Providing The Highest Quality Care & Attention

Preschool & Childcare Center (ages 2 and up) Serving Chicago, IL

First Steps of Learning Centers

Located In Downtown Chicago Inside Of The Michael A. Bilandic Building!

Plan Your Visit: Parking Made Easy!

We’re excited to schedule your tour and look forward to meeting your family!

To make your visit hassle-free, we recommend parking at the Lake Wells Self Park garage, conveniently located at 177 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60601 (intersection of southbound Wells St and eastbound Lake St).

Here’s how it works:

We’re here to ensure your visit is smooth and enjoyable. Book your tour today and let us take care of the details—because meeting your family is our priority!

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At First Steps Learning Centers, we believe every child and every family deserves to feel welcomed, respected, and valued.

We are committed to creating inclusive environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive while being celebrated for who they are. Our programs intentionally reflect diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, helping children develop empathy, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

We proudly:

Embrace and celebrate diversity in our classrooms and communities. We are proud to show case these in our classroom pictures and parent boards.
Foster inclusive learning experiences that reflect the world around us. At the end of each month, we celebrate cultural snacks and you are welcome to join in.
Support families from all backgrounds with respect and care. We encourage all families to volunteer and celebrate their culture with us.
Build a team of educators who are committed to equity, inclusion, and continuous learning.

In our centers, inclusion is not just a statement – it is part of how we teach, lead, and serve every day.

Unmatched Care in Downtown Chicago

Welcome to our convenient and welcoming daycare in the heart of downtown Chicago! We offer superior care (for children aged 2 and up) that fits your busy lifestyle, so you don’t have to worry about late fees or rushing to far-off centers. Bring your child with you, and enjoy peace of mind with our flexible hours and supportive environment.

Peek Inside Your Kiddo’s Engaging Classrooms!

Flexible Hours for Busy Families

We know how hard it can be to juggle work and family life, which is why we’re open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, providing the flexibility you need for your schedule.

Nutritious, Tailored Meals for All

Our meals are tasty and nutritious, with options to suit every dietary need. From vegetarian lunches to substitutions for medical or religious requirements, we consider every child’s needs.

A Stable, Caring Team

Our experienced team is here to stay. Many of our staff members have been with us for years, offering your child a consistent, nurturing environment they can trust.

A Fun, Safe Rooftop Playground

Our secure rooftop playground allows children to enjoy the outdoors while developing motor skills in a fresh and fun setting.

Easy Parking, Stress-Free Drop-Off

We make mornings and evenings easier with dedicated drop-off and pick-up parking spots, so you can get your child where they need to go without worry.

Priority Enrollment for State Employees

We prioritize families of state employees but welcome families from all backgrounds, offering top-notch care to all downtown Chicago residents.

Family-Friendly Access

Our central location makes it simple for parents to stay connected with their kids—whether it’s visiting during the day or sharing a meal together.

Tailored Learning Helps Them Reach Developmental Goals

Recognizing your child’s unique learning style, dedicated staff guides and supports them through a tailored learning process. Teachers plan hands-on activities to achieve age-appropriate developmental goals across all domains, ensuring holistic growth and learning.

Hands-On Classrooms & Individualized Attention

Step into exciting classrooms bursting with lively colors and bustling energy. Discover engaging learning posters and neatly arranged centers designed to support your child’s growth at their own pace. Their stimulating environment encourages curiosity, fostering a love for exploration and learning.

We Offer A Research-Based Curriculum That Supports Your Little Learner’s Cognitive, Physical, & Social-Emotional Development!

The Creative Curriculum^© Sparks Imagination & Fun

Expert teachers spark imagination with the Creative Curriculum^© — hailed as the nation’s favorite learning tool. This approach boosts confidence, creativity, and critical thinking through hands-on investigations, while Spanish, music and art, gardening, and other enrichment activities ensure your child’s learning journey is full of fun and discovery.

Peek Inside Your Kiddo’s Engaging Classrooms!

Spanish & Sign Language Class

Mrs. Brenda encourages cultural appreciation & linguistic diversity by introducing various languages to your student from a young age. This exposure broadens their horizons & paves the way for future opportunities.

Engaging Culinary Class

Discover the art of cooking through simple recipes, honing fine motor skills while creating delicious & nutritious treats. This hands-on experience fosters a healthy relationship with food from an early age.

Hands-On Gardening Class

An interactive gardening program where your child builds physical, cognitive, & emotional skills. Through plant care, they discover the natural world, refine fine motor skills & develop responsibility & patience.

Music & Art Classes

Your little one plays instruments, sings songs, and makes colorful artwork. It's a chance for them to be creative, express themselves, & have a blast while they learn new things!

STEAM Activities

Dive into Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math & watch them build, create, & problem solve through hands-on activities. It's a super cool way to learn and discover independently & as a group.

Soccer & Karate Classes

For a small fee, your little learner can participate in soccer & karate classes to keep them active, strengthen their coordination, & build those muscles & social-emotional skills.

Watch Your Little One Build Their Social-Emotional Skills

Nurturing social-emotional development empowers your child to build trust and confidence in relationships, express emotions safely, and ask for help when needed. Social-emotional skills help them distinguish between happiness, sadness, fear, and anger, exhibit concern for others’ behaviors, display affection for loved ones, and adeptly navigate imaginary worries.

Daily Outdoor Play High Above The City

Tucked in the bustling Loop, our center maximizes outdoor fun despite limited space. Safely located in a secure government building, our rooftop playground hosts daily outdoor play with trike rides, slides, and plenty of safe climbing opportunities. There’s even an indoor garden area your child can tend to!

Engaging Indoor Playspaces For Strong Gross Motor Skills

Explore our expansive gross motor skills area, featuring a full-size gym and a smaller gym for active play. Plus — an innovative Discovery Room on the second floor provides a safe indoor space for play on inclement weather days.

Our mission is to provide nurturing care and education to children while also supporting families. We focus on developmentally appropriate practices, ensuring we embrace each child’s individuality, strengthen their love of education, and create life-long learners.

Nutritious Meals & Snacks Included In Your Tuition

Nourish your child’s body and mind with wholesome meals and snacks included in your tuition. From breakfast to lunch and snacks, caregivers prioritize healthy choices and use designated days to engage your little one in cooking to foster independence and encourage nutritious eating habits.

A Convenient Location With Amenities Nearby

Discover ultimate convenience at our doorstep across from City Hall, Walgreens, and Cadillac Palace Theatre. Indulge in various dining, fast-food, and shopping options and check off your to-do list with amenities nearby, like McMcDonald’s, Target, Starbucks, Block 37 and North LaSalle Shopping Malls, and more!

Your Procare^© Parent App Keeps You In The Loop

Expect easy sign-ins and updates throughout the day with your Procare^© parent app. Receive fun pictures of your little one’s school adventures, transparent communication with teachers, quickly pay tuition, and more — all within your app.

Ask Us About Our State & Government Employee Discount!

Certified Teachers & Security Measures For Peace Of Mind

CPR- and First-Aid-trained staff have degrees in early childhood education or related fields. Teachers ensure top-tier childcare and peace of mind through ongoing professional development. Restricted access controls, tall privacy fences, and security cameras add an additional layer of safety from drop-off to pick-up.

Sparkling Classrooms Thanks To An Onsite Cleaning Team

Our meticulous housekeeping staff ensures that every corner of your child’s learning environment stays spotless and sanitized, providing a safe and hygienic space for them to learn and thrive. Enjoy peace of mind, knowing that cleanliness and safety are our top priorities.