Premium Boutique Childcare

Reimagining What Great Looks Like

In the fall of 2018 we took over Songbird Academy with an idea that it would serve as a great starting point for curating a new concept in childcare. At the time we had a relatively simple idea. Offer the best compensation package and the most supportive working environment and it would attract and foster the most engaged and motivated teaching team. Add in the lowest student teacher ratios of any center and we would have the two key ingredients for the best childcare experience possible. Being new to the industry, little did we know how different this was. With everyone else focused on lowering costs by paying as little as possible and minimizing the number of teachers in each classroom, our model turned out to be radically different. Because of this, getting the magic to happen was not easy (especially with extreme labor shortages, a pandemic, and out of control inflation) but we are very confident that when you take a closer look, you will find that we offer an experience for your children that is unmatched.

The Secret to the Best Teaching Team.

To provide the best private preschool and infant care staff in the City of Chicago we go far beyond what all others do to recruit and retain our team. Starting in the fall of 2021 we decided that we would no longer make compensation an issue for those candidates who meet our extremely high standards. To do this we simply started paying exceptional candidates more than anyone else would. In addition, we are committed to maintaining this differentiator so if other centers increase wages, we respond by raising ours to ensure we remain at the top of the scale. Similarly, we do the same for our existing staff. If anyone has been offered a higher salary by another center, we will beat that offer so they remain at Songbird. Since instituting this policy, we haven’t lost a single candidate or existing staff member to another childcare center.

In addition to offering the best wages in the city, we offer an unparalleled flexible and supportive working environment, generous PTO and benefits program and full tuition reimbursement. Our low student teacher ratios ensure that teachers can focus on the most fufilling part of the their jobs providing the individualized care that is a hallmark of Songbird. We have also developed an extremely selective recruiting and on-boarding process that ensures we are able to find the best of the best. Through this process we turn away most of the candidates that apply and we only select those that are truly stand out. In addition, we also require everyone to take part in our 90-day apprenticeship program to ensure that they meet our high standards and that they will be happy long-term as a member of the Songbird staff.

Low Student Teacher Ratios

At Songbird we believe in catering to the specific needs of each child and to demonstrate our commitment to this concept, in our infant and early toddler rooms we frequently add teaching staff to reduce student teacher ratios well below DCFS requirements. Our preschool and toddler classrooms on average have twice as many teachers as required. This ensures that our staff has the necessary time to devote to each child and to personalize their curriculum.

A Focus on Developing a Love of Learning

Our play-based educational philosophy takes its inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach. At its core is an understanding that children learn best when they are engaged and interested, and children are most engaged and interested when they explore things they are curious about. It sounds simple but getting the magic to happen takes a strong commitment from the teaching staff and from a school that believes in the power of the approach. Songbird Academy has invested heavily in creating a unified curriculum from infant to pre-school that fosters children who desire to learn and who love to learn and nothing is a better predictor of future happiness and success than love and desire.

Exercise, Outside Time, Mindfulness, and Yummy Food

Children are tiny humans and like the rest of us they feel better when they exercise and spend time outside, when their minds are calm, and when they eat good food. At Songbird we make a big effort to ensure that these basic human needs are satisfied for each child. Weather permitting we strive to get outside everyday and exercise. We also teach yoga and techniques like structured breathing to calm young minds. In addition, we have spent a lot time and energy researching and testing most of the catering companies in the chicagoland area and we are proud to have selected ChildEats who provide a level of service and quality of food a step above everyone else. Their chef, Chef Vitaliy is critically-acclaimed by adults and top-rated by kids. He specializes in customizing meals to specific diatary needs so every child can enjoy our amazing food.

The Songbird Approach

The Early Years: 3 Months to 3 Years

Songbird Academy provides a premium boutique childcare program that leverages its top-tier infant and toddler teaching team and its low student teacher ratios to create a highly personalized experience for each child. During these early years, the level of attention and the teaching resources that are provided for each child are simply unmatched in the City of Chicago.

3 Year-old Preschool / Prek-3

For children who turn 3 before September 1st, Songbird offers an exclusive Prek-3 program. As with our programs geared toward infants and toddlers, we have created a uniquely attentive service that features small class sizes and low student teacher ratios. Our 3 year-old preschool program provides an option for parents who plan for their children to attend an elementary school that does not have a Prek-3 option or who value the extra attention their child will receive at Songbird.

Reggio Emilia Inspired Customized Curriculum

At each age-level Songbird Academy features an age appropriate Reggio Emilia-inspired play-based program that values children as strong, capable, and resilient; rich with wonder and knowledge. Every child brings with them deep curiosity and potential, and this innate curiosity drives their interest to understand their world and their place within it. In all age groups, our approach places a strong emphasis on the environment as a "third teacher," collaboration between children, parents, and teachers, and the use of documentation to extend and deepen learning. This approach fosters a love of learning and respect for the curiosity and abilities of young children. More specifics for each of our programs is highlighted below.

Infants (Bluebirds)

In our youngest aged classroom, our infant specialists focus on creating a nurturing environment that responds to their needs, interests, and development. Educators observe and document the infants' expressions, movements, and interactions to understand their interests and needs. The environment is set up to be safe, inviting, and rich with sensory materials that encourage exploration. This age is about building trust, so relationships with caregivers are central. Caregivers engage in meaningful conversations, even though the infants might not be speaking yet, fostering early communication skills.

Early Toddlers (Mockingbirds)

For early toddlers, we emphasize providing opportunities for exploration and independence within a secure environment. At this stage, children are developing rapidly in areas such as language, motor skills, and social-emotional understanding. Educators support these developments by offering diverse materials and activities that challenge and engage them. The emphasis is on open-ended play, which allows children to express themselves and explore their interests. Documentation of their activities helps educators to reflect on and plan for new learning experiences.

3 year old Preschool / Prek-3 (Cardinals)

For early preschool age children (those turning 3 before September 1st), the interaction between students, teachers, and parents becomes even more collaborative. Children at this age are capable of complex thought and are increasingly adept at using language to communicate. Projects and activities are often initiated by the children themselves, with educators acting as guides and co-learners. The curriculum is emergent, stemming from the children's interests, and it integrates all areas of development, including literacy, math, science, art, and social studies. The environment remains a key component, designed to be aesthetically pleasing and reflective of the children's work. Documentation of their projects is crucial for reflection and planning, as well as for communication with parents. Songbird’s highly experienced and qualified staff have been extensively trained in our approach and our low student teacher ratios provide for ample time to work individually with children to help foster their creativity and explore their interests.