Best Preschool & Daycare in Hawthorn Woods, IL

Serving families in Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Long Grove & Wauconda with small classes, caring long-term educators, and optional Mandarin enrichment — since 1991.

Ages 6 weeks – 5 years
Mon–Fri 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
🈶 Mandarin Immersion
DCFS Licensed
✔ Licensed by Illinois DCFS
✔ CPR/First-Aid Certified Staff
✔ 5.0 ★ Google Rating
Kiddy Garden preschool and daycare in Hawthorn Woods IL near Lake Zurich
🌱 Privately owned since 1991
1991
Founded
34+
Years in Lake County
5.0 ★
Google Rating
6 wks
Starting Age
🈶
Mandarin Immersion

Why Lake County Families Choose Us

Private-school atmosphere. Warm, long-term educators. A play-based, theme-driven curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten — and for life.

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Safe & Welcoming

Secure entry, age-appropriate spaces, safety-certified staff, and sun-lit classrooms designed for exploration.

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Play-Based Learning

Children learn best through doing. Every activity — from dramatic play to sensory bins — is intentionally designed to spark development.

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Theme-Based Curriculum

Weekly themes connect literacy, math, science, and art in a meaningful, engaging way that keeps every day fresh and purposeful.

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Kindergarten Readiness

Pre-literacy, early math, science, art, and social-emotional skills developed through purposeful play and guided activities.

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Long-Term Educators

Many of our teachers have been at Kiddy Garden for 10+ years. Your child will know them by name — and so will you.

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Strong Parent Communication

Daily updates, open-door conversations, and responsive staff who treat parents as genuine partners in their child's growth.

Serving Hawthorn Woods & the Surrounding Lake County Communities

Kiddy Garden Hawthorn Woods is a trusted preschool and daycare for families across northwestern Lake County. Our convenient location on Old McHenry Court makes us an easy choice for parents commuting through or working near the area.

📍 Hawthorn Woods 📍 Lake Zurich 📍 Kildeer 📍 Long Grove 📍 Wauconda
Mandarin immersion enrichment at Kiddy Garden Hawthorn Woods IL STEM and enrichment activities at Kiddy Garden Hawthorn Woods Children learning and playing at Kiddy Garden Hawthorn Woods
普通话 Mandarin Immersion — HW Exclusive
✦ Exclusive Enrichment

Mandarin Immersion — A Rare Advantage in Lake County

Available exclusively at our Hawthorn Woods location

Research consistently shows that children who experience language immersion before age five develop stronger executive function, better problem-solving ability, and lifelong cognitive advantages. Our Hawthorn Woods Mandarin program takes advantage of this window.

Mandarin is woven naturally into daily classroom life — not added as an optional class. Songs, greetings, stories, and everyday conversations build real familiarity.

Mandarin integrated throughout the full school day
Songs, storytelling & conversational practice daily
Experienced native Mandarin-speaking educators
Proven bilingual cognitive benefits from infancy
One of the only programs of its kind in Lake County
★★★★★

What Hawthorn Woods Parents Say

Real families from Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Long Grove & Wauconda.

S
Hawthorn Woods
★★★★★

"My daughter started two years ago, and I couldn't be more happy with Kiddy Garden. The staff are caring, supportive and accommodating — not only to the children but parents as well. The facility is very clean. I would highly recommend to any parent looking for daycare."

K
Hawthorn Woods
★★★★★

"Kiddy Garden is truly the best. Our children have attended since they were infants and it has become the best decision we could have made. Clean, well maintained, great at keeping germs at bay, and the community is wonderful. Our kids have thrived here."

K
Lake Zurich
★★★★★

"I highly recommend Kiddy Garden! Warm, inviting, positive, fun and educational. Quick to respond, nutritious meals, great extracurriculars, and super helpful with potty-training. My children have thrived here and we absolutely love Kiddy Garden!"

J
Hawthorn Woods
★★★★★

"The staff and facility are one of a kind. Our son loves going to school, feels safe, learns a ton and has so much fun. He has been there since 6 months old and every teacher has been wonderful. Can't recommend enough!"

M
Hawthorn Woods
★★★★★

"We absolutely love Kiddy Garden. They have the sweetest, most caring staff. The facility is very clean and focused on keeping the children healthy and safe. I couldn't recommend Kiddy Garden enough!"

See All Reviews on Google
Rated 5.0 by Hawthorn Woods & Lake County families
Read on Google →

Visit Our Hawthorn Woods Preschool

Easy access for families from Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Long Grove & Wauconda.

1250 W Old McHenry Ct
Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047
Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Kiddy Garden Hawthorn Woods exterior — preschool and daycare serving Lake Zurich and Kildeer

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Call us at (847) 469-6988 or schedule a tour — we're happy to walk you through everything.

Toddler program at Kiddy Garden Hawthorn Woods
What age groups do you serve?
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We serve infants from 6 weeks through preschool age 5. Classrooms are grouped by developmental stage to ensure age-appropriate peer interactions and learning.

How is Kiddy Garden different from traditional daycare?
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We offer a private-school atmosphere with intentional play-based and theme-based curriculum, Mandarin enrichment, and experienced long-term educators — well beyond what standard daycare typically provides.

Is Kiddy Garden Hawthorn Woods licensed in Illinois?
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Yes. Kiddy Garden Hawthorn Woods is fully licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). All staff are CPR and First Aid certified.

Do you serve families from Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Long Grove, or Wauconda?
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Absolutely. Many families from Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Long Grove, and Wauconda choose our Hawthorn Woods location for its convenient access and outstanding childcare programs.

What's included in the Mandarin immersion program?
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Mandarin is woven into everyday classroom life through songs, stories, greetings, and play-based conversations. It is not a separate add-on class — it's integrated throughout the school day by experienced Mandarin-speaking educators.

Do you provide meals and snacks?
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Yes — balanced, nutritious options aligned with DCFS licensing guidance. Please share any allergies or dietary needs during the enrollment process.

How do I enroll my child at Kiddy Garden Hawthorn Woods?
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Call us at (847) 469-6988 or schedule a tour. After your visit, we'll confirm availability, walk you through enrollment paperwork, and set your start date.

Give Your Child the Best Start in Hawthorn Woods

Spaces fill quickly — especially in our infant and toddler programs. Schedule a tour today and see why Lake County families have chosen Kiddy Garden since 1991.

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Address
1250 W Old McHenry Ct, Hawthorn Woods, IL
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Hours
Mon–Fri · 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
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