NEAR THE PIER DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Hours

Hours change without the licence record changing. Call before you plan a drop-off around these times.

What Illinois licensed

Illinois licenses day care and overnight care separately, so NEAR THE PIER DEVELOPMENT CENTER is listed against each one it holds. Every figure is a ceiling the state set, not a count of places free.

Day care, ages

6 weeks to 12 years

Day care, licensed for

88 children

Languages reported

English

Amenities and accessibility

Reported on the provider's Google business listing, not verified by the state.

How the reviews split

The 4.3 average comes from 33 Google reviews. An average hides whether opinion is consistent or divided, so the spread is shown too.

• 5 star26
• 4 star2
• 3 star0
• 2 star0
• 1 star5

From Google

Recent parent reviews

• ★★★★★

  I would not recommend Near the Pier Development Center. A faculty member found my niece’s debit card and instead of returning it, they tried to use it to make purchases. They were caught on camera and then lied about not having it. This is completely unacceptable. The fact that staff would steal from a child shows they are not honest or trustworthy people. Parents should think twice before leaving their children in the care of individuals who engage in this type of behavior. Then the woman claims “it’s been in her desk for a few days and she meant to call my sister “ but never did and the card was attempted to be used yesterday 8/20/25 at a shells gas station for gas then a male staff member attempted to call and activate her card because it was lock like what ?!! How low down and dirty are you people

  TiaraAug 21, 2025
• ★★★★★

  I am incredibly grateful for the support and care Near the Pier has provided our family! From the very beginning, they welcomed us with open arms. Their warmth and professionalism have been constant, and they’ve truly become a vital part of the village we’ve built around the girls. The staff is not only understanding but also accommodating. They’ve adapted to our family’s unique needs with compassion and flexibility, always going the extra mile to make sure the girls feel safe, nurtured, and included. Near the Pier isn’t just a place of care, it’s a community! I can’t thank them enough for the love, structure, and genuine partnership they’ve provided. Highly recommended!

  Kae ReddingJul 31, 2025
• ★★★★★

  I love Near the Pier! My daughter (3 years old) started with Ms. Sonja when she was a little over a year old. Now she’s with Ms. Kayla and just continues to flourish. When people compliment us on how well she speaks, I always brag on Near the Pier! Everyone on their staff has played a huge role and has helped so much with her development, and I couldn’t be more grateful! This is definitely a place I recommend everyone to send their children!!

  Nadia HarrisMar 28, 2024
• ★★★★★

  We love Near the Pier!! We have been sending our daughter (2 years old) to Near the Pier for a little over a year now. They are very caring and professional. Our daughter has learned so much. She comes back everyday and surprises us with new knowledge (counting to 20, days of the week, colors/shapes, etc). Tonya (the director) is amazing and always makes sure our needs are met. Ms. Deepa is our daughters teacher and she is great! Our daughter always says she "wants to go see Ms. Deepa" when she is not in daycare. I would recommend anyone moving to the area to use Near the Pier for daycare.

  Jeffrey HuddleMar 27, 2024
• ★★★★★

  We absolutely love Near the Pier!! Our son has been going since he was 4 months old and we have fallen in love with the entire staff. Every teacher cares deeply about their students and the community of other children and parents is lovely. Ms. Tonya works hard to make sure every child makes positive core memories--especially during the holidays. Huge thank you to Mrs. Sonja who has single-handedly become one of our child's favorite humans. Thank you for taking such good care of our baby!!!

  Katharine HollarsMar 26, 2024
• ★★★★★

  From day one Ms Tonja , has consistently gone above and beyond to accommodate my family’s childcare needs. As a parent initially walking in clueless, her support and guidance have been invaluable. My journey began with enrolling my first son, and I was so impressed by the care and attention he received that I didn’t hesitate to enroll my second son in their after-school program. This decision has proven to be a godsend, especially for someone juggling two jobs and using lunch breaks to manage pickups and drop-offs. The convenience and reliability they offer is truly unmatched. What sets NEAR THE PIER apart is not just their exceptional care but also the peace of mind they provide. The monitoring cameras installed throughout the facility allow parents like me to keep an eye on our little ones anytime, ensuring their safety and happiness. It’s a feature that I value immensely, knowing that there are trustworthy adults looking after my children. Moreover, the environment at NEAR THE PIER is incredibly welcoming and family-oriented. My sons absolutely adore it there; my youngest, Zeeks, constantly expresses how much he enjoys attending what he affectionately calls “David’s school.” It’s a testament to the positive atmosphere and engaging activities that keep him excited about going each day. In summary, I cannot recommend NEAR THE PIER highly enough. Their dedication to providing a nurturing, safe, and enjoyable experience for children is evident in everything they do. For their outstanding service and the profound impact they’ve had on our lives, they truly deserve a five-star rating.

  jesenia abreuMar 26, 2024

Reviews shown verbatim as published on Google Maps.