Childcare Resources
The Office of the Provost works with academic families to find childcare resources and share information about schools in Chicago. Sarah Diwan at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club is available to advise families on childcare for children aged 0-5; please email Sarah at sdiwan@hpnclub.org. Jim Furman is available to assist families explore K-12 educational options; please email Jim at jfurman@uchicago.edu.
UChicago Child Development Centers managed by Bright Horizons are available for children of faculty members and other academic appointees in a space designed to meet the childcare and educational needs of children ages six weeks to 5 years old, maximizing learning and ensuring safety. In the event emergency childcare is needed, Bright Horizons also offers drop-in-care for infants through kindergarten-aged children.
The Bright Horizons experience encourages children to be confident, successful, and lifelong learners. In each classroom, teachers provide a stimulating environment for learning and development.
- Infant: Great Places for Babies program provides a warm, welcoming environment where your baby can thrive and grow from a bundle of joy to a bundle of curiosity.
- Toddler: Growing World of Toddlers curriculum uses hands-on exploration and social interaction to help your child learn about the world in a safe and engaging environment.
- Preschool: Builds upon established foundations for learning while focusing on your child’s newly emerging and advanced use of language, mathematical reasoning, and scientific thought.
To learn more about the two Bright Horizons center operated by the University, please visit:
Childcare Referral Program
The University provides a childcare referral service for parents at no charge to assist them in evaluating and locating a childcare provider that best meets their needs. However, parents are responsible for the full cost of any day care services they ultimately choose.
The Resource and Referral Service is available through Perspectives by calling 1.800.456.6327 or visiting Perspectives' website. A trained consultant will assist you in evaluating your requirements and locating an appropriate solution by considering options such as:
- In-home/family/center day care
- Preschool, before/after school
- Sick/back-up/weekend childcare
- Tutoring, college planning
- Adoption
- Summer camps, programs
Before you call the referral service, you should consider:
- The hours for which you will need care
- The type of childcare you prefer
- The location of the caregiver
- How much you can afford to spend