Serving Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville & Boystown families

The Lakeview daycare you can book by the day

Same trusted LadyBug & Friends care, now in flexible half-day and full-day sessions through the DropIn app. No waitlist, no enrollment forms and you pay only for the care you book.

Book Ladybug And Friends Daycare & Preschool on DropIn Real-time availability. Same-day spots when they open up.
Half days start at $60. Prices vary by age, but you see the exact total before you book.
Bright LadyBug Lakeview infant classroom
State licensed IL DCFS #605167
Licensed by Illinois DCFS
Ages 6 weeks – 5 years
Half-day or full-day sessions
Open 7am – 6pm, M–F
1240 W Belmont Ave, Lakeview
Flexible childcare in Lakeview

For the days your plan falls through

The babysitter cancels an hour before your meeting or calls in sick, grandparents are out of town and you simply need a few hours to work, run errands or enjoy that long-awaited coffee with a friend.

Instead of scrambling for a last-minute sitter, book a spot at a licensed Lakeview daycare, with experienced teachers, a full day of play-based activities and other children to learn and play with.

  • Part-time daycare without committing to a full-time spot
  • A few half days a week, so you can work or recharge
  • Your first full day is free, so you can try us at no cost
  • Same-day care when a spot opens up

Book a spot at Ladybug Daycare

It takes a few minutes in the DropIn app.

New to DropIn? The app is free. Add your child’s profile once and you’re ready to book.

How booking works

One app, no phone tag and all the paperwork handled in one place.

1

Download DropIn on your mobile device

Get the free app and create your child’s profile, with health details and emergency contacts, in one place.

2

Pick your preferred session time

Access the LadyBug & Friends Lakeview profile on DropIn, choose a date and a morning, afternoon or full-day session, and pay in the app.

3

Drop off and stay connected

Check in securely at our front desk on Belmont Ave. You’ll get a notification once your child is settled and will get photo updates during the day.

Book Ladybug And Friends Daycare & Preschool on DropIn Your first full day is free
Babysitter, nanny or drop-in daycare?

A licensed alternative to babysitting

Great nannies and sitters are hard to find, and even harder to replace on short notice. Here’s how a drop-in day at LadyBug compares.

LadyBug via DropIn
Babysitter
Licensed and inspected by the State of Illinois
Yes, IL DCFS #605167
Not required for in-home care
Early childhood training
Teachers exceed DCFS standards
Varies a lot
Planned, play-based activities
Music, Spanish, creative movement
Depends on the sitter
Other children to play and learn with
Yes, in an age-matched room
Rarely
If someone calls in sick
A full team is on site
You’re back to searching
Meals and snacks
Meals from Healthy Organic Kids
You need to plan and pack
Photo updates during the day
Yes, in the DropIn app
It can vary a lot
Same trusted care

One day or five, your child receives the same attention at LadyBug Daycare

We believe children thrive when they’re well fed, well rested and treated with respect by teachers and peers and this is what shapes every interaction in our classrooms.

01 — Teachers

Trained, caring, and here every day

Our teachers exceed DCFS standards and take part in continuous professional development, so your child spends the day with qualified and thoughtful teachers.

02 — Curriculum

A real day of learning, not just supervision

Music, Spanish, creative movement and discovery time are part of every day, with outdoor play and neighborhood walks when the weather allows.

03 — Meals

Organic meals and snacks

All children 15 months and up can benefit from our food plan: breakfast, a morning snack, lunch and an afternoon snack, catered by Healthy Organic Kids (which meets USDA nutritional standards).

04 — Safety

Security and continuous communication with parents

Secure entry, room cameras and a state license you can look up. DropIn lets you know when your child is settled and sends photo updates through the day.

Ages 6 weeks to 5 years

Drop-in care for every stage

Rooms are grouped by age, so when you book, the DropIn app shows whether your child’s age group has open spots.

6 weeks – 1 year

Infants

Individual attention, songs, sensory play and gentle movement, with teachers who cheer on every first.

