Michael R. Lutz Family Center – Wicker Park
The JCYS Wicker Park Family Center provides exceptional early childhood education for children age 15 months to 5 years old. Our Reggio-inspired classrooms foster children’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth in a joyful, child-centered environment, and our play-based approach encourages children to develop a lifelong love of learning. We strive to include families of all faiths in our celebration of Jewish culture and traditions.
Our center offers Toddler Care, Preschool, and Summer Camp. All programs have half-day and full-day options available, as well as 2 day, 3 day, and 5 day schedule options.
Ready to learn more? Contact us for open house dates or to schedule a personalized tour!
Program Highlight: Super Soccer Stars
At JCYS Wicker Park, we maintain a partnership with Super Soccer Stars that gives our older children the opportunity to develop hand-eye coordination, teamwork, physical fitness, and self-confidence through a fun, non-competitive soccer program.
Child-centered learning through discovery and exploration
At JCYS Wicker Park, our curriculum is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Reggio instructors don’t teach a one-size-fits-all curriculum to every child: they encourage each child to pursue self-directed learning experiences through exploration and play while building healthy relationships with teachers and peers. The Reggio approach also emphasizes the importance of the child’s environment in encouraging active, joyful learning. Drawing on Reggio techniques, JCYS Wicker Park offers a space where all children can develop socially, physically, and intellectually.
Program highlight: Parent-tot Yoga
Session One: February 2 – March 9 (Six Weeks)
Session Two: March 16 – April 13 (Five Weeks)
JCYS Wicker Park’s parent-tot yoga class, created in partnership with jBaby, is a fun and interactive class that combines classic yoga poses with developmentally appropriate play! This class focuses on developing coordination, flexibility, strength, balance, and self-esteem, and provides a healthy and joyful opportunity for parent(s) and child to learn together. This year’s parent-tot classes will be offered on Saturdays from 9:30-10:15 AM during several sessions throughout the year. Visit this link to check dates and register online.
Jewish culture and family engagement
JCYS programs are open to families of every faith. Children at our family centers learn about Jewish traditions and culture through inclusive celebrations. We celebrate Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) by baking challah with the children every Friday and invite one child per classroom to serve as “Shabbat helper” every week. That child chooses a family member to join the classroom for a special activity and the family receives a take-home bag for Shabbat celebrations at home.
We also celebrate a grandparent Shabbat and organize family events around major Jewish holidays, including Sukkah parties, Hanukkah concerts, a Purim party, and Passover Seders. Secular family events include a Mother’s Day brunch and a year-end party. Tzedakah projects also help connect our children and families to Jewish life and our center’s community.
Michael R. Lutz Family Center
2129 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
(872) 315-2300
wickerpark@jcys.org
Happy Purim!! Nothing better than pretend play, full of costumes! #JCYSWickerPark #powerofplay #JewishECE #Reggioinspired #dressupalldayeveryday
Sensory play is in full swing as we get ready for Purim with homemade hamantaschen! #JCYSWickerPark