About Lakeview Development Center
A over 24 years early learning center in Uptown, Chicago, rated ExceleRate Silver, where every teacher holds an early childhood degree.
Our team
We refer to our staff collectively because what matters is the team your child meets every day. Six educators bring professional credentials, ongoing training, and long tenure to every classroom. The director, LaShanda Simmons, leads the team and is available to families throughout enrollment.
ExceleRate Silver
Illinois' Circle of Quality rating, earned and renewed.
Degreed teachers
Every teacher and assistant holds at least an AA in early childhood. Our preschool teacher holds a PEL. The highest credential on the team is a Master's degree.
Staff who stay
Tenure ranges from 7 to 14 years across our 6-person team. Your child keeps familiar faces year after year.
Trained and vetted
All staff cleared through DCFS background checks and complete 20 Gateways-approved trainings annually, including CPR, First Aid, and Active Supervision.
Spanish-speaking staff
Spanish is spoken on site, giving children language exposure.
Our mission
Our mission is to give every child the tools, attention, and care they need to become confident learners and compassionate people. We promote an environment where respect, diversity, creativity, and curiosity are celebrated, not just taught.
Education should never feel cold or rigid. It should feel like a warm, encouraging place that gently pushes each child to explore, question, and dream.
Meet the team in person.
Tour the classrooms, meet our team, and get tuition and availability for your child's age group. Tours take about 20 minutes.
Book Your Tour
Tours run Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM and take about 20 minutes. We will confirm your time by phone or text.