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happyhappenshere.

From Infant through preschool, we make early education and daycare joyful, engaging and fun so children are happy to learn, play and grow.

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Curriculum that develops the whole child

Our L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) Curriculum uses fun, hands-on activities throughout early education to help children develop intellectually, socially and cognitively. Or as we say, to learn, play and grow.

Learn More About Our Curriculum

Characters that bring learning to life

Children love learning from characters—and studies show that it’s highly effective especially in preschool and early education. TLE® has a cast of unique, beloved characters, each one teaching children a new value or activity.

Bubbles and Friends Theme Song

261K subscribers and 60,480,577 views

Grace & Charity

Our dynamic doggy duo introduces the importance of being generous and giving.

Bubbles

Our lovable friend who takes you on a daily adventure that makes kids happy to learn, play and grow.

Lionstein®

Our wise and creative scientist who makes science fun and exciting.

Phoebe

Our literature loving llama makes reading fun.

Two Plus Toucan

Our creative mathematician helps explore the joys of math.

Penny

Our well-mannered etiquette coach demonstrates the importance of being helpful, honest, and kind.

Sonar

Our adventurous submarine reveals the many wonders of the underwater world.

Pablo

Our creative and artsy pig helps children discover the beauty of self-expression.

Gibby

Our kind-hearted, hard-of-hearing gibbon loves to share his passion for sign language and promoting inclusivity.

Success measured in happy stories

See what parents are saying about TLE Childcare Centers.

Angela

M.
0 months ago
Our child's transition to TLE has been GREAT! We were nervous starting him somewhere new because we had sooo many problems with the previous child care. He used to fight to go to his previous Montessori school, would run out at pickup, and be restless at home in the evenings. Now he has happy m... Read more

Angela

M.
0 months ago
Our child's transition to TLE has been GREAT! We were nervous starting him somewhere new because we had sooo many problems with the previous child care. He used to fight to go to his previous Montessori school, would run out at pickup, and be restless at home in the evenings. Now he has happy mornings and rarely has issues to get ready to go in the morning. He is having so much fun at TLE he doesn't want to come home at pickup! Which is what we wanted for him and how it should be. Love it! TLE has an Amazing combination of letting the kids play as kids, learn how to exercise/work together, learn STEM and use of technology, and respect their individual/personal growth at the same time. We can definitely see our child's growth during this short period of time at TLE. They even had a Free speech evaluation recently (not sure if that occurs regularly). The staff are AWESOME and completely open communication is the norm. TLE's app updates parents every day throughout the day regarding eating, toileting, activities, school information, and reminders. We love getting the updates, reminders, and pictures! It definitely eases the parental mind. Another perk is the year-round indoor playground! Now our child comes home nice and tired. TLE strives to make child care as easy on the parent(s) and the child as possible and they definitely do! The overall ambience is open and cheerful.

Lindsay

P.
0 months ago
If you are considering a daycares in Chicago, look no further . We were so worried to put our first born daughter into daycare around 11 months old. We could not be happier to have found TLE in the West Loop. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable. Our daughter w... Read more

Lindsay

P.
0 months ago
If you are considering a daycares in Chicago, look no further . We were so worried to put our first born daughter into daycare around 11 months old. We could not be happier to have found TLE in the West Loop. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable. Our daughter would walk in clapping (she learned to walk here also) for Miss Asia, Miss Tasha, Miss Brittany, and Miss Paola. Nicole and Jackie do an amazing job keeping you up to date throughout the day with pictures and updates on activities; including diapers and food. We ended up moving to the suburbs or we would have never left TLE. This is a great place to trust with your child's development and well being. The building is secure and the staff is amazing. You are in great hands!

Sonia

A.
0 months ago
After moving to Chicago, I had taken my daughter out of daycare to spend more time with her as I was able to work from home. I decided it was time for my daughter to be in a more social setting after having my second baby. I then came across TLE in the west loop. I can't begin to describe how w... Read more

Sonia

A.
0 months ago
After moving to Chicago, I had taken my daughter out of daycare to spend more time with her as I was able to work from home. I decided it was time for my daughter to be in a more social setting after having my second baby. I then came across TLE in the west loop. I can't begin to describe how wonderful our experience and transition has been thus far. My daughter runs through the door every morning when I drop her off. Nicole, the center director is very easy to get in touch with and responsive. My daughters toddler teachers Ms. Paola and Ms. Patty have been a great with my daughter and her transition back into daycare. Would recommend this center to anyone considering!

