What people are saying about us.

"Choosing childcare can be difficult, but Nicki and her team at CAP made the transition easy.

From our first day at CAP over five years ago, our daughter was instantly loved. CAP became our daughter’s second home.  We love seeing all the different activities they are doing, whether it be studying different countries or creating cute art projects.

We loved CAP so much that we didn’t hesitate to have our second daughter also go there. She has been there for over a year and is already feeling like she’s part of the CAP family. 

Since our daughters have two moms, choosing a place where we felt accepted was important to us, and CAP has done nothing but love our family.

We cannot express with enough words how wonderful CAP is."

Bridget & Julie Noobler - Current CAP Parent

"I knew from the moment I met Nicki that this place was a new level of special and we feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the CAP family. The ladies here go above and beyond when it comes to knowing, understanding, engaging, and loving each and every child that passes through the doors. Their passion for guiding our children on all their “adventures” to help them better understand the wonders of the world by experiencing it through art, food, culture, humor, and kindness is simply unmatched.  When it takes a village to raise a child, they always have our backs. They’re there when it’s fun and they’re there when it’s hard. Every. Single. Time."  

Emilee Hunter - Current CAP Parent

"Our son has been attending CAP for just over two years, beginning when he was four-months-old.  We were referred by a dear friend who had used CAP for her son, and it is easily the single best and most important recommendation our family has ever received.

Nicki and her dedicated crew immediately accepted our son into their community. He was a co-sleeper at home and struggled to sleep on his own, but they gave him special attention and eased him into solo napping, a gentle approach I am guessing is rare among daycares. They also supported my nursing and homemade food until I was ready to transition. Nicki is wise and loving, and strikes a perfect balance between sharing her expertise when I am in need of help with my son and collaborating with me when I have specific requests about his care. She has created an environment that focuses on education and exploration, but through the age and developmentally appropriate method of play.

CAP is bursting with warmth, enthusiasm, and creativity. A sense of friendship is fostered among the children, and good manners, individuality, and curiosity are encouraged. The women of CAP are aware of and seem to genuinely enjoy the unique characteristics of each child. We do not have family in Chicago, but CAP has become the next best thing. I am eternally thankful for the safety, affection, personalized attention, and sense of belonging my son receives each and every day." 

Margaret Waugh - Former CAP Parent

“Nicki D’Andrea and the team at Children at Play are, quite simply, THE BEST. 

I will never forget the first day I dropped my 16 week old baby girl off at CAP-- I was overwhelmed with sadness and guilt about leaving her.  Now, almost 6 years and 3 kids later, I know that sending them to CAP was the best decision I have ever made for them and for me.  The world that Nicki has created at Children at Play is just wonderful—the environment is so nurturing, so loving and so fun. She treats all of her kids like they are family.  She puts her heart and soul into everything she does for the kids—from cooking homemade meals every day, to elaborate arts and crafts projects, to beautiful holiday celebrations, to fun birthday celebrations for every kiddo, to amazing trips all over the world—Nicki does it all.  

The experiences that my three kids have had at CAP will have a lasting effect on who they become in the future. My two oldest are now at a neighborhood school, and the teachers always comment about how they love all of the kids from CAP!  There is a reason for that, and that reason is because of our dear friend, Nicki! Her commitment, experience and wisdom is unmatched. 

Children at Play is AMAZING!!!"
Susan Tobias - Former CAP Parent 

“C.A.P. is so much more than a daycare to us, it’s a second home. It’s an incredibly warm, loving, special place that we have been lucky enough to send our twins to since they were around 4 months old (now 4 years old)! When they were babies I was a nervous first-time mama, but Nicki would always take the time to chat, answer any of my questions, or just fill me in on their day. And there is always something amazing going on - whether learning about new countries and their cultures, studying the rainforest and creating a giant paper tree in the middle of the room, or simply having a silly dance party with their friends. The kids get outside every day, do art and creative projects constantly, and above all have SO much fun while learning and growing. Because of C.A.P. my kids know all about artists like Frida Kahlo and Takashi Murakami, but more importantly they learn big life lessons like how to be kind, thoughtful human beings. Every single caregiver at C.A.P. holds a special place in my heart and in my kid’s hearts forever. And I didn’t even get to Nicki’s amazing home-cooked meals yet! There is truly no other place like C.A.P.”

Lynn Bey - Current Parent

“When your child comes home and sings songs about being part of "the great big CAP family", you know you've found a special place.

What we love about CAP is the open communication, daily updates and interactions, and the wonderful little community our kids have been able to be a part of. It's a truly safe, warm, and loving environment to learn, grow, and be celebrated for the individuals they are. 

One of the things I've loved most about CAP is their dedication to making your child's world as big and as full as they possibly can. Our kids have immersed in the cultures of Japan, Thailand, and India through engaging stories, traditions, beautiful art projects, and their own imaginations. Frida Khalo, Bansky, and Takashi Murakami have become household names. Our kids have learned about freedom of speech, human rights, and being kind to all people. These incredible extra efforts have given our kids so many amazing memories and experiences we will never forget and always be so grateful for.”

Lauren Okura - Current Parent

“CAP is the best daycare on the planet!  I feel so fortunate to have found Nicki and the unicorn of all daycares!  She treats all children, parents, and staff as if they are part of her family, and it really shines through in everything they do.  From the moment you walk into CAP you can feel the warmth and love and know your child is in great hands.Nicki is excellent with communication and flexible to fit the needs of the specific child at hand.  Our oldest daughter suffers from febrile seizures, and Nicki was able to reassure my fears as a nervous mother and expertly handle situations that arose.  She has been quick to adapt to COVID-19 and always puts the safety of the children first, by implementing additional precautions and cleaning protocols.
Our two daughters have thrived at CAP!  I am constantly amazed by things my daughters tell me they have learned while at CAP.  From different countries of the world, our great city of Chicago, artists, and field trips - the learning and experiences have somehow kept outdoing themselves!  The staff is committed to not just ABCs, but also real life experiences and culture.  It is so much more than a daycare!  They have had such a profound impact on our daughters and family, and we feel so fortunate to be part of the lifelong CAP family!”

Jules Rhodes - Former Parent

"CAP has become our extended family, and remains so even after both kids have graduated.
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Nicki was a tremendous resource as we navigated parenthood-- is it too early to start potty training?  How do we break the pacifier habit?  Should we call the pediatrician?  Nicki always knew!"

Ellie Hurley - Former CAP Parent

"Before we found Children at Play, the childcare search had been the most difficult aspect of parenting for us. Having gone through six different daycares/nanny's in 4 years for various reasons, we were in need of a miracle. And then we got one, when someone emailed us out of the blue that there was an opening at their daycare- CAP.  

We met with Nicki, and I'll never forget her words of comfort to me during a difficult time for our baby.  She said, "I can promise you two things: here, your child will be safe, and she will be loved." And I new she meant it. The thing that cinched it for me, is how the families even of older kids who are 'graduated' still keep coming back or referring their family to Nicki's.  Five years later, we truly feel like part of the CAP extended family.  

Even though our daughters are off in grade school, they love it when they have a school day off and go back to see all their family at Nicki's. And my 9-year-old recently told me she wants to work at CAP during summers when she's in college.  My girls love helping take care of the babies and spending time with Nicki in the kitchen. Having come from a huge and very close family myself, but with them all far away, I love that our girls have learned to be part of a big family of children there. 

Thanks to CAP, our biggest heartbreak as parents turned into the most wonderful blessing of all--a big family to help us raise wonderful children here in Chicago."

Kim Findlay - Former CAP Parent