A HAPPY PLACE TO LEARN & GROW

Little beginnings. A lifetime of possibility.

Nurturing childcare and preschool in Lake Zurich & Island Lake, IL. A place where your child feels known, finds friends, and discovers the joy of learning.

Come see us. Schedule a tour. Find your child’s program

6 weeks through Pre-K · Two welcoming centers

A child exploring her classroom at The Learning Tree Center
Children building together with colorful blocks
Small discoveries. Big smiles.
Purposeful play Caring, familiar teachers A partnership with you
Since 1988 Rooted in our community
The Creative Curriculum® Learning through discovery
Brightwheel updates Stay close to their day
Children sharing a joyful moment in a Learning Tree classroom
A little more belonging.
A lot more becoming.

WHY FAMILIES PUT DOWN ROOTS HERE

Big care.
For their little world.

Choosing childcare is choosing the people who become part of your child’s everyday life. We’re here to make that feel right.

01

Relationships that grow

Experienced educators, familiar faces, and a warm welcome. Get to know the people behind each classroom.

Lake Zurich teachers Island Lake teachers
02

Play with a purpose

The Creative Curriculum® brings language, movement, problem-solving, and friendships into everyday discoveries.

03

You’re part of every day

Photos, notes, and updates through Brightwheel help connect their classroom moments with your conversations at home.

Get to know our story

ROOM TO GROW, AT EVERY STAGE

Little steps.
Just-right beginnings.

From the first curious look to “I can do it myself.”
Explore a program for your child’s stage.

INFANT CARE · BOTH CENTERS

A gentle start.
A secure little world.

Responsive care, comforting routines, and time to explore. We follow your baby’s cues for feeding, sleep, and play, with discoveries designed for their earliest milestones.

  • Sensory discovery
  • Tummy time
  • Individual routines
Explore infant care

Ages 6 weeks to 15 months

Classroom ages overlap. Our team can help you choose a fit for your child’s development and current availability.

See all programs

A LITTLE MORE TO BE CURIOUS ABOUT

Their world keeps getting bigger.

LANGUAGE & CULTURE Lake Zurich only

你好 Hola. Hello.

A world of words.

Mandarin with a native-speaking teacher and weekly Spanish experiences through songs, stories, and playful routines.

Discover our multilingual program
ENRICHMENT ADVENTURES Explore with us

Move. Make.
Wonder.

New ways to shine.

From karate and soccer to fitness and Jungle Bus adventures, children discover new interests while building confidence and coordination.

Explore enrichment activities

FAMILIES ARE AT THE HEART OF IT

A familiar face.
A feeling of home.

Every family brings a different story. We’d love to be part of yours.

The director and teachers truly feel like family - they have become our village!
Sarah C. Lake Zurich parent
From a parent testimonial on our website

CLOSE TO HOME. CLOSE TO YOUR HEART.

Two centers.
One caring community.

Visit the classrooms. Meet the teachers.
Picture your child’s day here.

Welcoming families from Lake Zurich, Island Lake, Hawthorn Woods, Barrington, Deer Park, Wauconda, and neighboring communities.

LET’S MAKE THIS A LITTLE EASIER

Big decision.
Little questions,
welcome.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. Start here, or talk with our team.

Ask us a question
What ages do your programs serve?

Our programs serve children from 6 weeks through age 5, with infant, toddler, Two’s, and preschool / Pre-K classrooms. Classroom placement considers development and availability.

Compare our programs
How do I schedule a visit?

Use our tour request page to select a center and preferred visit time, or call either location. Our team will confirm the arrangements with you; submitting a request does not confirm an appointment.

Request a tour
How will I hear about my child’s day?

Our teachers share photos, notes, and daily updates through Brightwheel. Regular conversations with your child’s teachers help keep home and school connected.

Is the multilingual program at both centers?

The multilingual program is available at Lake Zurich. It includes Mandarin experiences with a native-speaking teacher and weekly Spanish exposure. Ask our team about the current classroom schedule.

Learn about language learning
Where can I see meals and nutrition information?

Visit our food and nutrition page for sample menus. Discuss current meals, allergies, and individual dietary needs with your center before enrollment.

Explore food & nutrition
How can I ask about tuition and availability?

Contact the center you’re considering for current tuition, schedules, and classroom openings. Paying with CCAP? Our guide explains who qualifies and how to apply, and our team is happy to help.

