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! 🌟