Discover the top 10 preschools and daycares in Joliet, IL. Our guide lists trusted early childhood centers for infants, toddlers, and pre-K with verified contact details and real parent reviews.

Choosing the right preschool or daycare for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. In Joliet, Illinois, families have access to a variety of early childhood options—from public preschools with state recognition to private centers with decades of experience and nurturing in-home daycares. Whether you need full-time infant care, a half-day preschool program, or before and after school care, this guide to the Top 10 Preschools and Daycares in Joliet, Illinois profiles the area's most trusted and highly-rated early childhood centers based on parent reviews, state recognition, and quality of care.

1. Marycrest Early Childhood Center (Joliet Public Schools District 86)

A shining star in Joliet's early childhood landscape, Marycrest Early Childhood Center has received the prestigious Gold Circle of Quality award through ExceleRate Illinois for the fourth consecutive time (2013, 2017, 2020, 2024) . This state recognition places them among Illinois' top early learning programs. Currently serving 366 students aged 3-5 years in a half-day preschool program, Marycrest focuses on four developmental areas: social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and language . They offer free developmental screenings for children who qualify and live within District 86 boundaries .

Website: www.joliet86.org/our-schools/marycrest/
Address: Joliet Public Schools District 86, Joliet, IL
Phone: Available via website
Email: Contact via website

Parent/Community Feedback:

"We are so proud of our Marycrest staff for receiving this award. They play such a vital role in setting the educational foundation for our youngest learners." – Dr. Theresa Rouse, District 86 Superintendent

2. Mary Sears Children's Academy

With an impressive history dating back to 1964, Mary Sears Children's Academy has been dedicated to early childhood development for over six decades . They offer comprehensive programs including infant care, toddler programs, preschool, kindergarten, before and after school care, and summer camp for children up to 12 years old . Parents rave about their communication through a dedicated app that provides daily updates and peace of mind . The academy maintains a 4.2-star rating from 34 reviews .

Website: www.mary-sears-academy.com/joliet-school/
Address: 300 Caterpillar Dr, Joliet, IL 60436
Phone: (815) 725-7633
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Google Review Highlights:

"I would highly recommend Mary Sears Children's Academy to any hardworking parent looking for an affordable, safe, fun, caring, and loving learning environment for their children. My son has been going for quite some time now and he's progressing with talking and learning his numbers and colors." – JJJ, April 2025

3. MLH Early Education

Formed in 2015 through the merger of two established local programs, MLH Early Education focuses on developing the "whole child" . Their pre-K program, led by Ms. Kera, has earned rave reviews for helping children master alphabet recognition, sight words, colors, numbers, and even introductory Spanish and American Sign Language . The center features modern amenities including computers for educational activities, a Lego corner, and a dedicated reading nook .

Website: Information available via Care.com
Address: 3205 Wexford Lane, Joliet, IL
Phone: Find via Care.com
Hours: Starting at $50/day

Google Review Highlights:

"My children love MLH! My youngest is enrolled in the pre-k program with Ms. Kera and already knows his alphabet, some sight words, colors, numbers, some Spanish and ASL! They get to work on computers, and have a new Lego corner and reading nook." – Jennifer J

4. Joliet Township Infant Childcare Center (JTHS)

This unique center serves a vital mission: supporting teenage parents in completing their high school education while ensuring their children receive exceptional early childhood care. They have maintained the prestigious Gold Circle of Quality designation from ExceleRate Illinois since 2016, the highest level attainable by early learning providers . The center focuses on engaging young parents, strengthening parenting skills, and supporting healthy child development in a safe environment .

Website: www.jths.org
Address: Joliet Township High School District, Joliet, IL
Phone: Available via website
Email: Contact via website

Program Highlights:

Gold Circle of Quality designation requires rigorous professional development, demonstration of continuous quality improvement, and meeting all fifteen standards validated by state-approved assessors .

5. Troy Craughwell School (Troy CCSD 30-C)

Ranked as the #1 public preschool in Joliet by Public School Review, Troy Craughwell School serves grades PK-4 with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 . They demonstrate strong academic performance with math proficiency at 30-34% and reading proficiency at 35-39%, exceeding state averages for preschool reading . The school serves 503 students with a diverse minority enrollment of 67% .

