KinderCare, Palatine

When should my child learn to read? At what age should she be interested in math or science? These are some common questions parents ask themselves, and though throngs of get-smart-quick fads claim to teach your special snowflake to play the violin in utero, KinderCare provides a more realistic timeline. Here, the highly trained early-childhood teachers set kids down the path toward becoming lifelong learners in a positive, safe, and nurturing environment. They take an individual approach to helping youngsters embrace discovery, and also form a strong bond with parents to foster a fulfilling experience for everyone. Read on to learn more about how they help shape children's development:

• Six Developmental Domains: They lay the groundwork for future academic success by approaching learning via a variety of avenues that include emotional development, creative expression, and language development.

• Small Class Sizes: Because each child processes the world and learns new skills in their own unique way, they limit class sizes to really get a handle on your child's specific learning style. This approach lends itself well to their inclusion policy, which welcomes kids of all abilities to participate in the same classroom.

• Continued Education: Twice per year, KinderCare hosts the largest early-childhood training program in the country, keeping their instructors on the forefront of childhood development and teaching advancements.

• Older Kids Can Come, Too: Though their core programs are centered on the wee-est of kiddos, children K–6 can get in on the fun during before- and after-school programs that include homework help and lessons in subjects like art, drama, math, and science.