Enriching children’s lives

Welcome to The Nook childcare in the Bucktown, South Loop, Wicker Park,  and West Town neighborhoods in Chicago. We feature small, low-capacity childcare centers for individualized attention. Our teachers are warm and supportive to promote positive development. Please contact us to learn more about our centers or join our official waiting list. We look forward to hearing from you.

Our Schools

Nook 1 Bucktown

2151 W. Armitage Chicago, IL 60647 872-802-3833

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Nook 2 Bucktown

2105-11 W. Armitage Chicago, IL 60647

773-904-8553

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Nook Preschool Bucktown

1943 N. Leavitt Chicago, IL 60647

872-802-3833

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Nook Preschool Studio

2212 W Armitage Chicago, IL 60647 773-270-6128

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Nook North

2345 W North Ave Chicago, IL 60647 872-266-9224

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Nook West Town

2000 W. Warren Chicago, IL 60612 

312-265-0563

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Nook South Loop

1929 S. Archer Chicago, IL 60616

312-526-3255

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Nook Wise Owl

2734 W. North Ave. Chicago, IL 60647 773-489-8402

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Our Philosophy

“The Nook Daycare is an individualized learning experience where children, parents, and teachers grow together to instill children with a love of learning.”

Reviews & Testimonials

5star

Jennifer D.

Nook 1

"It's not easy dropping off your baby somewhere for the day, so it really helps when you can be assured he/she is in good hands! We have been really happy at The Nook so far. The infant room has really caring teachers who are great with the babies. They have been doing theme weeks in their room and will incorporate books, songs and art projects around the theme. So fun and I think it's so great for the babies to be around this kind of creativity!

I also love the Brightwheel app The Nook uses. They can communicate meals (bottles), diapers, naps, etc. through this app, along with sending pictures and videos. It makes such a huge difference being able to see what their schedule is throughout the day. Stephanie (the director) is also super great and is very responsive to any question or concern you might e-mail her about, which is very helpful. Overall the Nook feels like a warm, safe place for babies and toddlers and there are lots of smiles every time you walk in the door. Definitely recommend!"

Molly W.

Nook 2

"We love the Nook! My daughter started daycare in January and I can't say enough good things about the place and neither can my daughter! All the teacher's are great and we adore Miss Stephanie! Thanks for providing a fun, educational and safe environment for our daughter."

James K.

Nook South Loop

"We’ve been sending our daughter here for about a year and a half. She’s currently in the toddler/tikes room with Ms. Charlotte & Ms. Sara and the toddler/tikes team. She gets a chance to interact with the preschool kids quite a bit as well, which has been great for her learning. The Nook brings in instructors to keep things interesting, which has included a weekly clay class, music classes, and physical education. When weather accommodates, they go to a nearby park at least once a day. This has been a great program for our daughter!"

Tammy F.

Nook 1

"Our son is two now and has been going to The Nook since he was three months old. He has progressed through four stages of classrooms and the teachers in each have been beyond amazing. I am so grateful our son is being cared for by a group of such caring, creative, and energetic people."

Stephanie A.

Nook 2

"We love The Nook 2! The teachers are the most kind, wonderful humans! My daughter is always entertained and never wants to leave! I know that while I am at work she is learning and growing in a happy and stimulating environment."

Angie R.

Nook South Loop

"I have a child in the Infant 1 class. Stacy & Tisha are really great with him, and I get all sorts of updates on his growth. The Nook uses an app that sends photos and activity updates throughout the day (which you can turn into a digest only, if you are having a busy day and need to focus). It's been fun to get photos throughout the day of him playing safely next to his classmates. The school also brings in additional programming weekly, including music classes for infants on Wednesdays. Every once in a while, they will do an art project with the infant class that might include them dipping their fingers or toes in non-toxic finger paints. Stacy and Tisha both have a calming demeanor that makes drop off smooth and helps us get a great start to our day. Most importantly, our son loves going! Highly recommend."

Renee F.

