the facility, we felt welcome. From the first day of kindergarten, being included in the AM kindy class @ LT, being served lunch, then safely transported to and from school for PM kindergarten to the last day of summer 7 years later when she aged out at age 12, there was never a time I wasn't eternally grateful for the care, attention and direction she received from every staff member. The fact that there are MANY staff members with decades of seniority in a typically high turn over industry speaks volumes about this facility. Being a single mom, I relied on these amazing ladies at the Tree a lot. Not once was there an issue...that says a lot in 7 years. I highly recommend The Learning Tree and the amazing women working there. read more