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

Families of every faith are welcome at JCYS. Children at our family centers learn about Jewish traditions and values through inclusive classroom and family celebrations like enjoying Challah bread every Friday to celebrate Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) or participating in classroom tzedakah (charitable giving) projects.

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.

Buffalo Grove

Highland Park

Lincoln Square

Wicker Park

JCYS North Suburban Day Camp

Big City Day Camp

JCYS

4 days ago

JCYS
Last week, the Owls at JCYS Highland Park explored the wonders of winter! ❄️ Through books, hands-on activities, and sensory play, they discovered the characteristics of winter, like cold temperatures, short days, and unique six-sided snowflakes.The Owls observed snow melting indoors, painted ice cubes and snow, and dug for gems in fake snow—all while building fine motor skills. They traced snowflakes with playdough, wrote winter words, and had a fun indoor snowball fight! A favorite moment? Running their own snow cone stand with real snow and sprinkles! 🍧What an exciting way to welcome the season! 🧤⛄ #jcyshighlandpark #winterwonderland #playbasedlearning #exploringseasons #jcyslearningadventures ... See MoreSee Less

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JCYS

3 weeks ago

JCYS
We hope you savor all Hanukkah has to offer—from latkes and donuts to learning and development.Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday season. ... See MoreSee Less

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JCYS

4 weeks ago

JCYS
Last night, JCYS Lincoln Square hosted our annual Susan Salidor Hanukkah Concert! 🕎✨ Families celebrated the Festival of Lights with joyful songs, dreidel spinning, and menorah lighting. A highlight of the night? Our parents pretending to be a human menorah! 🕯️💙Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special celebration! #Hanukkahcelebration #jcyslincolnsquare #FestivalOfLights #FamilyTraditions ... See MoreSee Less

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