why private over a big name corporate chain?
Unlike large corporate childcare chains, Elmhurst Premier Childcare is a locally owned boutique school deeply rooted in the Elmhurst community. Our ownership is an Elmhurst University Alum, has raised children in Elmhurst, proudly served and serves the community, and remains actively involved through local leadership, including former service as an Economic Development Commissioner and currently chairs the Elmhurst American Legion Veterans event.
We go beyond state minimum requirements by investing in experienced teachers who hold or pursue early childhood degrees and certifications, provide hands-on STEAM learning, and focus on individualized learning and kindergarten readiness. At EPC, you’re not joining a corporation—you’re joining a school community where children are truly known, valued, and loved.
An amazing building difference are our heated floors in our infant and toddler classrooms!
What are the ages do you serve?
We provide childcare and early childhood education programs for:
• infants
• toddlers
• twos
• preschool
• Pre-K children
Our classrooms are intentionally designed to support each stage of development through hands-on learning, meaningful relationships, and age-appropriate educational experiences.
Are your teachers educated and experienced?
Yes. Elmhurst Premier Childcare goes above and beyond state minimum requirements.
Teacher Qualifications Matter
✔️ Our lead teachers either come to us with a degree or obtain a national early childhood certification such as a CDA or CCP( 2 years experience 120 hours of Early Childhood coursework, exam and observations to obtain and these are nationally recognized ECE certifications)
✔️ Lead teachers have prior classroom experience and understand child development, classroom structure, safety, and age-appropriate learning, along with experience to deliver a high quality STEAM program
✔️ We intentionally go above state minimum requirements because we believe children deserve more than basic supervision
✔️ Our teachers participate in ongoing training and professional development to continue growing in early childhood education
✔️ NO bleach-we use a superior product that kills more germs with a quicker kill time and does not produce toxic fumes or injuries
✔️ We believe early childhood education is one of the most important foundations in a child’s life, and teacher quality directly impacts confidence, safety, and long-term success
Do you have cameras in your classrooms?
Yes! We have cameras in our rooms for training and our ability to review any incidents.
Do you offer drop in or hourly care?
Upon a family being fully enrolled, with all required paperwork on file, YES, drop in/hourly reservations are accepted.
What curriculum do you use?
Elmhurst Premier Childcare utilizes a STEAM-focused curriculum that integrates:
• science
• technology
• engineering
• art
• mathematics
into meaningful hands-on learning experiences.
Children participate in:
• sensory exploration
• literacy-rich activities
• science discovery
• art and creativity
• dramatic play
• Music Together Enrichment
• problem-solving experiences
• early math and critical thinking activities
Our programs are intentionally designed to support kindergarten readiness, confidence, creativity, independence, communication, and a lifelong love of learning.
How do you keep the center clean?
We have a full commercial kitchen and are able to send out toys daily for a 3 step cleaning process. We are a bleach free center. We use superior products for disinfecting and sanitizing that require less time to “kill” germs than bleach, SAFER than bleach and even take it one step further and utilize an end of day, hospital grade, air sanitizer that is used after a professional evening cleaning. We have inidividual UV stations in all classrooms AND we have a HVAC air scubber in our sysetm too! Additionally, we have contracted with Stratus for our regular, daily commercial cleaning.
Do you provide meals and snacks?
Yes. Elmhurst Premier Childcare proudly partners with ChildEats to provide fresh-made breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks daily.
Our menu focuses heavily on:
• organic and all-natural ingredients
• fresh daily preparation
• farm-to-table inspired meals whenever possible
• balanced nutrition and healthy eating habits
• organic milk served daily
We believe proper nutrition plays an important role in children’s growth, development, focus, and overall well-being.
Do you offer Music Together?
Yes. Elmhurst Premier Childcare proudly incorporates the nationally recognized Music Together® program into our classrooms.
Music Together® helps support:
• creativity and self-expression
• language development
• coordination and movement
• confidence and communication
• social interaction and joyful learning experiences
We believe music is an important part of early childhood education and whole-child development.
How do you communicate with families?
We believe strong parent communication is essential.
Families receive daily updates through our secure parent communication app, including:
• meals and snacks
• naps and rest time
• diapering and potty-training updates
• classroom activities
• photos and learning moments
• developmental updates
• important communication and reminders
Our teachers and leadership team are always available for conferences, developmental discussions, and ongoing communication regarding your child’s growth and progress.
What safety measures do you have in place?
Children’s safety is our highest priority.
Our classrooms focus heavily on:
• active supervision
• structured classroom routines
• secure entry procedures
• cleanliness and sanitation
• emotionally supportive classroom environments
• organized, low-chaos learning spaces
• teacher-to-child engagement and interaction
• classroom cameras utilized for safety, accountability, and staff training purposes
We strive to create a safe, nurturing environment where children feel emotionally secure, supported, and confident each day.
Do you accept Childcare assistance?
We are currently accepting Childcare assistance, or CCAP during Covid-19 state restrictions.
Do you have a parent committee?
Yes! Our parent committee is the best out there! Our parents are engaged and help keep all of our families involved and in the loop!
Do you have special events planned throughout the year?
Elmhurst Premier Childcare DOES offer special family and center events throughout the year!! Please check with our center directly for details.