Nook 1

"My daughter has been going to nook for a little over two years ( since she was 3 months old) and we have had such a great experience. The teachers have all been amazing and really go above and beyond with making sure she is learning and having fun. They've always had Spanish and music classes but recently added clayangue and yoga and so every day is a different sensory experience for her and fun. She has always been really excited to go see her friends and her teachers and she talks about them all the time at home. Drop offs have been really easy because she gets excited to play with everyone. We lucked out to have such an amazing school so close to us. One thing I've always liked about the nook is that they are very accommodating and open to feedback. They seek feedback and implement suggestions so it's nice to see that they, too, are always seeking to grow. Also, we gets tons of pictures and updates throughout the day so I can see what my daughter is doing and it makes my day!"

Anna W.

Nook 2

"We can't say enough good things about The Nook 2. All of the teachers, especially her lead teacher, Yani, are wonderful. They are warm and loving and creative and really go above and beyond to make both your child (and you!!) feel comfortable. We feel confident that our daughter is safe and having fun. We were initially skeptical about the open layout--we worried it might be too loud and chaotic...but the staff there does a great job keeping each room cozy and calm. They make all the food in-house and we love that our daughter is being introduced to so many new tastes every week. I could go on and on, but really, if you are looking for a fantastic daycare, give The Nook 2 a call and get a tour from Kayleigh (the awesome director)."

Bridget D.

Nook South Loop

"My son has been attending drop in care here since February. Drop offs are still hard since he does not go all the time. Charlotte is truly a delight and always warmly greets him (and me). Thank goodness for her. Annette is extremely responsive, kind and just a wonderful director. The brightwheel app is amazing and gives updates throughout the day. You can also message the day care and they are always extremely responsive. Thanks so much nook south loop!!"

Program

The Nook has classrooms separated by developmental levels, generally categorized as:

• Infants
• Wobblers (Older Infants)
• Toddlers (Generally starting at 15-18 months)
• Tikes (Generally starting at 24 months)
• Preschool 3 yrs. to 5 yrs.

Each individual sites' classrooms are determined by our directors to cater to your child's growth.

Some ways that we guide and develop positive behaviors here at The Nook:

• We work with all the children on sign language. This helps the children and staff communicate with one another so there is no frustration on either end.

• We encourage those who are walking to place their cup in the cart’s bucket to be washed in the kitchen. This gives them a very small sense of responsibility that we can later grow into more accountability.

• In the Toddler and Tikes rooms, the children are encouraged to place their plates in the bins along with their cups.

• In the Tikes Room, the children are taught to ask to be excused from the table before they clean up their plate. This teaches good manners to the children and really helps the teachers in the room monitor their food intake and keep control of the classroom.

• If a child hurts another child, instead of forcing the children to say sorry, we work it out with them. We give them the words to help work through the situation. The child who hurt the other child would say: “Are you okay?” If the child responds “No” then the child is then prompted to say, “What will make you feel better?” Whether it be a hug, high-five, fist bump, etc. Just something that closes the situation so the children can move on from it. After repetition of this, the children will start doing it on their own. That is when you know you are doing something right. The children will take it into their own hands to solve their own problems. This is most prevalent in preschool but starting it young would be a great benefit to our Toddlers and Tikes.

Infant Room:

• Bottles prepped, labeled, and dated (unless using the centers)
• A pacifier (if needed)
• Diapers and wipes
• A swaddle (if need be; we will provide these as well unless your baby needs a specific one)
• 2 changes of clothes
• Diaper cream
• Anything else your baby needs, i.e.: teething tablets, ibuprofen, sunscreen, sunhat, orajel, etc.
• Any specific instructions to tell your child’s teachers in order to take proper care of your child

Wobbler Room:

• Bottles prepped, labeled, and dated (unless using the centers)
• A pacifier (if needed)
• Diapers and wipes
• Diaper cream
• A water bottle
• Sleep sack (if needed)
• 2 changes of clothes
• Anything else your baby needs, i.e.: teething tablets, ibuprofen, sunscreen, orajel, sunhat etc.
• Any specific instructions to tell your child’s teachers in order to take proper care of your child

Toddler Room:

• A pacifier (if needed)
• Diapers and wipes
• Diaper cream
• A water bottle
• 2 changes of clothes
• Blanket and favorite nap time toy (both optional; we provide blankets and sheets)
• Any specific instructions to tell your child’s teachers in order to take proper care of your child

Tikes Room:

