Ivy Garden Learning Center

This review is long overdue -- we have been at Ivy Garden Learning Center (South Loop) continuously for the past 7 years. IGLC is an established organization with a stable infrastructure that removes anxiety and overall stress for parents. The Center's main administration team has been there for several years and works well with one another and are also wonderful at managing parents questions, comments, and concerns. We've obviously seen our fair share of teachers in the past 7 years. The center is conscientious about assigning main teachers to classrooms. Further, IGLC headquarters are very regimented in their academic curriculum and have defined expectations for main teachers, especially in the older age groups (2+). The center staff is receptive to feedback and have always been collaborative. The center uses an app that serves as a communication platform with parents that keeps you up to date on all of the happenings throughout the day. Over the summer/warmer months, the center is consistent with taking the kids outside either to a park or to play in the outdoor playgroup that's on their premises Incident reports are documented and reported to the parents within the same day of an event. There are cameras everywhere. The Center has an established relationship with a local food vendor. They provide a monthly menu, which also includes a vegetarian option. This is a solid daycare that knows what they're doing. Even when things aren't perfect, there's a process and people available to manage accordingly.

My wife and I selected this daycare for our first child and we had an incredible experience here. Every single staff member was so kind and were incredibly nurturing and compassionate to our little one. This is absolutely the very best daycare in the area and although we were excited for the move that took us out of the vicinity, we departed Ivy Garden with heavy hearts. We received excellent updates on our son's meals, diaper changes, and health status throughout the day, the staff here always think of enriching outings and activities for the infants and children, and I took great comfort knowing that our son was receiving the absolutely best care here.

Not sure why it took me this long to write this review- it was long overdue. My daughter attended Ivy Garden from 4 months of age until she was 20 months old, and I could not recommend the daycare more highly! The only reason we left Ivy is because we moved out of state. As a first time mom, pediatric nurse practitioner, and former CPS preschool teacher, to say I was meticulous with our selection for daycare would be an understatement. To be honest, the brightly colored play spaces and large recruitment display on the wall initially made me believe the school would be nothing more than a babysitting service. But I was quickly proven wrong. The teachers at Ivy are exceptional. They are responsive, supportive, and most importantly they treat each child like family. That sounds kitschy- but it’s absolutely true. The staff welcomed my daughter and celebrated each of her milestones like she was their own kid. And my daughter adored going to school each day- happily running into the arms of her teachers. The value of Ivy is unmatched- for the tuition you get meals, formula (or you can bring in your own pumped milk), excellent hours, and very few school closures. Plus if you are out for 5 days for vacation or illness, they will give you a prorated discount! They also love to celebrate holidays and use their safe parking lot or large indoor playroom space for staff-hosted parties. Walk by the space on Halloween, Christmas, or Easter and you’ll see that they go all out for the kids- DJ, photo booths, arts and crafts, and tasty treats! The staff really leaves no stone unturned. They work collaboratively with one another, which enhances their communication skills with parents. They use the Brightwheel app to keep parents abreast of all activities and my husband and I looked forward to the countless video and photo updates we’d receive daily. We have also used many of the teachers for babysitters in a pinch. Last thing I’ll mention that makes Ivy special is the community of parents. We have met some lifelong friends as parents of Ivy and enjoyed local happy hours or family gatherings outside of school hours. If you are deciding where to entrust the safety and wellbeing of your child, then look no further than the wonderful Ivy Garden!

We had our daughter at Ivy Garden from 12 weeks until she turned 15 months. We only left because we moved and the location didn't work for us anymore. I have nothing but good things to say about the staff at Ivy Garden. They did a wonderful job communicating throughout the day and made me feel so much more comfortable about my daughter's care while I was at work. Since we started, they built a little playground on site and it makes it so much easier for them to all get outside regularly. You could really tell how much the staff cares about the children and I would recommend Ivy Garden to anyone.

We were so lucky to have Ivy Garden. My son was there from 3months- 18months and then unfortunately we had to move and I have to say I have been unable to find any daycare that come close to this one. Every single teacher loved my son and he made friends that he couldn't wait to see every day. Some of the teachers would even come baby sit and my son got so excited when he got to see them on the weekends. Whenever he was sick or had issues with his allergies they went out of their way to help us and find solutions to make sure he was safe and healthy moving forward. We already miss this daycare so much and recommend it to everyone that is looking!