Do you have guides for parents?

Yes. Our parent guides cover how to choose a daycare, when to start Pre-K, and how to pay for care with Illinois CCAP.

Browse parent guides

YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS WITH A HELLO

Come feel
the difference.

There’s only so much a website can tell you.
Come meet the people who could become part of your child’s world.

735 Ela Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047

Call (847) 438-1945
Open the tour request form

Choose your center and preferred time on the next page. Our team will confirm your visit.

Find your center Schedule a tour
Sarah.C
Sarah.C
@LearningTreeLakeZurich
The Learning Tree is an excellent childcare facility! We are a military family who was apprehensive about choosing childcare as we didn’t know anyone in the area who could personally recommend a provider. As soon as we toured The Learning Tree, we knew it was the place for us. The director and teachers truly feel like family - they have become our village! The center is excellent at communicating. We love the notes and pictures that are frequently provided throughout the day. Both of our children love going to school every day! We couldn’t recommend The Learning Tree more!
Ashley.K
Ashley.K
@LearningTreeLakeZurich
The Learning Tree is the absolute best! If I could give it 10 stars, I would. We have 2 kids that have had the opportunity to be there for the last few years. The staff is kind, knowledgeable and super caring. When I walk into the building, it feels more like a family than a daycare. This is not my first daycare experience, and let me just say that this place far surpasses others I have seen. Choosing The Learning Tree was one of the best decisions I have made for our family, and I would choose them again and again! My oldest daughter is in kindergarten, and she was super prepared going into elementary school largely because of the engaging activities that they provide. Thank you Learning Tree for being an integral part of my family. <3
D M
D M
@LearningTree LakeZurich
My son first started at Learning Tree when he was 18 months. He still goes for their summer programs. The staff is excellent and always keeps you informed. I looked at three other places before deciding on Learning Tree. It was one of the best decisions I made.
Jamie.K
Jamie.K
@LearningTreeLakeZurich
We have been with the Learning Tree since 2019. We decided to put our first born there at 2.5 years old and have been happy overall. We toured several daycares in the area, some had more bells and whistles, but the staff wasn’t as experienced. We wanted our children to be nurtured, not just watched. We feel the staff is nurturing and very loving at The Learning Tree Lake Zurich. The Learning Tree has been accommodating with our children's needs by working with our Occupational therapy schedules and open to supporting those needs through the day. My oldest was absolutely ready for Kindergarten in District 95.
Brittney.H
Brittney.H
@LearningTree IslandLake
My kids have been coming here for a long time and they love it. I've never had any issues with this daycare. All the teachers are amazing 👏
Valerie.R
Valerie.R
@LearningTree IslandLake
I love The Learning Tree for my daughter! She's been there for almost 4 years now and loves it! I moved her from one daycare that was absolutely awful to my baby due to potty training trouble, and The Learning Tree was able to get her there within 3weeks and she was happier and it was an amazing change! The Director Danielle is always quick to answer any questions or concerns I have and truly cares about the kiddos. I've also grown great relationships with the other teachers Ruth, Ruby, Shannon and Marissa who all seem to look after my little girl with such great care it warms my heart so much! They're always doing fun activities with them too and crafty stuff which my daughter loves and gets so happy to bring home! The Learning Tree is a great place to trust your little one with when you can't be with them I truly believe the people who work there treat those kids like family. I am so grateful my daughter has grown up with them!
S Meagher
S Meagher
@LearningTree Island Lake
Ms. Cecile, Ms. Maricella, Ms. Amy, Ms. Ruth and Ms. Ruby have taken such fantastic care of our kids over the last few years. We have had our children here for almost seven years and whenever there has been a concern or issue, we have been communicated with and worked together towards a meaningful resolution. Our kids are happy here, they feel safe and seen. It is difficult to trust anyone to watch over your children when you are not able to, but the staff here make it a bit easier
Carolina.B
Carolina.B
@LearningTree Island Lake
I have been a long time resident of Lake Zurich. My four children have attended The Learning Tree. The teachers are awesome. I would highly recommend. They treat you like family.
Nina.T
Nina.T
@LearningTree Island Lake
All four of my sons have been at this daycare since they were infants, and we’ve had a great experience. The staff and teachers are kind, caring, and truly dedicated. I always felt confident knowing my kids were in such good hands. We’re so thankful for everything they’ve done for our family!