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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: Jewish Council for Youth Services

4 days ago

JCYS: Jewish Council for Youth Services
Happy Passover! Wishing you a meaningful holiday full of hope, happiness, and cherished moments with loved ones. ... See MoreSee Less

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JCYS: Jewish Council for Youth Services

4 days ago

JCYS: Jewish Council for Youth Services
Photos from JCYS: Jewish Council for Youth Services's post ... See MoreSee Less

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JCYS: Jewish Council for Youth Services

2 weeks ago

JCYS: Jewish Council for Youth Services
🌸 Spring has sprung in JCYS Iris & Steven Podolsky Family Center's Room 5! Last week, our curious little learners explored the change in seasons, discussing everything spring brings with it. 🌱 They even got their hands dirty planting parsley, hoping it grows just in time for our upcoming Passover Seders! #jcyslearningadventures #playbasedlearning ... See MoreSee Less

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