Harkness House For Children

Harkness House for Children is a preschool in Winnetka, IL, offering full-time and part-time childcare and early education programs for infants through five-year-olds. Located within the Winnetka Community House on Lincoln Avenue, the center provides a nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment with small classrooms, low student-to-teacher ratios, and individualized attention. Children benefit from a creative curriculum that includes daily STEM activities, social-emotional learning, outdoor enrichment, music, art, Spanish, yoga, and field trips for older children. The center offers catered meals and maintains strong communication with families through daily reports, real-time photos and videos, and regular conferences. With a founding year of 1988, Harkness House serves families across the North Shore with a focus on quality, affordability, and professional care.

The center’s staff, with an average tenure of 15 years, are dedicated professionals trained in early childhood development. Every classroom is led by a teacher with a college degree in early childhood education or a related field, and the director holds a master’s degree with over twenty years of experience. The program uses a Primary Caregiver approach in infant and toddler rooms, fostering strong, consistent attachments. Families receive detailed daily updates and are encouraged to engage in open communication. The center’s philosophy emphasizes individualized learning, strong relationships, and holistic development within a warm, enriching setting.

Harkness House for Children is situated at 630 Lincoln Avenue, just a short walk from the Winnetka Community House, Matz Hall, and Arborvitae Park. It lies about 0.2 miles from Green Bay Road and Sheridan Park, placing it within a well-connected, family-oriented neighborhood. The location is also near New Trier Township Hall, reflecting its integration into the local civic and community life.

The center is known for its long-standing commitment to quality early education, supported by experienced staff, consistent programming, and strong family engagement. With a 4.00 rating based on four reviews, it reflects a trusted presence in Winnetka’s childcare landscape. Its enduring service since 1988 underscores its reliability and deep roots in the community.

Harkness House for Children stands as a trusted, nurturing educational foundation for young learners in Winnetka.