Where Children Grow, Families Belong
Early Childhood Education, Rooted in Jewish Culture, Open to All Families
For more than 115 years, JCYS Family Centers have helped children build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Our play-based curriculum nurtures the whole child, mind, body, and spirit, in a warm, welcoming environment rooted in Jewish culture and values. Families of every background are part of our community at our four centers across Chicagoland.
Find Your Family Center
Four Locations, One Welcoming Community
Whether you’re in the city or the suburbs, there’s a JCYS Family Center close to home. Explore each location to learn more about their classrooms, programs, and community.
Northwest Family Center
Buffalo Grove
A spacious northwest-suburban campus with room to run, wonder, and grow.
George W. Lutz Family Center
Highland Park
Our oldest and largest family center, welcoming the community to gather and thrive and providing high-quality early childhood education.
Iris & Steven Podolsky Family Center
Lincoln Square Ravenswood
In the heart of Ravenswood—a neighborhood hub for city families and friendships.
Michael R. Lutz Family Center
Wicker Park
A vibrant city center where Reggio-inspired exploration brings energy to early learning and play.
Programs for Every Age and Stage
Growing with your family every step of the way
JCYS offers year-round early childhood education and summer programs for children ages 6 weeks through 13 years. Explore our programs below to find the right fit for your family.
Infant Care
Nurturing, licensed care for babies as young as 6 weeks old. JCYS is the only Jewish organization in Chicago offering licensed infant care, giving families a trusted place to start their child’s early learning journey.
Toddler & Preschool
Play-based learning that builds early language, motor, and social skills, all while fostering curiosity and independence in a nurturing classroom setting.
Pre-K
A strong foundation in school readiness, delivered through hands-on, joyful learning that goes beyond the basics of a typical pre-k classroom.
Summer Camps
Sunshine, friendship, and adventure. Our summer camps offer swimming, sports, arts, and outdoor exploration for early childhood through school-age children.
How We Nurture Every Child
A Whole-Child Approach to Learning
Every day at JCYS is a chance to grow. Our teachers guide children through hands-on lessons in math, science, and literacy while making space for creativity, movement, and connection.
The JCYS Difference
Why Families Choose JCYS
Choosing an early childhood program is a big decision. Here’s what sets JCYS apart.
01
Academic Foundations
If there’s one thing children are good at, it’s asking “why.” At JCYS, every “why” is a chance to practice counting, learn a new letter, or find a country on the map. Our teachers follow children’s natural curiosity, helping them build reading skills, comfort with words, and a foundation in math and science.
02
Jewish Culture & Engagement
JCYS is grounded in Jewish culture and values, and every family is welcome, regardless of religious background. Children experience holiday celebrations, Shabbat traditions, and community connection as a natural part of everyday learning, building an appreciation for culture, kindness, and belonging.
03
Physical Development
At JCYS, children run, jump, bounce, climb, dance, and crawl through indoor and outdoor play spaces. Our experienced teachers encourage active play throughout the school day to build strength, stamina, and gross motor skills.
04
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, they build friendships and social-emotional skills that carry them beyond the classroom.
Beyond the Classroom
A Community that Grows With Your Family
JCYS is more than childcare. We’re a community. Families join us for Shabbat celebrations, tzedakah projects, and center events that build connection across generations. Whether you’re a current family, an alum, or a supporter, there’s a place for you here.
Social and Emotional Learning