Lincoln Square Ravenswood – Iris & Steven Podolsky Family Center
Preschool & Early Childhood Education in Lincoln Square Chicago
The JCYS Iris & Steven Podolsky Family Center is one of the largest early childhood centers in Lincoln Square, with seven classrooms and two large playrooms for children as young as six weeks. Just steps from Vogel Park, our play-based curriculum nurtures social, emotional, and cognitive growth in a joyful, welcoming environment.
Life at Lincoln Square
Why Families Choose Lincoln Square Ravenswood
Jewish Life & Celebration
Our Judaica Specialist leads Havdalah to start the week, and every Friday, children celebrate Shabbat and enjoy challah. Throughout the year, families join in holiday celebrations that bring our community together.
Child Development Support
Our Child & Family Development Specialist partners with teachers and families to support each child’s growth, at school and at home.
Music & Movement
Music helps children learn numbers, letters, and routines. Our Music Specialist introduces classes to the joy of music and movement through song and dance. Children get a chance to slow down and move with intention every other week with Brain to Belly Kids Yoga, which helps build body awareness, focus, and tools for managing big feelings.
Add-on STEAM Learning
For 4-year-olds, parents can register for Kinder Concepts, a supplemental program led by veteran teachers that introduces students to hands-on STEAM learning through building, experimenting, and problem-solving around weekly topics such as weather, simple machines, and the human body.
Programs for Every Stage of Growth
Programs at Lincoln Square Ravenswood
Explore programs designed to support children through each stage of growth, from a baby’s first days through the school years.
Infant Care
6 weeks–14 months
Full-day infant care with individual attention in a loving environment, beginning at six weeks.
Toddler & Preschool
15 months–3 years
Full-day play-based learning that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and growing independence.
Pre-K
4–5 years
Kindergarten readiness through exploration, early literacy, and joyful skill building.
Family Voices
What Families Are Saying
“
The teachers and staff greet our son every single day with genuine excitement and warmth; you can tell they truly care about each child as an individual. It feels less like a daycare and more like a real partnership between parents and teachers, all working together toward the same goal: helping our little one learn, thrive, and become his best self.
JCYS Parent
· Lincoln Square Ravenswood
“
Our family has had such a wonderful experience with both of our children at JCYS. Every Friday on Shabbat, our older son helps lead the blessings while our younger son excitedly screams for “Challah!” They’ve developed a great base of early childhood education, both in preparation for kindergarten and lifelong Jewish learning.
JCYS Parent
· Lincoln Square Ravenswood
Summer Adventures Start Here
Summer at Lincoln Square Ravenswood
JCYS summer programs give children opportunities to build friendships, explore new interests, and create lasting memories in a safe, welcoming environment.
Enrollment
Tuition & registration.
View tuition rates and enrollment information for each Lincoln Square program.
August 18, 2027 – June 2, 2028
10 Installments
Registration Fee: $200
Infant Care Full Day
7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Schedule
10 MONTHLY
INSTALLMENTS
5 days/week
$2,881
A monthly security fee also applies based on attendance schedule. See our full billing details for more.
2027-28 School Year: August 18, 2027 – June 2, 2028
10 Installments
Registration Fee: $200
Toddler Care: Must be 15 months by 9/1/27
Preschool 2 years: Must be 2 years by 9/1/27
Preschool 3 years: Must be 3 years by 9/1/27
Schedule
Toddler
Care
Preschool
2 years
Preschool
3 years
2 Full Days (T/Th)
$1,586
$1,479
$1,344
3 Full Days (M/W/F)
$2,210
$2,060
$1,873
5 Full Days (M-F)
$2,833
$2,641
$2,401
A monthly security fee also applies based on attendance schedule. See our full billing details for more.
2027-28 School Year: August 18, 2027 – June 2, 2028
10 Installments
Registration Fee: $200
Pre-K: Must be 4 years by 9/1/27
Schedule
Pre-K
2 Full Days (T/Th)
$1,344
3 Full Days (M/W/F)
$1,873
5 Full Days (M-F)
$2,401
A monthly security fee also applies based on attendance schedule. See our full billing details for more.
Everything Your Family Needs, in One Place
Parent Resources
Quick access to forms, calendars, our handbook, and important family information.
Our People
Meet the Lincoln Square Leadership Team
Rebecca Melzer
Director of City Experience
Kathryn Centorcelli
Center Director
Lexi Barr
Director of Early Childhood Education
Jamie Decker
Child & Family Development Specialist
Location & Contact
Visit Lincoln Square Ravenswood
Meet our educators, walk through our classrooms and playground, and feel the community for yourself.
Phone
(773) 281-2533
Hours
Mon–Fri · 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Iris & Steven Podolsky Family Center
2112 W Lawrence Ave
Chicago, IL 60625