Infant Room
6 weeks–15 months
Individualized routines support sensory learning, language, movement, cognition, and a positive self-concept.
Infant Room detailsGrowing curious, kind kids
Big wonder starts in a caring place.
At Shorewood Early Learning Center, children from 6 weeks through 12 years learn, play, and feel known. Our bright classrooms and caring teachers make every day an adventure.
Family-owned and operated by Tom and Sharon Carrescia since 1985, our center offers the personal care of a local school where every child is known and valued. We are proud to welcome second- and third-generation families—a reflection of the lasting relationships our teachers build and the trust families place in our care. Our goal is to provide dependable, high-quality childcare at a price local families can afford.
A place for every stage
Care that grows with your child
Our programs combine meaningful play, planned learning experiences, age-appropriate routines, and monthly curriculum themes that support social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth.
Toddler Room
15 months–2 years
Daily play, stories, music, movement, and planned activities encourage growing independence and communication.
Toddler Room details2-Year-Old Room
2 years old
Curriculum-based activities, art, movement, centers, and supported toileting build confidence and early skills.
2-Year-Old Room details3-Year-Old Room
3 years old
Circle time, music, art, learning activities, and centers introduce monthly math, literacy, shape, color, and science concepts.
3-Year-Old Room detailsPre-K Room
4–5 years old
Monthly themes expand math through 50, alphabet knowledge, shapes, colors, science, and kindergarten-ready routines.
Pre-K Room detailsAdvanced Pre-K/School Age Room
5–12 years old
Kindergarten learning and before- or after-school care balance focused work, homework support, art, centers, and free play.
Advanced Pre-K/School Age Room detailsPHOTO PLACEHOLDER
Teacher and activity
Teacher and activity
Why families choose us
Care you can feel good about
- Daily electronic sign-in and sign-out, authorized pickup lists, secured entry, and identification checks
- Teacher-qualified classroom staff, trained assistants, and staffing based on classroom ratios
- Meaningful play and planned monthly curriculum in math, literacy, science, art, and movement
- Classroom visits, teacher conversations, daily information sheets for infants and toddlers, and take-home folders
Family voices
Kind words from our community
“The best daycare around! Sent my daughter here about 8 years ago and was very pleased and now my youngest has been here for a little over a year now. I wouldn’t take my kids anywhere else. Amazing staff, safe and clean environment. Never had any issues. Highly recommend 🩷🩷”
“We love Shorewood Early Learning! My daughter has been going since she was 3 months old. As a first time mom, I was terrified to leave her. The staff made me feel so at ease and I can tell they love her. Two years later and she still loves her infant class teachers.”
“Awesome daycare! It's super clean, they communicate really well, and best of all, my son totally loves it. We're so thankful to the team for all their hard work and totally recommend them to any parent.”
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions from Shorewood Early Learning Center families.
Is a CPR and First Aid certified staff member always on site?
Yes. A CPR and First Aid certified director is always on site.
Do you accept DHS/CCR&R payments?
Yes, we accept DHS/CCR&R payments. Families are responsible for the difference between the state payment and our rate.
Which holidays are you closed?
We are closed on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve. If one of these holidays falls on a Saturday, we close on the preceding Friday; if it falls on a Sunday, we close on the following Monday.
What is your child-to-teacher ratio?
Our ratios are 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers, 1:8 for two-year-olds, 1:10 for three-year-olds and Pre-K, and 1:20 for Advanced Pre-K and school-age children. See program details and licensed classroom capacities.
Do you provide meals and snacks?
Yes. We provide nutritious, home-cooked meals and snacks. Monthly menus are posted in each classroom and available on our Resources page.
What ages of children do you accept?
We provide a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children from 6 weeks through 12 years old.
What are your hours of operation?
We are open Monday through Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. We offer full-day care for infants through Advanced Pre-K, plus before- and after-school care for children from kindergarten through age 12.
Can my child bring a favorite blanket or toy?
Children may bring a favorite blanket. We recommend leaving favorite toys at home to prevent loss or damage. Special events provide opportunities for children to share items with classmates.
Is there a special place for my child's belongings?
Yes. Each child has a cubby in their classroom for personal items.
What is the attendance policy when my child is ill?
To help maintain a healthy environment, children should not return until they have been fever-free for 24 hours.
What are some of the facility's safety features?
Our facility has secured front doors, video monitoring, playground fencing, monthly fire drills, and routine tornado procedures.
What happens during severe weather?
We have procedures for severe weather conditions, including tornadoes, and take necessary precautions to protect children in our care.
Will my child be supervised at all times?
Yes. A staff member supervises children at all times, including during quiet time and nap time.
How often is the center inspected?
We follow Illinois Department of Children and Family Services requirements and undergo annual inspections. We also routinely inspect equipment and supplies used by children.
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, money orders, and all major credit cards. We do not accept checks.
What are your tuition rates, and do you offer part-time care?
Rates vary by age, and part-time care is available at a daily rate for eligible programs. View our current tuition rates and fees, effective July 1, 2026.
Come say hello
See where happy days begin.
Visit our classrooms, meet our team, and ask every question on your list.