Near the Pier Development Center

540 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Address:	540 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Phone:	+1 312-527-2223
Site:	thepremierchildcare.com
Rating:	3.9
Working:	9:30AM–6:30PM 9:30AM–6:30PM 9:30AM–6:30PM 9:30AM–6:30PM 9:30AM–6:30PM Closed Closed

Location

Photos 10

Reviews 7

S Washington

We love the staff at Near the Pier. They are kind, nurturing and thoughtful. They have a no nut policy and gladly accommodate for special dietary guidelines. The infant and toddler teachers have displayed so much care and attention. I sincerely feel that they treat my kids like their own. The center has been in existence for nearly two decades so although the building is not brand new, it has a very happy ambiance. Our little ones are learning Spanish and Japanese and have even began requesting things using their new vocabulary. At 20 months of age our littler ones were counting to 13 and identifying shapes such as rhombus and octagon in addition to the traditional geometric shapes. I feel Near the Pier is giving the children a great head start on their education. This center also offers more convenience than other centers as they are open as early as 6:30 AM and as late as 6:30 PM. They have a great variety of activities as well as monthly field trips. Other reviewers have made negative comments about staff detaining kids in high chairs for up to an hour. This center offers IP camera video monitoring to which we subscribe. Personally, we have never seen this happen. Ive also seen statements about staff being in their pajamas so Id like to note that the staff do wear scrubs. Im not sure what the center was like in the past but weve been using it for three years now and are very happy with the results were seeing.

Joel Bendtsen

I wanted to write a review because of the extraordinary efforts I see every day on part of the teachers and staff at Near the Pier. Not sure what was happening 4-6 years ago when some of these reviews were written, but, if accurate, there must have been a significant management change and "retooling" of this schools identity. Charged with the challenging task of keeping lots of little minds and bodies happy, healthy, and engaged (for up to 12 hours a day!), Near the Pier routinely meets and exceeds expectations. The environment is a seamless blend of learning and play- the children are very attentive and well-behaved, and the staff truly seem to love their jobs and children. I do wish there was an outdoor play area on-site, but it is downtown Chicago after-all, and the school does a good job of getting the students outside on a regular basis- either to local parks, or on the numerous field trips that are offered. Never do I feel like the kids are too "cooped-up". With how well behaved they are, you would think they spend half their day outside. I also wish there was more communication at the beginning of the school year (i.e. a formal needs assessment and goal setting for each student, and for this to be a joint effort between parents and teachers). Besides these wants, however, I dont think we could have found a better early-learning environment in Chicago (at least not one that costs less than a 4 year private college).

Christoper Dixon

Never had and issue with this school. My daughter has learned so much. Im very confident that she will exceed expectations when it time for first grade. Ive not experienced any issues or seen any issues with other children being mistreated. Therefore, I have nothing bad to say. Great, school to prep your child for the next level in life.

Anonymous User

DO NOT GO HERE. THEY HIT THE KIDS, AND MY SON LAST MONTH ENDED UP WITH A BROKEN ARM!!!!!!!!! DAY CARE WONT ADMIT, BUT CAMERA SHOWS HITTING. WILL GET A LAWYER AND SUE! PLEASE LISTEN TO ME, I WISH NOBODYS CHILD GETS HURT. PLEASE. IM BEGGING ALL PARENTS TO LISTEN TO ME. And Sharon, i have NEVER in my life saw someone as UGLY as you, suck it

Anonymous User

Staff is poorly trained, not properly supervised and equipment is faulty and lacking. Staff in-service days were cancelled last year due to scheduling and communication issues and never re-scheduled. Many teachers have hearts in right place but this not a good place for children who are vulnerable.

monica Yarbrough

I absolutely love NTP!! My daughter has learned so much from all the teachers! Very caring, friendly, and responsible staff.

Greyshka Cruz

Amazing school, with amazing staff. I love it very much.