Launched with Love

JCYS Family Centers foster a love of learning while helping children develop social and emotional skills in a nurturing environment. Located in Chicago (Lincoln Square Ravenswood and Wicker Park), Buffalo Grove, and Highland Park, our play-based curriculum delivers age-appropriate lessons in math, science, and literacy while encouraging creativity and individual expression.

JCYS offers early childhood education (infant care, toddler care, and preschool), summer camps, and specialty programs year-round to serve children ages 6 weeks through 13 years.

About Us

Program Highlights

Academic Foundations

If there’s one thing children are good at, it’s asking “why.” At JCYS, every “why” is an opportunity to practice counting, learn a new letter, or find a country on the map. Children’s natural curiosity and playfulness guide our curriculum. Our teachers encourage children to ask questions and explore their interests while building reading skills, comfort with words, and a foundation in math and science.

Jewish Culture & Engagement

If there’s one thing children are good at, it’s asking “why.” At JCYS, every “why” is an opportunity to practice counting, learn a new letter, or find a country on the map. Children’s natural curiosity and playfulness guide our curriculum. Our teachers encourage children to ask questions and explore their interests while building reading skills, comfort with words, and a foundation in math and science.

Physical Development

At JCYS, children run, jump, bounce, climb, dance, and crawl through indoor and outdoor play spaces. Our experienced teachers encourage active play during the school day to build children’s strength, stamina, and gross motor skills.

Social and Emotional Skills

Children at JCYS learn to share with peers, manage conflict, solve problems independently, and take on age-appropriate challenges. Through group play and classroom activities, children make friends and build social-emotional skills for success inside and outside of the classroom.

1 week ago

In the sandbox, our young learners are growing every day—cooperating with friends, sharing tools, and building important social skills. At the same time, all that scooping, pouring, and shaping helps strengthen fine motor skills! At JCYS Buffalo Grove, play has a purpose—and every grain of sand is part of the journey. 💛 #playtolearn #jcyslearningadventures #JCYSBuffaloGrove ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

The Owls at JCYS Highland Park wrapped up the school year with a celebration to remember! 🎉 They played games, chased bubbles, and enjoyed one last party together before summer. What a joyful way to end a wonderful year! 🫧☀️ We can't wait until camp kicks off next week! 🏕️ #jcyshighlandpark #endofyearcelebration #preschoolfun #SummerCampReady ... See MoreSee Less
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3 weeks ago

Preschoolers learn best when they’re free to explore, experiment, and imagine. Through play, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills that lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Every block tower, pretend scenario, and muddy adventure is more than just fun—it’s powerful, purposeful learning in action! 🌟#PlayBasedLearning #PurposefulPlay #LifelongLearning #JCYSLincolnSquare ... See MoreSee Less
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