1 – 2 years

Toddlers

Language-rich, movement-filled days that balance the independence toddlers crave with the guidance they need.

2 – 3 years

Twos

Storytelling, dramatic play, science and Spanish Hour for curious two-year-olds with lots of questions.

3 – 4 years

Preschool

Big feelings, new friendships and growing independence, supported every day through art, music and creative movement.

4 – 5 years

Pre-K

Early literacy, numeracy and the social skills that matter in kindergarten, all learned through play.

Need care this week?

Open spots at Ladybug Daycare Lakeview update in real time.
Check today’s availability in the DropIn app.

See open spots on DropIn

Spots are limited, and availability changes daily.

Reviews

What Ladybug parents are saying

★★★★★
“Our son has been at Ladybug & Friends Lakeview since he was 3 1/2 months old and I cannot recommend enough. From day one I have felt at ease knowing he is getting the best care. Tania and all of the teachers are extremely attentive, truly care about each child in their care and ensure everyday is educational yet fun. There is not a day that he doesn’t have the best time and I am consistently impressed with the prompt communication in terms of school / classroom updates as well as daily updates and pictures so I truly feel connected to his days. The location is also conveniently located and has parking which is an added benefit!”
Erika von Borcke, LadyBug Lakeview parent
★★★★★
“We cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience at Ladybug over the past year and a half! The teachers are so caring, the facility is clean and secure, and our son learned so much here. When our son needed EIP services, not only did they accommodate his weekly PT appointments, but his teachers even went above and beyond to do exercises with him and encourage him throughout his journey. If we weren’t moving out of state, he would stay here until he went to kindergarten. Highly recommend Ladybug for parents looking for daycare in Lakeview :)”
Ariana W., LadyBug Lakeview parent
★★★★★
“Ladybug has been such a great help to our family. We have peace of mind whenever we drop our daughter because I know that all the teachers and staff care about her. They practice meditation, the organic and nutritious meals are included, have occasional professionals who teach dance and music, fun events and activities. The facility is very clean. Very low turn-over rate. My daughter grew up seeing the same teachers and we love them all dearly. It provides a sense of familiarity and continuity. We have also met other parent friends and have developed a close knit community through Ladybug.”
Pauline M., LadyBug Lakeview parent

Looking for a regular spot?

Drop-in days are a great way to get to know us.
For a steady 2, 3 or 5-day schedule, book a free 20-minute tour of our Lakeview center.

Book a free tour
FAQ

Quick answers for busy parents

What is drop-in daycare?

Flexible childcare at a licensed daycare center, booked by the session instead of through full-time enrollment. At LadyBug Lakeview, you can book a morning, an afternoon or a full day through the DropIn app whenever a spot is open.

How do I book?

Download the free DropIn app, create your child’s profile and search for LadyBug & Friends Lakeview. Choose your date and session and pay in the app. You’ll get a confirmation right away.

Can I book care for today?

Yes, when a spot is open. Availability shows in real time in the app, so you’ll know right away.

What are the session times?

Book a morning, an afternoon or a full day, Monday to Friday. The center is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

How much does it cost?

Half-day sessions start at $60 and full days at $120, depending on your child’s age. You will see the exact price in the app before you book.

Can I cancel or reschedule?

LadyBug’s cancellation policy is shown in the DropIn app before you book, so you’ll know the terms up front.

How is this different from hiring a babysitter?

Your child spends the day at a state-licensed center with trained teachers, planned activities and other children their age and there’s a full team on site, so one person calling in sick doesn’t leave you without care for your child.

Can we switch to regular enrollment later?

Yes, book a free tour of our Lakeview center and let’s discuss more about your daycare needs.

Lakeview · 1240 W Belmont Ave

Book your child’s first session at Ladybug Daycare

Download DropIn, find LadyBug & Friends Lakeview and choose your preferred spot.

1240 W Belmont Ave, Chicago IL 60657 773-697-9017 M–F, 7:00am – 6:00pm