Cradles 2 Crayons Daycare Home

I have two sons and JoAnn took very good care of them since they were very young. The older one started preschool this year but he is very happy to be with JoAnn and her family whenever school is closed. Both of them love her so much and always have a great time with her.
Besides the fact that we trust JoAnn 200% (but I can’t really explain that is just the way she is with the kids that tells me she’ll always do what’s best for them), these are some practical things that make us very happy:
— she cooks for the kids! And lots of fresh fruit and veggies.
— she supports our cloth diapering decision.
— she is very clean and organized. Her home is spotless but also welcoming and fun.
— she takes the kids outside, to the park when the season allows or in the backyard when it’s colder.
Having JoAnn and her family in our lives is a true blessing.

I have had the pleasure for my son to be in Joanne’s care for the past year and a half. I have never met a person so dedicated to each individual child as Joanne. Being a full time working mother, leaving your child in someones care can be very stressful. My son warmed up to Joanne in no time. I always knew if Joanne was around my son would be in good hands.
I was so happy for Joanne when she opened up her own daycare. Being a teacher for many years she knows not only how to physically, mentally, and emotionally care for your child but also to prepare them for school. My son has come so far since being with Joanne and I owe it to her dedication and love she gives to each and every child. When I drop my son off he does right to her and can’t wait for the day to begin. Upon picking him up I am always greeted with a report of how my son did for the day, what he ate, how he slept and projects at least a few times a week. My house is fully decorated!
I could not have asked for a cleaner, well kept, and organized household for my son to be in. I am thankful that we found Jojo and I hope my next son will be able to join in the fun!
Thank you to Joanne and her family:)

I have known JoAnn for many years. When our daughter was ready to start pre-​school, I knew JoAnn would be the best and only person to care for her. The decision was made to place our daughter at JCYS in Lincoln Park solely for JoAnn to be her teacher.
Our daughter was so happy for several years to have «Jojo» as her pre-​school teacher. There was never a time when our daughter felt sad when I would drop her off. JoAnn is an exceptional caretaker, wonderful teacher and a loving mother of 2 children of her own. I wouldn’t trust anyone but JoAnn to care to my child!

JoAnn is the best at what she does! She has a certain energy about her that kids just love! My 3 boys absolutely love her and so do we! I have left my 3 boys in her care from time to time with confidence that they are in the best hands at Joanne’s house. I am so proud of her for finally opening her own daycare– it was definitely time! It’s just a matter of time before everyone in Chicagoland hears about the best kept secret in daycare! It is time to share our little secret…
Not only is JoAnn’s house fully equipped with many hands on, sensory and imaginative play activities, it is also filled with LOVE! It is very evident that JoAnn connects with each and every one of my boys. She can quickly asses the needs of each individual child in a group setting and make the experience fun for all kids. She is extremely knowledgeable and is great at offering advice if you are willing to listen. Trust me, I do listen because I see how respectful, loving and smart her 2 sons, Niko and Alex are! Any new parent considering Cradles 2 Crayons, just ask to meet JoAnn’s own family and you will see what I mean. They are great! We just love them!
Her house is immaculately clean. She may take cleanliness and sanitation to the next level, which is fine with me! In her very clean home, she manages to whip up many healthy, well balanced and delicious meals for the kids. She’s just amazing!
If you are looking for a loving, fun, clean environment for your child with someone you can trust to treat your child as if they were her own, you must call JoAnn (JoJo)!

My son Peter was in Jojo’s care for about a year. He loved it! Even though he is in school now he still wants to go visit Jojo. We still use her services for occasional daycare when school is out but work is still in session. There is no place my son would rather be.
These are the important things you need to know about Jojo: she is a clean freak! This is so important when running a daycare with small children. She is super responsible! Always returns a text or call within minutes. She loves kids! On multiple occasions I have seen babies willingly reach out for Jojo when the parents drop them off. It is SO easy for babies and small children to bond with Jojo quickly b/​c of her care and she genuinely loves the kids. One of the first hugs my son ever gave to another adult besides me and my husband was to Jojo. Jojo runs a tight ship! She disciplines consistently and appropriately but always with kindness. My son Peter was with Jojo during the terrible 2s. He is an only child so daycare was the place where he really tested some boundaries with other kids. Jojo always enforced the same rules with all the kids. She uses time outs and also reward charts. As a parent, I really appreciate this b/​c I knew he was safe in her home. Plus, it helped me be a more consistent parent in our home. Jojo was in teaching previously so she has all these great teaching tools. My son rocked at his alphabet and other development skills before he went to preschool. Also, she does lots of crafts at the daycare which are to die for! I’ve saved most of them! Lastly, Jojo a ton of experience and a sharp eye for detail. She will notice if something is off with your child. She is an invaluable resource to new parents! She will notice if there is a spot of diaper rash (which you missed b/​c you were trying to get out the door for work). She will contact you if she notices a change in your child’s behavior like listlessness. She REALLY gets to know your kid and can warn you if something is off. She will develop a unique 6^th sense just for your kid! How does the woman do it? I have no clue but she is the best!
I almost forgot! She potty trained Peter. Need I say more…
Actually, I should say more! Jojo is really easy to work with as a parent. She always takes the time to chat with you on pick up and drop off. You get a good feel for how the day went. I’ve been in other daycare situations which I found stressful. One should never take advantage of her kindness but she has been very understanding on the few occasions I was late. I hate showing up late to begin with but when something does go wrong with your day that makes you late the last thing you want is to be shamed by another adult for your faults. This type of thing would NEVER happen with Jojo. She is a respectable professional. If you’ve read this far you should just go ahead and call Jojo to see if she has any openings. It will be the most important and best decision you’ve made regarding your child to date.

Cradles 2 Crayons is on the MAP! (DCFS Licensed Home)
I just want to say congratulations to my wife JoAnn for opening her daycare!
She does a wonderful job raising our two boys and now is giving that loving, caring and special touch to the children that she has in her care. She treats these kids like they are her own!
As a former teacher with over 33 years of experience in the childcare industry, she has brought up many children that still call and visit her today as adults. Need I say more?
Our home is clean, safe, educational, fun and conveniently located in the West Ridge Area.
Call JoAnn now while she still has room for two more children. (Infants-​Pre K)
Your child will love her and your mind will be at ease.
GREAT JOB JO-​JO!!!