First Years University Of Illinois

Overview

First Years University of Illinois is a licensed early childhood center serving children from 6 weeks through age 5. The center offers full-day care Monday–Friday and maintains programs that allow children to move from infancy through preschool within the same setting.

Approach and curriculum

Learning is described as play-based and child-centered, with daily experiences planned to support early communication, social skills, motor development, creativity, and problem solving. Class activities vary by age but commonly include talking and reading aloud, music and movement, sensory play, and hands-on discovery.

Classrooms and programs

Infant Program (6 weeks–15 months) — Calm, responsive care focused on individualized feeding, sleep, and comfort routines with one-on-one interactions and sensory experiences.
Toddler Program (15 months–2 years) — Activities that support gross motor development, language through songs and stories, sensory play, and routines that build independence.
Two-Year-Old Program (2 years old) — Playful structure that emphasizes social confidence, emotional support, and pressure-free potty training when developmentally ready.
Preschool Program (3 to 5 years) — Hands-on early learning for kindergarten readiness, including early literacy, early math, science exploration, art, and group routines that build independence.

Meals, staff and licensing

The center is a licensed daycare and states that it accepts childcare subsidies. Staff are described as trained in early childhood development, with many holding college degrees and experience working with young children. The program provides two meals and three snacks daily and notes that pork and peanut products are not served.

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First Years University Of Illinois

About

Overview

Approach and curriculum

Classrooms and programs

Meals, staff and licensing

Programs

Infant Program

Toddler Program

Two-Year-Old Program

Preschool Program

At a glance

Hours

Licensing