Age-appropriate care and education designed to nurture your child at every stage of development.
6 Weeks - 12 Months | Ratio: 1 Teacher to 4 Infants
Our infant program provides a warm, responsive environment where your baby's earliest milestones are celebrated and supported. Each infant is assigned a primary caregiver who learns their unique rhythms, preferences, and developmental cues, building the secure attachment that research shows is critical for healthy brain development.
Daily activities include tummy time, sensory exploration, music and movement, reading aloud, and plenty of cuddles. We follow each baby's individual schedule for feeding and napping while gently introducing group routines as they grow.
1 - 2 Years | Ratio: 1 Teacher to 5 Toddlers
Toddlers are natural explorers, and our program is built around their boundless curiosity and energy. Our classrooms are filled with hands-on learning stations that encourage your toddler to touch, build, sort, and discover. We focus on the rapid language development happening at this age through rich conversation, storytelling, and singing throughout the day.
Gentle guidance helps toddlers begin to navigate social interactions, learn routines, and develop the independence they crave. We also support families through the potty-training journey at a pace that works for each child.
3 - 4 Years | Ratio: 1 Teacher to 8 Children
Our preschool program strikes the perfect balance between structured learning and free exploration. Children rotate through learning centers focused on literacy, math, science, art, and dramatic play. Each week follows a theme that connects activities across subjects, giving children deeper, more meaningful learning experiences.
Pre-reading skills like letter recognition, phonemic awareness, and print concepts are introduced through engaging activities such as letter hunts, rhyming games, and interactive read-alouds. Early math concepts including counting, patterns, shapes, and sorting are woven into daily play.
4 - 5 Years | Ratio: 1 Teacher to 10 Children
Our Pre-K program is designed to give children the skills, confidence, and social readiness they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. Using a comprehensive curriculum aligned with Illinois Early Learning Standards, we build strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, science inquiry, and social studies.
Children in our Pre-K program learn to write their first and last names, recognize and produce letter sounds, count to 100, perform simple addition and subtraction, and follow multi-step directions. Just as importantly, they learn to raise their hand, work in groups, manage their belongings, and approach new challenges with a growth mindset.
Elementary Age (K-5th Grade)
Our before and after school program provides a safe, engaging space for school-age children during the hours when parents need reliable care. Morning sessions run from 6:30 AM until school bus departure, giving kids a calm, organized start to their day with a light breakfast and quiet activities.
After school, children are picked up by bus and greeted with a healthy snack. They have dedicated homework time with teacher support, followed by their choice of enrichment activities including arts and crafts, outdoor games, STEM projects, reading time, and free play with friends.
Ages 4 - 10 | June through August
Our summer camp turns the break from school into an adventure. Each week follows a unique theme - from "Under the Sea" and "Space Explorers" to "Around the World" and "Junior Scientists" - with activities, crafts, stories, and games all tied to that week's topic.
Campers enjoy weekly field trips to local parks, museums, and attractions. Daily schedules include swimming at the community pool (for ages 5+), outdoor games, creative arts, science experiments, cooking projects, and plenty of time for free play and friendships. Parents can register by the week, making it flexible for summer vacation schedules.
Getting started at Little Explorers is simple. Here is what the process looks like.
Contact us by phone, email, or through our website to set up a time to visit. Tours are available Monday through Friday and typically last about 30 minutes.
During your tour, you will meet the teachers in your child's age group, see the classrooms, and have a chance to ask any questions about our programs and approach.
If Little Explorers feels like the right fit, we will provide enrollment forms. These include your child's health records, emergency contacts, and a family questionnaire.
We offer a gradual transition period where you and your child can visit the classroom, meet friends, and ease into the new routine at a pace that feels comfortable.
Not sure which program is the best fit? Schedule a tour and our director will help you find the perfect match for your child's age and needs.
Schedule a Tour