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.

2 days ago

It’s been a meaningful week at JCYS Lincoln Square Ravenswood! Children explored the season through apple-themed art projects and spice bags, engaging their senses while learning about tradition. They also had the special experience of hearing the shofar! 📚🍏 ... See MoreSee Less
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7 days ago

We are so grateful for the support of our Wild for JCYS lead sponsors: Wintrust, Setna IO, Cisco, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC, and Seyfarth Thanks to your generosity, both our Wild for JCYS events were incredible successes—bringing together families, staff, and community members for days full of connection, joy, and lasting memories.Your partnership helps us create meaningful experiences for our community, and we couldn’t do it without you. ... See MoreSee Less
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1 week ago

Thank you to the 450+ guests—including families, staff, and community members—who joined us for our roaringly successful first Wild for JCYS Family Day! 🦁🐒🐘We loved seeing everyone exploring, connecting, and making wild memories. 💚 We can’t wait for next year! ... See MoreSee Less
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