• Diapers and wipes
• Diaper cream
• A water bottle
• 2 changes of clothes
• Blanket and favorite nap time toy (both optional; we provide blankets and sheets)
• Any specific instructions to tell your child’s teachers in order to take proper care of your child

We believe every meal at the Nook is another opportunity to celebrate and learn. At The Nook kiddos are given the opportunity to enjoy eating organic, wholesome, delicious and exciting food. Because our cuisine is so enticing, your kiddos will start eating vegetables, fresh fruit, and whole foods like it’s no big deal! We start with the finest quality ingredients, authentic flavors, prepared on site by our skilled chefs and served with pride. Each Nook location has its own, licensed in-house chef focused on preparing fun and appealing foods.

• The Nook provides breakfast, lunch, and snack.
• We serve meals out of our own kitchen featuring gourmet all-organic meals
• We serve all organic food across the board
• We provide our organic home-made baby food and supply a house-formula and bottles. It is your choice whether you choose to use it or not. We accommodate breast milk and any other food or formulas you would like to supply from home.

Here's a sampling of the fare your child will enjoy at The Nook.

Infant Room:

• Bottles prepped, labeled, and dated (unless using the centers)
• A pacifier (if needed)
• Diapers and wipes
• A swaddle (if need be; we will provide these as well unless your baby needs a specific one)
• 2 changes of clothes
• Diaper cream
• Anything else your baby needs, i.e.: teething tablets, ibuprofen, sunscreen, sunhat, orajel, etc.
• Any specific instructions to tell your child’s teachers in order to take proper care of your child

Wobbler Room:

• Bottles prepped, labeled, and dated (unless using the centers)
• A pacifier (if needed)
• Diapers and wipes
• Diaper cream
• A water bottle
• Sleep sack (if needed)
• 2 changes of clothes
• Anything else your baby needs, i.e.: teething tablets, ibuprofen, sunscreen, orajel, sunhat etc.
• Any specific instructions to tell your child’s teachers in order to take proper care of your child

Toddler Room:

• A pacifier (if needed)
• Diapers and wipes
• Diaper cream
• A water bottle
• 2 changes of clothes
• Blanket and favorite nap time toy (both optional; we provide blankets and sheets)
• Any specific instructions to tell your child’s teachers in order to take proper care of your child

Tikes Room:

• Diapers and wipes
• Diaper cream
• A water bottle
• 2 changes of clothes
• Blanket and favorite nap time toy (both optional; we provide blankets and sheets)
• Any specific instructions to tell your child’s teachers in order to take proper care of your child

We email parents a daily report for each child utilizing our daily reporting app. Daily reports will keep you informed of the daily activities and learning experience that happen at The Nook.

Infant Room:

• Bottles prepped, labeled, and dated (unless using the centers)
• A pacifier (if needed)
• Diapers and wipes
• A swaddle (if need be; we will provide these as well unless your baby needs a specific one)
• 2 changes of clothes
• Diaper cream
• Anything else your baby needs, i.e.: teething tablets, ibuprofen, sunscreen, sunhat, orajel, etc.
• Any specific instructions to tell your child’s teachers in order to take proper care of your child

Wobbler Room:

• Bottles prepped, labeled, and dated (unless using the centers)
• A pacifier (if needed)
• Diapers and wipes
• Diaper cream
• A water bottle
• Sleep sack (if needed)
• 2 changes of clothes
• Anything else your baby needs, i.e.: teething tablets, ibuprofen, sunscreen, orajel, sunhat etc.
• Any specific instructions to tell your child’s teachers in order to take proper care of your child

Toddler Room:

• A pacifier (if needed)
• Diapers and wipes
• Diaper cream
• A water bottle
• 2 changes of clothes
• Blanket and favorite nap time toy (both optional; we provide blankets and sheets)
• Any specific instructions to tell your child’s teachers in order to take proper care of your child

Tikes Room:

• Diapers and wipes
• Diaper cream
• A water bottle
• 2 changes of clothes
• Blanket and favorite nap time toy (both optional; we provide blankets and sheets)
• Any specific instructions to tell your child’s teachers in order to take proper care of your child

Some ways that we guide and develop positive behaviors here at The Nook:

• We work with all the children on sign language. This helps the children and staff communicate with one another so there is no frustration on either end.

