847.864.7100 director@totalchild.org 516 Church Street, Evanston, IL 60201-4515

Total Child: Play-Based, Reggio Emilia-Inspired Preschool & Kindergarten

Since 1952, Total Child has proudly served the Evanston community, offering play-based, Reggio Emilia-inspired childcare, preschool, and kindergarten programs for children ages 2 to 6. As a non-sectarian preschool, we provide extended daycare hours, operating year-round from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday—perfect for working parents seeking flexible, reliable, and high-quality care.

Our dedicated teachers, all holding degrees in early childhood education or related fields, craft a thoughtful, interest-driven curriculum. Each day, children engage in activities that nurture literacy, math, science, art, music, and social-emotional development, fostering a well-rounded foundation and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

What is Reggio-Inspired Curriculum?

The Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum is a child-centered educational approach that nurtures creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning. Rooted in the belief that children are capable, competent, and full of potential, this approach encourages exploration through play, art, nature, and collaboration.

 

Teachers act as guides, carefully observing and supporting children’s interests to create meaningful learning experiences. The classroom environment is considered a “third teacher,” designed to inspire discovery and communication. Through project-based learning and strong family involvement, the Reggio Emilia approach fosters a love for learning, critical thinking, and social-emotional growth in young children.

Total Child is proud of our commitment to welcoming all families into our program. Our classes represent the Evanston community through cultural, racial, economic, family structure, and religious diversity.