Little Marvels Early Childhood School

Honestly, keeping a toddler healthy in a Chicago winter is a full-time job, but Little Marvels does a pretty solid job on the wellness front. The Lakeview facility is kept really clean, and you can tell they actually stay on top of disinfecting the toys and common areas. Most of the moms I talk to agree that their sick-child policy is strict but fair—it’s annoying when you have to keep them home for a minor sniffle, but it definitely keeps those nasty stomach bugs from ripping through the whole classroom every other week. Communication from the staff is usually quick if something is going around, so you aren’t walking in blind. My only beef is that the outdoor play area is a bit cramped, so they spend a lot of time indoors when the weather is iffy, which always makes me worry about ventilation and germs spreading. Still, compared to some other spots in the city, I feel like they actually prioritize the kids' health and don't just treat it as an afterthought.