Frequently Asked Questions
About Early Milestones
What is a home daycare, and how is it different from a daycare center?
A home daycare is a licensed, state-regulated childcare program run in a private residence. The biggest difference is scale: home daycares operate with a small number of children, which allows for a much lower teacher-to-child ratio and a more personalized, home-like environment. At Early Milestones, we intentionally operate at a small license capacity so that every child receives dedicated, individualized attention from Eva throughout the day.
Is Early Milestones Home Daycare licensed?
Yes. Early Milestones is fully licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and complies with all state requirements for licensed home daycare providers. Our license can be verified through the Illinois DCFS Provider Lookup at sunshine.dcfs.illinois.gov.
Who runs Early Milestones?
Early Milestones is owned and directed by Eva Makris. Eva holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is a certified teacher licensed by the Illinois State Board of Education — a credential that is exceptionally rare in the home daycare setting. Eva has been caring for children at Early Milestones since April 2016.
Where is Early Milestones located?
We are located at 6125 Waveland Ave., Chicago, IL 60634 in the Dunning neighborhood on Chicago’s Northwest Side. We serve families from Dunning, Portage Park, Jefferson Park, Harwood Heights, Norridge, Elmwood Park, and surrounding communities.
Enrollment & Programs
What ages do you accept?
Early Milestones accepts children from infancy through preschool age (approximately 6 weeks through 5 years). We offer three programs: an Infant Program, a Toddler Program, and a Preschool Program.
Do you offer part-time enrollment?
Yes. We offer both part-time and full-time program options. Please contact us to discuss your family’s specific scheduling needs.
How do I enroll my child?
The enrollment process begins with a simple inquiry — fill out the contact form on our website or call us at (773) 988-5886. Eva will reach out to schedule a visit so you can tour the space and ask any questions. After the visit, if it’s a mutual fit, we’ll walk you through the enrollment paperwork and confirm your start date.
Do you have a waitlist?
Because we operate at a small, intentional capacity, openings are limited. We encourage families to reach out as early as possible to inquire about availability.
What are your hours?
Early Milestones is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Child drop-off is between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM; pickup is between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM.
Curriculum & Daily Life
What is your curriculum philosophy?
Our curriculum is play-based and is heavily influenced by the developmental theories of Jean Piaget, who emphasized that children learn through active exploration and play. We provide a structured daily schedule with a balance of teacher-directed and child-directed activities, designed to foster physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Do you follow a daily schedule?
Yes. Each age group (infant, toddler, and preschool) has its own developmentally appropriate daily schedule that includes meals, outdoor play, group time, activity centers, rest, and structured learning.
What pre-literacy activities do you offer?
Pre-literacy is integrated throughout the day. Toddlers and preschoolers participate in daily storytime, explore a classroom library, engage in writing center activities, and practice letter recognition in age-appropriate ways. We believe in fostering a genuine love of reading and language in young children.
Do children spend time outdoors?
Yes. Outdoor play is a core part of the daily schedule for toddlers and preschoolers, weather permitting. We have a dedicated outdoor play area that gives children the space to develop gross motor skills and enjoy fresh air every day.
Health, Safety & Meals
What are your health and safety certifications?
All staff hold current First Aid and CPR certifications. Our home daycare facility meets all Illinois DCFS health and safety requirements for licensed providers.
What meals and snacks do you provide?
Early Milestones provides two nutritious meals and snacks each day. Our menu features a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Infants receive bottle feedings on their individual schedule.
What is your sick child policy?
To protect all children in our care, we ask that sick children stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication, and until any other symptoms have resolved. If your child shows signs of illness during the day, we will contact you to arrange early pickup.
What is your policy on allergies?
Please inform us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions during enrollment. We take all allergies seriously and will work with your family to ensure your child’s safety and nutritional needs are met.
Getting Started
How do I schedule a visit?
Simply fill out the contact form or call Eva directly at (773) 988-5886. We look forward to meeting your family!