Wicker Park – Michael R. Lutz Family Center
Preschool & Early Childhood Education in Wicker Park, Chicago
JCYS Wicker Park provides exceptional early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. Our Reggio-inspired classrooms foster social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth in a joyful, child-centered environment, encouraging a lifelong love of learning. We include families of all faiths in our celebration of Jewish culture and traditions.
A Place Where Your Child Belongs
Why Families Choose Wicker Park
Outdoor Play
Our private, enclosed rooftop and outdoor play space lets children learn and grow through imaginative outdoor play, using large loose parts that build strength and gross motor skills.
Art Studio & Libraries
Our atelier (art studio), Loose Parts Library, and Reading Rainforest give children the freedom to express themselves through paints, fabric, wood scraps, foam, and other open-ended materials, and to discover the joy of picking out a favorite book.
Family Engagement
Our Child & Family Development Specialist partners with teachers and families to support each child’s growth, at school and at home. Our Wicker Park location also celebrates Shabbat as a community every Friday and parents can sign up to be Shabbat Helpers, joining their child to sing and dance.
Weekly Enrichment
Children enjoy weekly music sessions with our Music Specialist, Kaylee Hofman, and bi-weekly tumbling with George’s Gym. They also make challah in their classrooms each Friday. For an additional fee, children ages 3 and up can join Lil’ Kickers soccer during our fall and spring sessions, and children in our Pre-K program can enroll in Kinder Concepts to enhance Kindergarten preparedness.
Our Approach
A Reggio-Inspired Approach to Learning
At JCYS Wicker Park, our curriculum is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Rather than teaching a one-size-fits-all curriculum, our instructors encourage each child to pursue self-directed learning through exploration and play, while building healthy relationships with teachers and peers. The Reggio approach also emphasizes the importance of a child’s environment in encouraging active, joyful learning. Drawing on these techniques, JCYS Wicker Park offers a space where every child can develop socially, physically, and intellectually.
Programs for Every Stage of Growth
Programs at Wicker Park
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 Reggio-inspired environment, beginning at six weeks.
Toddler & Preschool
15 months–3 years
Play-based, self-directed 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
“
We are not Jewish, but have had an incredibly welcoming, inclusive and educational experience at JCYS. Our family has begun to incorporate Jewish holiday celebrations, challah-making and other cultural elements into our life because of JCYS and the community of Jewish friends we’ve met.
JCYS Parent
· Wicker Park
“
Our son has been thriving since the day he started in the infant classroom at JCYS. What we initially joined as a daycare quickly became so much more: a community, new friendships with other parents, and a nurturing, joyful environment where we’ve watched our son blossom.
JCYS Parent
· Wicker Park
Enrollment
Tuition & Registration.
View tuition rates and enrollment information for each Wicker Park program.
2027-28 School Year: August 18, 2027 – June 2, 2028
Full Day: 7:15 am – 5:30 pm
2, 3, 4, or 5 days/week
10 Installments
Registration Fee: $200
Schedule
Infant
5 Full Days
$2,988
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
Full Day: 7:15 am – 5:30 pm
2, 3, 4, or 5 days/week
10 Installments
Registration Fee: $200
Toddler Care: Must be 15 months by September 1, 2027
Preschool 2 years: Must be 2 years by September 1, 2027
Preschool 3 years: Must be 3 by September 1, 2027
Schedule
Toddler
Care
Preschool
2 years
Preschool
3 years
2 Half Days
$1,014
$946
$860
3 Half Days
$1,192
$1,111
$1,010
4 Half Days
$1,572
$1,466
$1,333
5 Half Days
$1,674
$1,560
$1,419
2 Full Days
$1,420
$1,324
$1,204
3 Full Days
$2,029
$1,891
$1,719
4 Full Days
$2,435
$2,270
$2,063
5 Full Days
$2,536
$2,364
$2,149
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
Full Day: 7:15 am – 5:30 pm
2, 3, 4, or 5 days/week
10 Installments
Registration Fee: $200
Pre-K: Must be 4 by September 1, 2027
Schedule
Pre-K
2 Half Days
$860
3 Half Days
$1,010
4 Half Days
$1,333
5 Half Days
$1,419
2 Full Days
$1,204
3 Full Days
$1,719
4 Full Days
$2,063
5 Full Days
$2,149
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 Wicker Park Leadership Team
Rebecca Melzer
Director of City Experience & Center Director
Mike Swider
Director of Early Childhood Education
Jamie Decker
Child & Family Development Specialist
Location & Contact
Visit Wicker Park Virtually
Wicker Park’s tours are held virtually. Join us on the second Thursday of each month at 1:00 pm. Pre-registration is required.
Michael R. Lutz Family Center
2129 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60647