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

7 days ago

JCYS
As we prepare to celebrate the new year, we are filled with gratitude for the warmth and joy you bring to our community.We look forward to a year filled with growth and meaningful connections with you and your family. Wishing you a sweet New Year! ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

JCYS

1 week ago

JCYS
JCYS Lincoln Square Ravenswood had a wonderful time celebrating Rosh Hashanah with our families last Wednesday during our Rosh Hashanah Family Program! 🍎🍯 We made festive New Year cards, created apple prints, and even heard the shofar blast by ‘Papa Mitch.’ It was a beautiful time learning about the holiday and celebrating together. Our friends left with smiles, nibbling on apples and honey! 🍏✨ #RoshHashanah #jcyslincolnsquareravenswood #jcyslearningadventures #applesandhoney ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

JCYS

1 week ago

JCYS
Looking for an exciting and enriching camp experience to keep your school-aged kids engaged the week of December 30? JCYS is offering Winter Camp at JCYS North (K-8th grade) and Big City Day Camp (K-5th grade)!Each day is packed with exciting activities to keep the energy and excitement of camp alive, from culinary adventures and sports to creative arts and crafts. Whether your child loves to explore, create, or stay active, there’s something for everyone!Don’t miss out—register today at jcys.org to reserve your spot and give your camper a winter break they’ll love! 🎉jcys.org/northwest-family-center-buffalo-grove/jcysnorth/winter-camp/jcys.org/lincolnsquare/bcdc-winter-camp/#WinterCamp #JCYSNorth #bigcitydaycamp ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Support JCYS