Google Facebook Yelp
BASEC

Before & After School Extended Care
Appointment
A Place to Learn • A Place to Grow

About

About Picket Fence Learning Center

Providing Trusted Early Childhood Education & Care Since 1993

Picket Fence Learning Center is committed to providing safe, nurturing, and high quality childcare in a supportive learning environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive. Our Elmwood Park and River Grove locations are licensed through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and follow the standards established by the Cook County Health Department and Illinois Fire Marshal.
We are proud to hold accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) as well as the GOLD Circle of Quality through ExceleRate Illinois. These voluntary recognitions reflect our continued commitment to maintaining high standards in early childhood education, classroom development, safety, and personalized care.
At Picket Fence Learning Center, our goal is to provide every child and family with a positive, engaging, and supportive experience built around quality education, meaningful relationships, and individualized attention.
View Our Service
Request an Appointment

Our Story

Growing With Families Since 1993

Picket Fence Learning Center began in October of 1993 with one classroom, two staff members, and seven children between the ages of two and six years old. As more families discovered the caring and educational environment Picket Fence provided, enrollment quickly grew. By the summer of 1994, the center had expanded to three classrooms serving thirty five children, eventually growing into all four classrooms with a dedicated team of educators and a growing waiting list.
In August of 2004, Picket Fence relocated from 22 Conti Parkway to its current Elmwood Park location at 36 Conti Parkway to continue serving the needs of local families and the surrounding community.
Picket Fence continued to grow in July of 2013 with the opening of a second location at 2624 Oak Street in River Grove, formerly Bethlehem Lutheran School. What started as one classroom expanded into five classrooms serving children ages two through twelve years old.
In October of 2024, Picket Fence proudly expanded once again with the opening of its third location at 7801 Grand Avenue, formerly known as A Karrasel. This location welcomes children as young as six weeks old and is currently the only Picket Fence location serving infants under the age of two.
View Our Service
Request an Appointment

Our Educators

Ms-Toni-President
Ms. Toni
President
Ms. Toni helps oversee the daily operations, educational programs, and overall vision of Picket Fence Learning Center. She is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where children, families, and staff can learn, grow, and thrive together.
Ms-Nicole-Regional-Director-RG
Ms. Nicole
Regional Director
Ms. Nicole helps oversee operations across multiple Picket Fence Learning Center locations while supporting staff, classroom development, and family communication. She is committed to maintaining a positive learning environment and ensuring children receive high quality care and educational experiences each day.
Ms-Meredith-Director-RG
Ms. Merideth
Director
Ms. Merideth helps oversee daily classroom operations, staff support, and family communication while creating a safe and welcoming environment for children to learn and grow. She is dedicated to supporting both students and educators through positive leadership and quality early childhood education.
Ms-Lauren-Executive-Director-EP1
Ms. Lauren
Director
Ms. Lauren helps oversee daily classroom operations, staff support, and family communication while creating a safe and welcoming environment for children to learn and grow. She is dedicated to supporting both students and educators through positive leadership and quality early childhood education.
Ms-Jessica-Executive-Director-EP2
Ms. Jessica
Director

Ms. Jessica helps lead the overall operations, programs, and long term growth of Picket Fence Learning Center. She is dedicated to supporting children, families, and staff while maintaining a positive, nurturing, and high quality learning environment across each location.

 
 
 

Our Mission

Picket Fence Daycare and Learning Center is dedicated to the premise that learning is best facilitated in an environment which is challenging, hands on, and of course FUN! The early years of a child’s development are the most important and our goal is to prepare children for a successful future.

Community Involvement

Teaching Children About Safety, Community & Leadership

Picket Fence Learning Center believes learning extends beyond the classroom. We proudly work with local police departments, firefighters, and community organizations to help children learn about safety, responsibility, and the important role community helpers play in everyday life.
Through educational visits, demonstrations, and interactive activities, children gain hands on experiences that help build confidence, awareness, and respect for the people who help keep the community safe. These experiences also encourage positive social development and introduce children to valuable life lessons in a fun and engaging way.
Local fire safety education opportunities
Community helper visits and demonstrations
Police and firefighter interaction activities
Hands on learning experiences
Encouraging respect and community awareness

Accredited Early Childhood Education

Elmwood Park’s Only NAEYC Accredited Daycare & Learning Center

Picket Fence Learning Center is proud to be the only NAEYC accredited daycare and learning center in Elmwood Park. This nationally recognized accreditation reflects our continued commitment to providing exceptional early childhood education, safe learning environments, and high quality care for every child and family we serve.
In addition to our NAEYC accreditation, Picket Fence also holds the GOLD Circle of Quality through ExceleRate Illinois. These voluntary achievements require centers to meet higher standards for education, curriculum, safety, staff development, classroom environments, and family engagement.
Families can feel confident knowing their children are learning in an environment dedicated to excellence, accountability, and long term developmental success.
Only NAEYC accredited daycare in Elmwood Park
GOLD Circle of Quality through ExceleRate Illinois
High standards for education and safety
Commitment to quality childcare and development
Focused on long term learning success

A Caring & Supportive Learning Environment

Building Strong Relationships With Children & Families

Since expanding to River Grove in 2013, Picket Fence Learning Center has continued its commitment to providing high quality early childhood education and care in a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment. Located in the former Bethlehem Lutheran School building, the River Grove location serves children ages two through twelve years old across five classrooms designed to encourage learning, creativity, and development.
At Picket Fence Learning Center, we believe creativity should be encouraged not only in children, but also within our teaching staff. Our educators play a vital role in shaping the early years of childhood development, and we value the dedication, compassion, and care they bring to the classroom every day.
We proudly maintain an open door policy and encourage families to stay involved in their child’s learning experience. Parents are always welcome to visit, join their child for lunch, participate in classroom activities, read stories, or simply stop by to say hello. We invite families to schedule a classroom tour and experience the Picket Fence environment firsthand.
View Our Curriculum
Request an Appointment

Hours of Operation