Laila

S.
0 months ago
We have nothing but the best to say about TLE-west loop. We sent both of our kids there and they thrived. The director, Nicole, is very involved along with the teachers. Food, activities, weekly circle time parents can watch are just some of the great perks to this establishment. So, if you are... Read more

Laila

S.
0 months ago
We have nothing but the best to say about TLE-west loop. We sent both of our kids there and they thrived. The director, Nicole, is very involved along with the teachers. Food, activities, weekly circle time parents can watch are just some of the great perks to this establishment. So, if you are looking for a daycare in the Chicago area, this is your place. Thank you TLE-west loop for everything!

Brittany

H.
0 months ago
This is by far the best child care facility I've worked with. I am military and traveled and moved quite a bit with my son, in 3 different states. It's been hard because I don't have family here but they have helped become extended family for sure! The program and curriculum is progressive and ... Read more

Brittany

H.
0 months ago
This is by far the best child care facility I've worked with. I am military and traveled and moved quite a bit with my son, in 3 different states. It's been hard because I don't have family here but they have helped become extended family for sure! The program and curriculum is progressive and conducive to the child, it's not overcrowded and no need is ignored. The app is Amazon, I get to see what's happening all day and the flexibility is amazing. There is more than adequate security measures and all of the teachers are extremely kind. The owner responds! Nothing is ignored and if they miss a call they'll call right back. My son finished preschool here and went into Kindergarten, and now he's a 1st grader and still gets to come back(he's within age). I 100% recommend this place.

Joanna

K.
0 months ago
We loved our old daycare, but after moving to our current location and having a poor experience with our local daycare, we were more selective in our search. We toured 5 daycare in the West Loop, and TLE excelled in following areas: a communicative director (Nicole), a well rounded curriculum, ... Read more

Joanna

K.
0 months ago
We loved our old daycare, but after moving to our current location and having a poor experience with our local daycare, we were more selective in our search. We toured 5 daycare in the West Loop, and TLE excelled in following areas: a communicative director (Nicole), a well rounded curriculum, a clean and safe facility, and two large indoor play areas. The food provided is also organic, which is a plus. Our experience exceeded expectations and our child adjusted quickly and "graduated" from the program. He is excited to start Kindergarten which his teachers more than prepared him for continued success. I highly recommend ( and have recommended co-workers to the West Loop TLE. " Thank you TLE for all the joy you've given us"

Joseph

G.
0 months ago
The Learning Experience is amazing! The teachers and staff have nothing but our child's best interest at heart. Our son spent almost 4 years at TLE and it was an incredible experience. We would give The Learning Experience the highest possible recommendation.

Joseph

G.
0 months ago
The Learning Experience is amazing! The teachers and staff have nothing but our child's best interest at heart. Our son spent almost 4 years at TLE and it was an incredible experience. We would give The Learning Experience the highest possible recommendation.

Sara

B.
0 months ago
I wanted to personally thank everyone at TLE but most especially: Ms Salina!!! Ms Latricia!!! and of course Ms Nicole who answered all our questions, eased our worries during hard times - TLE has been a steady presence in a pretty unpredictable last couple of years and we appreciate every... Read more

Sara

B.
0 months ago
I wanted to personally thank everyone at TLE but most especially: Ms Salina!!! Ms Latricia!!! and of course Ms Nicole who answered all our questions, eased our worries during hard times - TLE has been a steady presence in a pretty unpredictable last couple of years and we appreciate every minute of our time at TLE. I remember when we first came to TLE and the thing we most remember about it is that our son was going through a tough time from his old daycare and that you all worked with us to solve the problem, and help him be better at sharing and working with other kids. We have seen the benefits of TLE over many years and we know that our son has been very positively shaped by both the program at TLE, his wonderful little friends, all the other families, and by you all as the staff.

