why private over a big name corporate chain?
Why choose a locally owned, boutique childcare center over a large corporate chain?
Elmhurst Premier Childcare offers families something increasingly difficult to find: locally owned, boutique childcare where decisions are made with our children, teachers, and families in mind—not by a distant corporate office.
Our owner is an Elmhurst University graduate who raised her children in Elmhurst and has remained deeply involved in the community through local leadership and service. EPC is not a franchise, investor-owned group, or one of dozens of locations. We are one school, and that allows us to know our children and families personally.
We intentionally go beyond basic state requirements by investing in experienced educators who hold early childhood degrees or pursue nationally recognized early childhood credentials. Our children benefit from hands-on STEAM learning, Music Together® enrichment, fresh meals through ChildEats, smaller classrooms, and an environment designed around meaningful teacher-child relationships.
Even our building was thoughtfully designed for young children, including heated floors in our infant and toddler classrooms.
At EPC, children aren’t numbers. They’re known, valued, and loved.
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. At Elmhurst Premier Childcare, we believe the quality of a child’s early learning experience begins with the educators caring for and teaching them each day.
We intentionally set our lead-teacher standards above basic state minimum requirements.
Our lead teachers come to us with prior childcare experience and either:
- Hold a degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, or
- Commit to earning a nationally recognized early childhood credential, such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) or Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) credential.
These professional credential pathways require extensive early childhood education coursework, demonstrated classroom experience, competency assessments, and professional evaluation.
Our lead teachers are expected to understand child development, classroom structure, safety, age-appropriate learning, positive teacher-child relationships, and how to deliver meaningful hands-on STEAM experiences.
We also invest in ongoing professional development because we believe early childhood educators should continue learning and growing throughout their careers.
Children deserve more than basic supervision. They deserve experienced, knowledgeable educators who understand how to nurture, teach, engage, and support them during some of the most important developmental years of their lives.
Teacher Qualifications Matter
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?
At Elmhurst Premier Childcare, cleanliness is built into our daily routines—not just our end-of-day cleaning.
We are a bleach-free childcare center and use professional disinfecting and sanitizing products according to manufacturer directions and appropriate childcare cleaning protocols.
Our approach includes:
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A three-step cleaning process for classroom toys and materials
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Individual UV sanitation stations in our classrooms
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An HVAC air-scrubbing system
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End-of-day air sanitation
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Professional commercial cleaning by Stratus
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Daily cleaning and sanitizing routines throughout the center
Our full commercial kitchen also gives us a dedicated space for cleaning and sanitizing appropriate classroom items away from children’s learning areas.
We believe a clean childcare environment requires multiple layers—from everyday handwashing and classroom sanitation to toy cleaning, professional evening cleaning, and air-quality measures.
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.
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.