Website: Information available via Public School Review
Address: 3333 Black Rd, Joliet, IL 60431
Phone: (815) 577-6760
Email: Contact via school district

School Highlights:

Top-ranked public preschool in Joliet with above-average reading proficiency scores .

6. Troy Heritage Trail School (Troy CCSD 30-C)

Ranked as the #2 public preschool in Joliet, Troy Heritage Trail School serves 473 students in grades PK-4 with a 14:1 student-teacher ratio . They demonstrate solid academic performance with math proficiency at 25-29% and reading proficiency at 30-34% . Minority enrollment stands at 72% .

Website: Information available via Public School Review
Address: 3389 Longford Dr, Joliet, IL 60431
Phone: (815) 577-6760
Email: Contact via school district

School Highlights:

Consistently ranked among Joliet's top public preschools with strong community reputation .

7. Building a Brighter Future

A premier child care agency dedicated to providing a nurturing and safe environment for children to learn, grow, and thrive . Their experienced staff focuses on fostering development through comprehensive programs including infant care, toddler care, preschool, and school-out programs . They offer convenient hours from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday .

Website: Information available via Yelp
Address: Joliet, IL
Phone: Find via Yelp
Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Program Highlights:

Comprehensive programs designed to foster young minds through developmentally appropriate activities .

8. Little Red School House

Serving Joliet families since 1968, Little Red School House is a licensed childcare center with over five decades of experience . They cater to children ages 2-6 years with a maximum capacity of 30 children, ensuring personalized attention. Their programs focus on creative arts and cultural celebrations, with former students fondly recalling special events like St. Patrick's Day festivities .

Website: Information available via Care.com
Address: 713 Richmond St, Joliet, IL
Phone: Find via Care.com
Email: Contact via Care.com

Google Review Highlights:

"My son attended The Little Red School House. He always recalls the St. Patrick's Day Celebration. I was never concerned about him whenever I dropped him off. I was very pleased with the interaction and introduction to different culture." – Cassandra H

9. Learning 2 Grow Childcare Daycare

A home-based daycare offering a warm, nurturing atmosphere with a maximum capacity of 12 children for personalized attention . Licensed by the state of Illinois (License #594750), they serve children ages 2 months to 5 years with programs designed using Creative Curriculum and STEAM principles . Staff are CPR and First Aid certified, and they accept CCAP subsidies for eligible families .

Website: www.learning-2-grow-childcare.org
Address: 500 Allegheny Street, Joliet, IL 60431
Phone: (630) 677-0678
Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30 AM - 5:35 PM

Program Highlights:

"Our infant-care programs, toddler daycare programs, and pre-schools are thoughtfully designed to deliver a comprehensive learning experience that helps children develop the skills, confidence, and independence they need to thrive."

10. Grace Child Care Center

A ministry of Grace United Methodist Church, this center offers early care and education services to children ages 6 weeks and up . They feature a gymnasium and spacious outdoor play areas where children can play, interact, and have fun. The center focuses on developing the whole child in a faith-based environment .

Website: Information available via Care.com
Address: 1718 Avalon Ave, Joliet, IL
Phone: Find via Care.com
Email: Contact via Care.com

Google Review Highlights:

"They've done a really good job with my daughters. I appreciate the work that they do." – Brad B, 4.0-star review

FAQs on Preschools and Daycares in Joliet

What is ExceleRate Illinois Gold Circle of Quality?

It's the highest level of recognition in Illinois' quality rating system, awarded to programs that demonstrate excellence in learning environment, instructional quality, administrative standards, staff qualifications, and professional development . Marycrest and JTHS Infant Childcare Center have both achieved this distinction .

How much do preschool and daycare programs cost in Joliet?

Costs vary widely by program type. Home-based daycares like Learning 2 Grow may offer competitive rates, while centers like Mary Sears Children's Academy provide comprehensive programs for infants through school age . Many centers accept CCAP subsidies for eligible families .

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Joliet?

According to Public School Review, the top public preschools are Troy Craughwell School, Troy Heritage Trail School, and Rockdale Elementary School .

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Top 10 Preschools and Daycares in Joliet Illinois

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