Pankti R

11 months ago
Love the daily photos and updates on our toddler! Thank you so much, TLE! :o)

Pankti R

11 months ago
Love the daily photos and updates on our toddler! Thank you so much, TLE! :o)

Anna

Deem
0 months ago
We are so excited to share our wonderful experience at TLE in this testimonial! Our daughter has been attending TLE West Loop for almost six months (in the toddler class now, moving to twaddlers very soon!) and we love the encouraging and warm environment her teachers have created for her and ... Read more

Anna

Deem
0 months ago
We are so excited to share our wonderful experience at TLE in this testimonial! Our daughter has been attending TLE West Loop for almost six months (in the toddler class now, moving to twaddlers very soon!) and we love the encouraging and warm environment her teachers have created for her and the rest of her class. They are kind and nurturing, but also support her early education by helping her learn everything from ASL signs, to colors and shapes, to social-emotional learning as well. Ms. Paola in particular has been a wonderful teacher to our daughter and made the transition back to daycare during the pandemic much easier for our family. We also love the Fun Fridays as well and all the creative ways TLE connects with families. Our daughter looks forward to going to "school" every day! :-)

Roshi

Nateghi
3 months ago
We can't be happier with TLE. Like many other parents, my husband and I were incredibly nervous about the pandemic and cared for my son at home until he turned 14.5 months. I was so worried about taking him to daycare full time, thinking he would take a long time to settle given that he'd spent... Read more

Roshi

Nateghi
3 months ago
We can't be happier with TLE. Like many other parents, my husband and I were incredibly nervous about the pandemic and cared for my son at home until he turned 14.5 months. I was so worried about taking him to daycare full time, thinking he would take a long time to settle given that he'd spent all that time with us at home. To my surprise, he was incredibly happy since day 1 and settled very quickly. TLE is his favorite place! Every morning, he runs to us with his shoes in hand right after breakfast, promoting us to take him to TLE asap :-)

Tio

Hardiman
5 months ago
I am so excited to write this testimonial on behalf of all staff that interact with my son Joseph. Joseph has advanced in several areas such as; reading, math, early signs of problem solving. and good socialization skills. All due to the effectiveness of the many staff at The Learning Experien... Read more

Tio

Hardiman
5 months ago
I am so excited to write this testimonial on behalf of all staff that interact with my son Joseph. Joseph has advanced in several areas such as; reading, math, early signs of problem solving. and good socialization skills. All due to the effectiveness of the many staff at The Learning Experience. I should have written this testimonial weeks ago. Thank you,

Patrice

Robinson Royster
5 months ago
I am the grandparent of Izabela and she attends TLE West Loop. Post Pandemic my husband and I saw Izabela fairly regularly. When the pandemic hit all of our visits came to a screeching halt, this was compounded by our move to Arizona. We were not sure when we would see her which was a stress po... Read more

Patrice

Robinson Royster
5 months ago
I am the grandparent of Izabela and she attends TLE West Loop. Post Pandemic my husband and I saw Izabela fairly regularly. When the pandemic hit all of our visits came to a screeching halt, this was compounded by our move to Arizona. We were not sure when we would see her which was a stress point for us. It's been over a year since we have seen her in-person. Then, we were extended an invitation to the weekly zoom circle time where the children do show and tell, based on a specific topic. Because of this weekly meeting we are able to see our granddaughter as she grows. We see how she interacts with her peers and her instructor which is a side of her personality we would have never experienced without this weekly zoom meeting. What happens during the Zoom Meeting gives us a topic for conversation outside of school. We really appreciate and look forward to the zoom circle time meeting weekly!

Erica

Cech
6 months ago
We love TLE West Loop. Our son, Oliver, has been there for several months and absolutely loves it. The staff is responsive, proactive and great caretakers. They post pictures, work on Oliver's development and ensure he gets energy out. You can tell they know every child personally. On top of th... Read more

Erica

Cech
6 months ago
We love TLE West Loop. Our son, Oliver, has been there for several months and absolutely loves it. The staff is responsive, proactive and great caretakers. They post pictures, work on Oliver's development and ensure he gets energy out. You can tell they know every child personally. On top of that, the staff ensures you have detailed feedback, incorporate fun activities (i.e. art, pajama day, etc.) and provide you with worksheets on holidays to keep your kids busy. Overall, i can't say enough great things about the place. Thank you for everything you do!

