Jewish Council for Youth Services (JCYS)

Jewish Council for Youth Services (JCYS) operates family centers throughout Chicagoland, providing year-round early childhood education, recreational programs, and summer camps for children ages 6 weeks through 13 years. With locations in Chicago (Lincoln Square Ravenswood and Wicker Park), Buffalo Grove, Highland Park, and beyond, JCYS offers comprehensive programming that fosters a love of learning while helping children develop social and emotional skills in nurturing environments.

Early childhood programs feature a play-based curriculum that delivers age-appropriate lessons in math, science, and literacy while encouraging creativity and individual expression. Services include infant care for children as young as 6 weeks, toddler care and preschool programs for developing young learners, enrichment programs offering specialized activities, and before and after school care for school-age children.

The curriculum emphasizes four key areas: Academic Foundations where children’s natural curiosity guides learning in counting, letters, reading, and science; Jewish Culture and Engagement integrating cultural traditions and values; Physical Development through active play in indoor and outdoor spaces to build strength, stamina, and gross motor skills; and Social and Emotional Skills helping children learn to share, manage conflict, solve problems independently, and build friendships.

JCYS operates multiple summer camp programs including Sunflower Day Camp at multiple locations for younger children, Lil’ North Suburban Day Camp, JCYS North day camp in Buffalo Grove offering field trips and activities, and Big City Day Camp in Lincoln Square for urban summer adventures. Winter camps are also offered during school breaks, providing gymnastics-focused activities, open play, instructional time, and games.

Locations feature specialized programming suited to each facility. The Buffalo Grove Northwest Family Center offers the full range of infant through school-age programs plus winter and summer camps. Highland Park’s George W. Lutz Family Center provides infant care, toddler and preschool programs, enrichment activities, and Sunflower Day Camp. The Lincoln Square Ravenswood location offers infant and toddler care, preschool, and both Sunflower and Big City Day Camps including winter camp options. The Wicker Park Michael R. Lutz Family Center provides infant, toddler, and preschool care along with Sunflower Day Camp.

JCYS is committed to making programs accessible through the Pollack Family Scholarship program. The organization is distinguished by experienced, caring staff who create warm, engaging environments where every child can thrive. With a strong reputation built over years of service to the Chicagoland community, JCYS continues to be a trusted resource for families seeking quality early childhood education and enriching experiences for their children.