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Growing & Learning Home Daycare, Chicago

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Based on 9 reviews
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About

🎉 Special deal: contact us on CareLuLu and we will waive your $50 registration fee!
Location:
Welcome to Growing & Learning Home Daycare, a licensed home-based daycare and preschool program located in the charming Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL. Our convenient location near W. Irving Park Rd (IL-19) and W. Belle Plaine Ave offers quick access to Cicero Ave (IL-50), and we're less than 15 minutes from the Kennedy (I-90) and Edens (I-94) expressways. We're also close to public transportation, including the Jefferson Park Transit Center and Montrose Blue Line station. Plus, with Portage Park Elementary School just minutes away, our daycare is a perfect option for busy families seeking dependable, high-quality child care in Chicago.
Program:
Growing & Learning Home Daycare is a Spanish bilingual program open Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. We provide full-time and part-time care for infants as young as 6 weeks, toddlers, and preschoolers, along with before- and after-school care for children up to 12 years old. For your child’s health and safety, our daycare is completely peanut- and tree-nut-free. Nutritious, home-style meals are included in tuition each day, ensuring children stay healthy and energized while learning and playing.
About Me:
Hello parents! My name is Ms. Gabriela, though most families and children call me Ms. Gaby. I am a proud mother and the founder of Growing & Learning Home Daycare, where young minds are encouraged to explore, grow, and discover. What I love most about working with children is that every day brings new adventures, challenges, and joyful moments that make this work so rewarding. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, a Child Development Associate’s Degree (CDA) in Early Childhood Education, and certifications in CPR and First Aid. With more than 30 years of childcare experience, including 16 years running my own home daycare, I bring both creativity and safety into the classroom. My mission is to provide a nurturing, engaging, and safe environment where children feel loved, supported, and excited to learn each day. I look forward to welcoming your family into our Growing & Learning community.
Philosophy:
At Growing & Learning Home Daycare, we believe early childhood should be a time of joy, discovery, and creativity. We create a warm environment where children learn through play, imagination, and hands-on experiences. By blending a play-based approach with arts and crafts, we nurture each child’s natural curiosity and encourage them to express themselves freely. This creative learning builds confidence, independence, and essential life skills. Our philosophy centers on strong, supportive relationships with children and their families. We provide personalized care that respects each child’s pace and personality, guiding them with warmth and patience as they reach important milestones. Our goal is to make every child feel valued, inspired, and eager to learn.
Why Choose Us:
We offer more than just child care, we provide a nurturing, home-based preschool experience that families can count on. Our program is built on trust, safety, and a deep commitment to supporting each child’s emotional, social, and academic development. Because early childhood lays the foundation for lifelong success, we focus on building strong skills through meaningful activities, supportive relationships, and daily encouragement. When you choose Growing & Learning Home Daycare in Chicago, you’re choosing a caring community dedicated to helping your child thrive.
Daily Activities:
Our daily schedule is thoughtfully designed to inspire joy, curiosity, and meaningful learning. We combine the Creative Curriculum with elements from Mother Goose Time, STEM, and Montessori approaches to create a well-rounded, engaging experience. This blend allows us to provide both structure and flexibility, supporting each child’s individual growth. Activities include music, arts and crafts, cooking and snack preparation, and hands-on exploration that foster creativity, independence, and problem-solving. In our bilingual environment, children are naturally immersed in both English and Spanish, encouraging strong language development and cultural appreciation. Outdoor play is an essential part of our day. Our safe, fenced backyard offers space for active play, while regular nature walks and visits to the nearby park spark a sense of wonder and connection to the world around them. Through this balance of creative, play-based learning and outdoor discovery, we help children become confident, curious learners who form meaningful friendships, explore their interests, and grow with joy and purpose. Thank you for learning about Growing & Learning Home Daycare! Contact us through CareLuLu to schedule a tour, we look forward to meeting your family! 🌟