• We encourage those who are walking to place their cup in the cart’s bucket to be washed in the kitchen. This gives them a very small sense of responsibility that we can later grow into more accountability.

• In the Toddler and Tikes rooms, the children are encouraged to place their plates in the bins along with their cups.

• In the Tikes Room, the children are taught to ask to be excused from the table before they clean up their plate. This teaches good manners to the children and really helps the teachers in the room monitor their food intake and keep control of the classroom.

• If a child hurts another child, instead of forcing the children to say sorry, we work it out with them. We give them the words to help work through the situation. The child who hurt the other child would say: “Are you okay?” If the child responds “No” then the child is then prompted to say, “What will make you feel better?” Whether it be a hug, high-five, fist bump, etc. Just something that closes the situation so the children can move on from it. After repetition of this, the children will start doing it on their own. That is when you know you are doing something right. The children will take it into their own hands to solve their own problems. This is most prevalent in preschool but starting it young would be a great benefit to our Toddlers and Tikes.

• Safety and security is our main goal. We do everything we can to keep the children safe at all times.

• The front door to our center will remain open at all times. This is for the convenience of our families to get into the door and out of the cold. There is a separate door separating the lobby from the classrooms. That door is remained locked at all times. We have a buzzer system that only the director and staff members have access to. No one will be let in unless identified by the Director or a staff member. If you have authorized a person other than the child’s parent or guardian to pick your child up, then they will be ID'd before allowed back to the classrooms.

The center’s environment is all child-friendly and classrooms have been baby proofed.

Infant Room:

• Bottles prepped, labeled, and dated (unless using the centers)
• A pacifier (if needed)
• Diapers and wipes
• A swaddle (if need be; we will provide these as well unless your baby needs a specific one)
• 2 changes of clothes
• Diaper cream
• Anything else your baby needs, i.e.: teething tablets, ibuprofen, sunscreen, sunhat, orajel, etc.
• Any specific instructions to tell your child’s teachers in order to take proper care of your child

Wobbler Room:

• Bottles prepped, labeled, and dated (unless using the centers)
• A pacifier (if needed)
• Diapers and wipes
• Diaper cream
• A water bottle
• Sleep sack (if needed)
• 2 changes of clothes
• Anything else your baby needs, i.e.: teething tablets, ibuprofen, sunscreen, orajel, sunhat etc.
• Any specific instructions to tell your child’s teachers in order to take proper care of your child

Toddler Room:

• A pacifier (if needed)
• Diapers and wipes
• Diaper cream
• A water bottle
• 2 changes of clothes
• Blanket and favorite nap time toy (both optional; we provide blankets and sheets)
• Any specific instructions to tell your child’s teachers in order to take proper care of your child

Tikes Room:

• Diapers and wipes
• Diaper cream
• A water bottle
• 2 changes of clothes
• Blanket and favorite nap time toy (both optional; we provide blankets and sheets)
• Any specific instructions to tell your child’s teachers in order to take proper care of your child

Some ways that we guide and develop positive behaviors here at The Nook:

• We work with all the children on sign language. This helps the children and staff communicate with one another so there is no frustration on either end.

• We encourage those who are walking to place their cup in the cart’s bucket to be washed in the kitchen. This gives them a very small sense of responsibility that we can later grow into more accountability.

• In the Toddler and Tikes rooms, the children are encouraged to place their plates in the bins along with their cups.

• In the Tikes Room, the children are taught to ask to be excused from the table before they clean up their plate. This teaches good manners to the children and really helps the teachers in the room monitor their food intake and keep control of the classroom.

• If a child hurts another child, instead of forcing the children to say sorry, we work it out with them. We give them the words to help work through the situation. The child who hurt the other child would say: “Are you okay?” If the child responds “No” then the child is then prompted to say, “What will make you feel better?” Whether it be a hug, high-five, fist bump, etc. Just something that closes the situation so the children can move on from it. After repetition of this, the children will start doing it on their own. That is when you know you are doing something right. The children will take it into their own hands to solve their own problems. This is most prevalent in preschool but starting it young would be a great benefit to our Toddlers and Tikes.

Interested in signing your child up?

Interested in signing your child up?