"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."
Best Preschool & Daycare in Hawthorn Woods IL | Kiddy Garden
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.
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.
Safe & Welcoming
Secure entry, age-appropriate spaces, safety-certified staff, and sun-lit classrooms designed for exploration.
Play-Based Learning
Children learn best through doing. Every activity — from dramatic play to sensory bins — is intentionally designed to spark development.
Theme-Based Curriculum
Weekly themes connect literacy, math, science, and art in a meaningful, engaging way that keeps every day fresh and purposeful.
Kindergarten Readiness
Pre-literacy, early math, science, art, and social-emotional skills developed through purposeful play and guided activities.
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.
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.
Mandarin Immersion — A Rare Advantage in Lake County
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.
Programs for Every Stage — Infant Through Pre-K
All programs run play-based and theme-based curriculum. Explore each one to find the right fit for your child's age and needs. Learn about Illinois childcare standards →
A Glimpse of Our Hawthorn Woods Classrooms
What Hawthorn Woods Parents Say
Real families from Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Long Grove & Wauconda.
"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."
"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!"
"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!"
"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!"
Visit Our Hawthorn Woods Preschool
Easy access for families from Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Long Grove & Wauconda.
Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Call us at (847) 469-6988 or schedule a tour — we're happy to walk you through everything.
What age groups do you serve? +
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? +
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? +
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? +
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? +
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? +
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? +
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.