Tiffany

Williams
7 months ago
My daughter started attending TLE West Loop in April of 2020. We found it after doing some search of what centers were still open after the global pandemic hit the nation, and centers closed abruptly. As an essential worker, I still had to work. My daughter was a few months shy of 3, not potty ... Read more

Tiffany

Williams
7 months ago
My daughter started attending TLE West Loop in April of 2020. We found it after doing some search of what centers were still open after the global pandemic hit the nation, and centers closed abruptly. As an essential worker, I still had to work. My daughter was a few months shy of 3, not potty trained just yet and just barely starting to form sentences. One of the best things to happen to me in years, since becoming a mother, was seeing the exponential progress and happiness in my daughter's eyes on a day to day basis since she has been a student at TLE West Loop. She mastered potty training in just weeks with the help and partnership of the amazing staff at TLE  West Loop. I can't imagine any other educational experience outside of what has been offered to us at The Learning Experience. I am beyond grateful for the last 10 months; my daughter is a brilliant toddler with the future of a star! TLE challenges her to be her best self all while developing her intellectually, socially, and cognitively. She truly embodies "Learn, Play, Grow." My daughter has learned about the planets, different animals and where they live, days of the week and months of the year... It's more than just ABC and 123, that's the basics! They even have circle time where they can do show & tell and parents can watch on zoom! At TLE they learn more and are challenged to their greatest intellectual abilities. As far as COVID, they try their best to ensure children still learn and grow and play while wearing masks and following safety standards on a day to day basis. Parents pick their children up in the lobby area, kids wash their hands often and classrooms are cleaned multiple times a day. Parents also have access to real-time photos of their children throughout the day on their app! I love it! I would highly recommend sending your child to TLE West Loop!

Maciej

Radkowski
7 months ago
Our son has been a student at TLE West Loop since he was 3 months old. Now after 10 months of attendance, we can say that we are extremely happy to have sent him there. The staff has done an outstanding job keeping the center clean and open during a pandemic, and we feel very safe sending our s... Read more

Maciej

Radkowski
7 months ago
Our son has been a student at TLE West Loop since he was 3 months old. Now after 10 months of attendance, we can say that we are extremely happy to have sent him there. The staff has done an outstanding job keeping the center clean and open during a pandemic, and we feel very safe sending our son in everyday. Not only that, but it is such a pleasure to see him light up when he gets there every morning and is greeted by teachers who genuinely love taking care of him. The center sends us updates and pictures throughout the day of his daily activities, and it is always so great to see him happy and having fun with his friends. We feel very fortunate because many kids are missing out on critical social interaction amidst the pandemic. We think his exposure to the older kids in his classroom is the reason behind his early interest in eating solids, getting around independently and dancing. The center even set up a parent-teacher conference call via Zoom at the end of the year to discuss his progress. It was both fun and insightful to go over his well documented progress report with his infant classroom teacher. This past year has been a tough one to navigate, especially with regards to childcare, and we want to thank the staff for being so reliable with the excellent childcare they provide on a daily basis

Meet our TLE® Center team

Monte Nix-Hodges

Director

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Jacqueline McElroy

Assistant Director

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Denisha

Infants

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Natasha

Infant A Lead Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

Laila Castillo

Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Yajara Blancas

Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Jocelyn Molina

Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Leanesse Castillo

Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Ms. Marlen

Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

Ms. Salina

Preschool 3 Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Alexis Harris

Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Madhavi Adiga

Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Latricia

Preschool 3 Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Makayla Redmond

Floater Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Antonisha Washington

Chef

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Caeleb Albarran

Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Many ways to stay connected

We offer an easy-to-use smartphone app and an array of ways to help you stay connected.

Monthly newsletters and invitations to our community events

Monthly calendars

Everyday photos of your little learner

Blog to help you stay with the current trends

Notifications of your child’s learning activities

Social media

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