From a baby's very first days to kindergarten readiness — The Learning Tree Center wraps every stage of your child's early years in warm, expert care. Infant, Toddler, Twos, and Preschool programs with long-tenured teachers, Creative Curriculum®, and Spanish & Mandarin immersion in Pre-K. Serving Lake Zurich families since 1988.
Established in 1988, The Learning Tree Center has served generations of Lake Zurich families across every stage of early childhood — from the tiniest newborn to the kindergarten-ready five-year-old. Our long-tenured teaching team knows how to meet children exactly where they are, building security, language, and confidence one day at a time.
Each program is purpose-built for where your child is developmentally — not a generic room, but a thoughtfully designed environment with teachers who specialize in that exact age.
6 weeks – 15 monthsYour baby's world is brand new — and every interaction shapes how they understand it. Our Infant classroom is built on one principle: consistent, responsive care from caregivers your baby knows and trusts.
12 – 30 monthsToddlerhood is an explosion — of words, ideas, emotions, and movement. Our Toddler classroom channels all that energy into language-rich play, discovery, and the joy of figuring things out.
2 – 3 yearsTwo-year-olds are becoming real people with opinions, questions, and a burning desire to do everything themselves. Our Two's classroom respects that drive while building the skills that make it possible.
3 – 5 yearsOur Pre-K classroom is where curiosity becomes capability. Children develop the academic, social, and emotional skills that make kindergarten feel like the next exciting adventure — not a daunting jump.
For school-age children in the Lake Zurich area, we offer before and after school care that bridges the gap between the school day and your work schedule. Drop off before school starts, pick up after the bell — or let us do both.
Children ages 3–5 are in the ideal window for language acquisition. In our Pre-K classroom, a native Mandarin-speaking teacher and a Spanish instructor bring daily language exposure through songs, read-alouds, circle-time vocabulary, and cultural celebrations — gently woven into a day children already love.
Confidence • Coordination • Creativity — Weekly specials bring learning to life beyond the classroom.
Age-appropriate movement, respect and focus.
Gross-motor play that builds strength and self-control.
Planting, watering and harvesting with wonder.
Songs, instruments and language integration.
"Our son started here at 8 weeks old and just graduated Pre-K. Every teacher along the way knew him — really knew him. That continuity is priceless." — Marcus T.
"Our twins have grown so much socially and academically. The Mandarin songs they bring home are wonderful. Teachers are caring and professional." — Claudia A.
"We were nervous about infant care. Within two weeks, our daughter lit up when we pulled into the parking lot. That told us everything." — Shannon S.
Don't see your question? Schedule a tour — we love talking with families.
We welcome infants as young as 6 weeks old. Our Infant classroom follows your baby's individual feeding, sleeping, and play schedule — not a one-size-fits-all routine.
Yes — many of our infant caregivers have been with us for over a decade. Caring for newborns and young babies requires a specific set of skills and temperament. Our team genuinely loves this work.
We were founded in 1988 and have served generations of local families for over 35 years. Many of the children we cared for as babies are now enrolling their own children with us.
Yes. Many of our lead teachers have been with us for 20+ years. For young children — especially infants and toddlers — teacher stability is one of the most important factors in quality care.
Mandarin and Spanish immersion are offered in our Pre-K program (ages 3–5). Spanish is also woven into songs and greetings in our younger classrooms. Our Pre-K Mandarin is taught by a native speaker daily.
Yes. We provide before and after school care for school-age children in the Lake Zurich area. We offer school bus pickup and drop-off from our center, and can coordinate with Lake Zurich district school bus routes. Availability and current school partnerships vary — call us at (847) 438-1945 to discuss your child's schedule.
We serve families from Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods, Barrington, Deer Park, Lake Barrington, North Barrington, Kildeer, Long Grove, Tower Lakes, Wauconda, Volo, and Mundelein — within approximately 5 miles of our center.
Address: 735 Ela Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Phone: (847) 438-1945
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
At Learning Tree Kid Lake Zurich, we nurture young minds with love, learning, and play in a safe, enriching space.
Our goal is to nurture happy, well-rounded children who are prepared for future challenges. We understand the importance of collaboration with parents, and we strive to work closely with you to support your child’s growth and development.
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