Chicago Youth Centers-Epstein Center
Data last updated · May 2026
Quality Indicators
See Methodology →- Overall QualityCombines daily care quality (interactions, learning, environment) with structural features like staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications.5 / 5
- Process QualityThe quality of daily care — caregiver-child interactions, learning activities, and the emotional climate. Drawn from the state QRIS rating, accreditations, and Head Start CLASS observations.5 / 5
- Structural QualityMeasurable features like staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, license status, and teacher qualifications. Provider-level data when available; otherwise the state regulatory baseline.5 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 5 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects NAEYC accreditation. Structural quality reflects a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Illinois's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Illinois caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:5, and preschool ratios at 1:10. Lead teachers must hold a Child Development Associate (CDA). Teachers must complete 15 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- Accreditations
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Accredited
- National Accreditation Commission (NAC)Not Accredited
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)Not Accredited
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)Not Accredited
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 49
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Preschool 1:10 20
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- Child Development Associate (CDA)
Inspection History
12 Inspection Visits Since 2010 · 73 Findings
Most recent: Dec 10, 2025⤓ Download Latest Report (PDF)
19 Critical47 Important7 Administrative
Across 12 inspections since 2010, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (38), Building & Premises Safety (14), and Children's Records & Files (7). Of 73 total findings, 19 were critical.
See All 12 Inspection Visits
Dec 10, 20252 Findings2 Important
- Personnel Records407.120(a)
- Personnel Records407.120(e)(2)
Oct 24, 202417 Findings5 Critical11 Important1 Administrative
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(1)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(6)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(d)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(h)
- Staffing Structure407.90(a)(1)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(4)
- Personnel Records407.120(c)
- Personnel Records407.120(e)(1)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(k)(1)
- Guidance and Discipline407.270(a)
- Nutrition and Meal Service407.330(g)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(b)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(e)(4)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(e)(7)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(p)(2)
- Organization and Administration407.70(l)
Oct 12, 202314 Findings6 Critical7 Important1 Administrative
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(1)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(5)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(6)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(d)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
- Background Checks for Personnel407.110
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(4)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(6)
- Personnel Records407.120(e)(4)
- Qualifications for Early Childhood Assistants and School-age Assistants407.150(b)
- Daily Arrival and Departure of Children407.260(f)(1)(a)
- Confidentiality of Records and Information407.80(c)
Sep 12, 20222 Findings2 Important
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(1)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(1)
Oct 16, 20203 Findings3 Important
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Personnel Records407.120(e)(2)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(d)
Oct 2, 20196 Findings3 Critical3 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(1)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
- Background Checks for Personnel407.110
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(1)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(d)
- Fire/Health Safety Code reference (NFPA Life Safety Code, OSFM adoption)FHSEC 305
Nov 7, 20172 Findings1 Critical1 Important
- Background Checks for Personnel407.110
- Personnel Records407.120(a)
Nov 15, 20165 Findings1 Important4 Administrative
- Grouping and Staffing407.190(f)
- Application for License407.50(e)(2)
- Application for Renewal of License407.55(c)
- Provisions Pertaining to the License407.60(c)
- Provisions Pertaining to the License407.60(h)
Nov 18, 20158 Findings1 Critical7 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(d)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(5)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(f)(2)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(j)(4)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(j)(5)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(j)(6)
Nov 20, 20135 Findings2 Critical2 Important1 Administrative
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(1)
- Staffing Structure407.90(a)(5)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(e)
- Organization and Administration407.70(k)
Nov 18, 20115 Findings1 Critical4 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(j)(4)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(j)(5)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(j)(6)
Nov 18, 20104 Findings4 Important
- Medications407.360(b)(1)
- Medications407.360(c)(2)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(j)(5)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(j)(6)