Best Preschool & Daycare in Island Lake
Affordable Daycare & Preschool
in Island Lake, IL
Looking for affordable daycare in Island Lake? The Learning Tree Center offers trusted, affordable daycare and preschool in Island Lake, IL for families in the community. CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) accepted. Silver ExceleRate IL certified. Founded 1988.
Quality Early Education That Every Island Lake Family Can Access
At The Learning Tree Center's Island Lake location, we believe that every child — regardless of family income — deserves outstanding early education. Our Island Lake center offers the same caring teachers, research-backed Creative Curriculum®, and enriching programs as our Lake Zurich location, with the added benefit of accepting CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) to help make quality childcare affordable for working families.
Established in 1988, we have spent over 35 years building trust with families across Island Lake, Wauconda, Cary, McHenry, and surrounding communities. Our teachers are long-tenured, our environment is warm and safe, and our programs are designed to help every child thrive — socially, emotionally, and academically.
- ✓Founded in 1988 — trusted by generations of Island Lake families
- ✓CCAP accepted — financial assistance available for eligible families
- ✓Illinois Silver ExceleRate Circle of Quality — independently verified excellence
- ✓DCFS licensed and fully compliant with state childcare standards
- ✓The Creative Curriculum® — nationally recognized, research-based framework
- ✓Caring, long-tenured teaching staff with deep roots in the community
Don't Let Cost Hold Your Child Back — CCAP Can Help
Quality childcare is one of the most important investments in your child's future — and cost should never be the barrier. The Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, helps eligible working families pay for childcare so their children can access the quality early education they deserve.
The Learning Tree Center – Island Lake is a CCAP-accepted provider. This means if your family qualifies for CCAP, the state pays a portion of your childcare cost directly to us, and you pay only a sliding-scale co-pay based on your income and family size — often significantly reducing your monthly cost.
Not sure if you qualify? Our staff is happy to answer your questions and point you in the right direction. You can also check your eligibility and apply directly online.
How to Apply for CCAP — Step by Step
- 1
Check Your Eligibility
Use the free CCAP Eligibility Calculator at getchildcareil.org to estimate your co-pay in under 5 minutes. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and work/school status.
- 2
Apply Online (Free, Takes ~20 Minutes)
New applicants can complete the entire CCAP application online at any time from a smartphone, tablet, or computer — no office visit required.
- 3
Contact Your Local CCR&R Agency
Your local Child Care Resource & Referral agency provides free, one-on-one help with the application process. Call toll-free: 1-877-202-4453.
- 4
Choose Us as Your Provider
Once approved, select The Learning Tree Center – Island Lake as your CCAP provider. We'll handle the rest and welcome your child into our community.
Who Qualifies for CCAP?
- ✓Working parents or guardians (full or part-time)
- ✓Parents attending school or job training
- ✓Children under 13 years old (up to 19 with special needs)
- ✓Family income below Illinois CCAP income limits
- ✓Teen parents (under 20) in high school or GED programs
- ✓Families receiving TANF benefits
- ✓Families experiencing housing instability (special process available)
Income limits vary by family size. A family of 4 earning up to approximately $73,000/year may qualify. Use the eligibility calculator to check your specific situation.
Not eligible for CCAP? We understand that every family's situation is unique. Speak with our Island Lake director about our programs and tuition options — we're committed to working with families to make quality early education as accessible as possible.
📞 Call us: (847) 487-8733Programs at the Island Lake Center
From newborns to kindergarten-ready five-year-olds, every program follows The Creative Curriculum® — a nationally recognized, research-based framework that nurtures the whole child at every stage.
Infant Program
Gentle, responsive caregiving in a warm environment where babies explore safely through sensory play, tummy time, and one-on-one bonding with consistent caregivers.
Learn more →Toddler Program
Supporting emerging independence, language explosion, and social discovery through structured routines, movement, and exploration-centered learning centers.
Learn more →Preschool / Pre-K Program
Project-based learning that builds kindergarten readiness through early literacy, math concepts, STEM exploration, and social-emotional development in an engaging classroom community.
Learn more →Enrichment Program
Weekly enrichment adventures including karate, soccer, fitness, STEM lab, and creative arts — led by expert instructors to build confidence, coordination, and curiosity beyond the classroom.
Learn more →Enrichment That Builds the Whole Child
Every child at our Island Lake center has access to weekly enrichment activities that develop skills, build confidence, and spark lifelong interests.
Karate for Confidence
Age-appropriate movement, focus, and respect through martial arts basics.
Soccer & Movement
Gross motor development, teamwork, and active play with expert coaches.
STEM Lab
Hands-on science experiments and engineering challenges that make learning exciting.
Creative Arts
Painting, sculpting, music, and storytelling that nurture imagination and self-expression.
ExceleRate Illinois Silver Circle of Quality
The Learning Tree Center – Island Lake holds the Silver Circle of Quality from ExceleRate Illinois — the state's official Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). Silver certification is awarded only after independent, on-site assessment of teaching quality, learning environment, educator qualifications, and administrative standards. It means the quality of care your child receives here has been independently verified — not just claimed.
Silver-certified programs like ours also receive a CCAP quality add-on rate, meaning the state recognizes and rewards our commitment to quality for families using childcare assistance.
Learn About ExceleRate Illinois →Trusted by Island Lake Families
"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."
"I love The Learning Tree for my daughter! She's been there for almost 4 years now and loves it. The Director Danielle is always quick to answer any questions and truly cares about the kiddos."
"We have had our children here for almost seven years. Our kids are happy here, they feel safe and seen. It is difficult to trust anyone to watch over your children, but the staff here make it a bit easier."
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question not answered below? Contact us or call (847) 487-8733 — we're happy to help.
Do you accept CCAP (Illinois Child Care Assistance Program)?
Yes — The Learning Tree Center Island Lake is a CCAP-accepted provider. If your family qualifies for Illinois CCAP, the state will pay a portion of your childcare costs directly to us, and you pay only a sliding-scale co-pay based on your income and family size.
To apply for CCAP, visit getchildcareil.org to apply online, or call your local CCR&R agency toll-free at 1-877-202-4453 for free application assistance.
Who qualifies for CCAP in Illinois?
CCAP is available to Illinois families who are working, attending school, or in job training, and have children under 13. Eligibility is based on family size and gross income. A family of 4 earning up to approximately $73,000/year may qualify. Use the free CCAP Eligibility Calculator to check your specific situation in minutes.
What ages does the Island Lake center serve?
What are your hours and location?
What is your quality rating?
Do you provide meals and snacks?
How do I enroll or schedule a tour?
What is The Creative Curriculum®?
Island Lake Center Location & Contact
550 Newport Ct, Island Lake, IL 60042
(847) 487-8733
[email protected]
Monday – Friday, 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Island Lake, Wauconda, Cary, McHenry, Fox River Grove, Volo, and surrounding communities
Come See the Island Lake Center for Yourself
The best way to find out if we're the right fit is to walk through our doors. Tours are free, no-pressure, and a great chance to meet our teachers and see our programs in action.
Also serving families at our Lake Zurich center — (847) 438-1945