First Start Childcare Academy

I really wanted to love this place because it's convenient, but I'm honestly pretty stressed about the health environment at First Start. It feels like every other week there's a new bug going around the classroom, and I don't feel like the communication about illness outbreaks is clear at all. The building on Ashland is older and it definitely shows in some areas—ventilation feels a bit stuffy and I’ve seen some corners that could really use a deep scrub. It just feels like they are short-staffed and can't keep up with the cleaning or properly monitoring the kids for symptoms before they drop off. My little one has been home sick more than they've been there lately, and for the price, it's just not cutting it for me.

Sending my little one to First Start in West Englewood has been a pretty good experience so far. The facility always smells clean when I drop off, which is a huge relief for a city daycare. They are really strict about the sick policy—if a kid has a fever, they are calling you immediately to pick them up. It can be a little annoying if you're at work, but honestly, it keeps the seasonal bugs from spreading through the whole classroom, so I appreciate it. The teachers are great about making sure the kids wash their hands constantly, especially before snack time. Only wish they had a bit more space for indoor physical play when the Chicago weather gets bad!