Parent Reviews

Gabriela G.
Verified Parent
Posted 1 month ago
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Safety
Growing and Learning has truly been the best experience for our family. Where do I even begin? As a first-time, full-time working household, my husband and I knew we needed to find quality care for our little one. A close friend highly recommended Ms. Gaby’s, so I reached out when I was halfway through my pregnancy to secure an infant spot knowing how limited they can be. When the day finally came to return to work, I felt every emotion... more
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Anna E.W. H.
Verified Parent
Posted 2 months ago
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Safety
Choosing Growing & Learning Daycare was one of our best decisions as parents. Both our children started there as infants, and from the first day, it felt like we were bringing them to family. The teachers cared for our son through early intervention for torticollis, doing his physical therapy stretches and working alongside his therapist. They took care of significant milestones for us: potty training both children, teaching them to use... more
Response from the provider:
Your words have touched my heart and brought back so many beautiful memories!! Thank you for all your trust in us and... more
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Katie M.
Verified Parent
Posted 2 months ago
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As a parent with one child who graduated from Growing and Learning and another who is currently enrolled, I cannot recommend this daycare enough. From day one, Gaby and her staff created a safe, nurturing environment that supported not only my children’s growth but our entire family. They helped us navigate every milestone—getting on a sleep schedule, gently weaning off bottles and pacifiers (when my children were ready), and even managing the... more
Response from the provider:
There’s not enough words to express how grateful I am for your support and how wonderful it has been to work with your... more
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Nora B.
Verified Parent
Posted 2 months ago
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Our son, Aldo, started with Gaby when he was just 9 months old, after a rocky experience at another daycare. From the moment we met her, we felt at ease. She created such a warm, safe environment that we instantly trusted her with our son. Gaby and her two wonderful assistants know how to challenge kids gently, in ways that feel natural and fun. They connected with Aldo in a personal, meaningful way—especially when it comes to reading and early... more
Response from the provider:
I appreciate your kind words. It’s always a pleasure to have Aldo back to visit us!
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Gillian M.
Verified Parent
Posted 2 months ago
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I am so greatful for Gaby’s daycare. She is always organizing enriching activities for the kids to do, cooking them delicious and nutritious meals, and overall creating a welcoming environment for the kids. I was worried that my kids would have a hard time adjusting to being away from their parents, but they are always excited to go to daycare and can’t wait to see their teachers. I can’t put into words how comforting it is to know that when I’m... more
Response from the provider:
Thank you Gillian, for your kind words. We really appreciate your support.
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Stacy M.
Verified Parent
Posted 2 months ago
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I wholeheartedly recommend Gabriela Gonzalez as a home daycare provider. Over the past eight years, she cared for my two children with exceptional kindness, patience, and professionalism. Her home is a warm, welcoming, and safe environment where my kids felt comfortable and happy every single day. Gabriela and the other teachers provided daily engaging activities that supported the kid's development. The kids engaged in creative arts and... more
Response from the provider:
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with prospective families! It’s been a pleasure working with you and the... more
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Erika D.
Verified Parent
Posted 2 months ago
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Ms. Gaby, Ms. Linda, and Ms. Katy hold very special places in our hearts. The dedication they have for the kids they care for is unmatched, they truly love them and treat them as their own. My sister is an assistant principal and school social worker and always raves about how socially, emotionally, and academically my boys were compared to their peers or even some of the kids in her own elementary school which I directly attribute to Gaby and... more
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Kennon R.
Verified Parent
Posted 6 years ago
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I can't speak more highly of Growing & Learning, Gabriela, and her team. My son has been in her care since he was 1-year-old and he's almost 5. Her indoor and outdoor space is clean, bright, and welcoming. Her whole team is friendly, loving, compassionate, skilled, and generous. Her care is play-based with organized activities, including reading circle, special art projects, monthly themes (ex/ sea creatures, plants), and lots of outdoor time as... more
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Kelly W.
Verified Parent
Posted 6 years ago
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Gabriela is the most patient and loving caretaker in the world! She has so much fun with the kids, they do crafts, play games, do special things around the holidays and she treats her daycare like a preschool. My girls knew letters, numbers, colors and shapes by the age of 2! She is a true gem in the city!
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Contact This Program For Free
Home-based
Home-based
Hours
7:00am - 5:00pm
Ages
6 weeks - 6 years
Kindergarten
No
Before School Care
Yes
After School Care
Yes
Accreditation
No
Meals Provided
Yes
Transportation
No
Facilities
  Fenced Facilities
  Playground
  Multipurpose Room
  iPads/Tablets
  Indoor Playroom
  Library
  Backyard
  Separate Nap Room
  Outdoor Play Area