Total Child Center

Love Love Love this school! I am an educator and feel as if I know what young children need in order to be ready for kindergarten. Both of my daughters are so different, yet both of their needs have been met to the fullest. They never seem to be lacking supplies in order for the children to explore and manipulate. The teachers are wonderful. I am moving next year which makes me so sad to leave.
--Submitted by a parent

My child thrived emotionally and developmentally at Total Child. Wonderful teachers, administration, and facilities. Total Child is a play based curriculum where children learn through touching, seeing, smelling and tasting the world around them. The emphasis on a child's emotional development rather than "academic" development, however, my daughter ended up testing into a CPS Classical School for Kindergarten. Each day children experience activities that are meaningful to them as they are introduced to geography, numbers, develop literacy, and develop social relationships. The indoor motor room is a full size school gym. It's an amazing space where kids are able to run, ride, and climb. The outside playground is terrific as well. There are options available for students outside of the classroom as well. Total Child has partnered with Northwestern University and offers on-site speech therapy and occupational therapy. The price tag may be limiting for some families but it's A+ option if it's within your budget.
--Submitted by a parent

We have our two daughters at TC right now and they both love it. They love going to school everyday and come back with great stories about all the fun activities they did. The teachers are patient and engaging. They are constantly coming up with new and interesting activities. The school does a number of fun annuals events like Harvest Soup that get parents, students and children involved together. My wife and I are very happy with TC and strongly recommend it!
--Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school which offers safe and stimulating environment for all kids. The school is very diverse with many bilingual children/families. The community is very caring, the teachers have a lot of good energy and I have to literally drag my kids home after each school day. Each classroom typically has a week-long theme (music, geography, science, reading, etc) which the kids love. They are outside everyday (unless the weather is really bad) and the motor room is fantastic bonus. I would definitely recommend to everyone looking for a preschool for the children.
--Submitted by a parent

My son's teachers are really in tune with him. Recently when he started having some behavior problems, they helped identify his needs and made modifications so that he can be more successful at school. I appreciate how quickly the teachers intervened and that they included me in the process. I am so thankful to see my child thrive at school!
--Submitted by a parent

TC is a GREAT SCHOOL!. Besides the spacious gross motor room and big classrooms, it has teachers that are dedicated and caring. They always take extra time to talk about my son's day. The curriculum is age appropriate, and the director is always engaged and knows the truth about early childhood development: It is the all about getting along with others and learning to communicate effectively with others. Children learn this through songs, play and love. I thought they needed more "ABC's" but I was wrong. My oldest was absolutely well prepared for kindergarten and my younger son who has difficulty communicating, has really blossomed. There is no drill and kill. Everything is individual child centered so they can learn on their own terms. Plus, there is great diversity, friendly families, and lots of options for working family schedules. That's why I chose it, and highly recommend it to others parents.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attends TCC currently. Teachers are nice. Children seem to have fun. Feels like someone posted a bunch of 5 star reviews within 2 days (school itself perhaps?) that is soo cheesy! Don't you think people will notice that they were all written on October 25th? I would probably not recommend this school if you can afford to go somewhere else. Also, the principal is always sticking things in the cubbies about more fundraising.! Not enough details on the child's days & what they are suppose to learn. I am giving it 3 stars only because my child doesn't seem to learn anything other than songs & to play with other kids. This is our only option right now so I have to suck it up.
--Submitted by a parent

We've really enjoyed Total Child. We came to know the school when our nephew went there, and we attended some of the functions with him. The staff seems to be more like a family than a staff. They truly enjoy what they're doing, and in our opinion, they're very good at it. Our older son went through the entire program and is doing extremely well at elementary school, and our second son is currently at Total Child. We recommend this school with confidence to anyone who asks.
--Submitted by a parent

I couldn't recommend Total Child enough. It has all the benefits of a small school (every teacher knows every student) with all the professionalism, amenities and resources of a large school. There is a pervasive culture of warmth and respect for children, enthusiasm for learning and a professional commitment to developmentally appropriate teaching. I have made some of my closest friends from this preschool (as have my children!) as it tends to draw people who are committed to surrounding their children in a safe, culturally open, inquisitive, and welcoming environment. All of this trickles down from the excellent Director Susan Ruhl and t
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter and I love Total Child. The teachers are excellent, the director is wonderful and caring. The school has a board that is engaged in the school's programs and in the needs of the children and the school. My daugher loves going to school each day. The academic program is excellent, stimulating, and is preparing my child for kindergarten. I recommend this program to all parents of young children. It is excellent, and I am happy we found it!
--Submitted by a parent