Brain Builders Academy

Brain Builders is okay, but I've definitely had some mixed feelings about the health side of things. The West Loop location is convenient since we're right by Mary Bartelme Park, and I appreciate that they partner with groups like Ascend Pediatric Therapies for developmental support, which shows they care about wellness beyond just ABCs. However, the communication when hand-foot-and-mouth or a stomach bug is going around can be pretty spotty. It feels like I’m often finding out from other parents in our group chat before the school actually sends out a notification. It's a typical city daycare—clean enough on the surface, but when it’s flu season, it feels like the kids are just constantly passing things back and forth because the sick policy isn't strictly enforced.

Honestly, moving our daughter here was a great call. Since it's right in the West Loop, I was worried it might feel a bit cramped or stuffy, but the facility at Brain Builders is actually super clean and they seem to stay on top of all the germs going around. They have a pretty strict sick policy—if there's a fever or a weird rash, you're definitely getting a call to pick them up right away, which can be a hassle for work but I appreciate that it stops the whole class from getting taken out. My only tiny gripe is that communication about when 'stomach bugs' are making the rounds could be a little faster, but overall, it’s one of the healthier environments we've been in for a Chicago daycare.