Our founders

Preschool & Childcare Center Serving Minooka, Crest Hill, Yorkville, Naperville and Bolingbrook, IL

Read Our Little Learner Core Values

Learning

Learning is our number one priority for our students and staff. Modeling and mentoring sets us apart. We believe “You Are Never Too Young or Old to Learn.”

Loyalty

Our commitment to each other and to our families creates stability for our school, company and community.

Caring

Caring goes beyond the traditional nice gesture. We believe quality care starts with safety protocols and a nurturing atmosphere.

Adventurous

Here at Little Learner we understand life is an adventure and we’re excited to be a part of your child’s early childhood!

Our Promise to You

We Promise to Provide Care For Your Child In a Safe, Healthy, and Caring Environment.

A GROWING LLCA FAMILY

Little Learner Children’s Academy was founded in June 2009 by Melissa and Zarvan, as an in home group daycare out of their home. After gaining experience of over 18 years and education in the child care field and parents themselves of 3 children, they found many flaws with the way in which the centers were operated, and the enormous cost parents were paying for below average childcare. Our goal is to create a safe, loving and nurturing environment that makes parents feel comfortable while they are at work, while ensuring their children are educated and prepared for the future. We also wanted to make sure this could be done for the working families of the Minooka Community and the surrounding area.

In 2014, Melissa and Zarvan decided to take their vision to the next level, and located a building in Channahon, IL. She knew by applying the principles she founded during the operation of the in-home group childcare and previous experiences working at childcare centers, she could project the same principles on to a larger group of families, and make an impact on more children and their families. The preschool facility Little Learner Children’s Academy opened in August of 2014 for children ages 2-12 year olds. Parents enjoy the creative environment that is provided and appreciate the quality of care their child is receiving. With the help of wonderful staff, the Minooka childcare center is the place to be. Currently offering AM/PM Preschool, Before and After School, and Summer Camp (Adventures Kids) for K-5th grade.
With the values of safety, love, and nurture, Little Learner Children’s Academy has proven to be a healthy and reliable place for children that need pre-schooling and other child care activities. This has lead to growth and expansion including a new facility in Crest Hill that opened in 2017. With these values and goals as our philosophy, Little Learner Children’s Academy gives parents peace of mind knowing that their children are in a safe environment that educates and prepares their children for the future. Our mission is to instill love and respect within the children, while providing a productive and healthy environment.
Little Learner Children’s Academy broke even more ground and opened a new child care location in Plainfield, IL in January 2019. As firm believers that children learn by practice, activities and programs are planned with your child’s development in mind. All child care programs are structured to provide the children with experience working in both large and small groups as well as individually to encourage the development of cognitive, physical, social and spiritual skills.
Little Learner Children’s Academy opened their newest location in Yorkville, IL in April 2019. We try to create a environment that is not just school, but a second home to the children as they learn. We want each and every family to know we understand that your child is your most precious gift in life. Our greatest hope for the children in our care and us is that we will set the example for them to follow to allow them to reach their highest potential. We are a proud non franchise/non corporate center family owned family school of learning.
Little Learner Children’s Academy - Bolingbrook

We’re excited to offer a new location for your family’s care and early childhood education needs in the heart of Bolingbrook. Melissa and Zarvan are thrilled to offer family-owned high-quality care in their very own hometown, where they grew up and attended school.

LLCA Bolingbrook is purpose-built for learning, with an engaging indoor Imagination Station and lush outdoor areas where children can run, play, and tend to their very own garden. With safe onsite parking at a standalone building, you get the same daily communication, security, and cleanliness that LLCA is known for.

Melissa and Zarvan know that parents are their children’s #1 teachers, so families get the resources they need to apply for financial assistance and stay on top of the latest educational trends and child development philosophy. With programming and support for children with exceptionalities, a Parents’ Night Out offered two evenings each year, and fun events to bring the whole school community together, the Bolingbrook center brings the community together. Plus, there’s no cost to transfer from a different Little Learner Children’s Academy location.

LLCA supports their experienced, degreed staff with professional opportunities for continued growth and development, including tuition assistance and mentorship, as well as a classroom budget to help them succeed.

Programs are now open, so come experience the family-owned, family-focused LLCA difference!

Little Learner Children’s Academy - Naperville

In 2023, Melissa and Zarvan created an ideal setting for early learning, including
quiet spaces, engaging playgrounds, & convenient amenities. Located in a serene residential area, our Naperville center offers a peaceful environment perfect for learning and play.

Children enjoy a sunny outdoor playground, indoor play structures for motor skill development, and well-rounded classrooms equipped with learning materials and toys. Parents benefit from a coffee bar and on-site parking, while stringent safety measures ensure every child’s well-being. Serving children from 6 weeks to 5 years old.

Little Learner Children’s Academy - Minooka

In 2024, Melissa and Zarvan expanded their locations once more, opening a nurturing environment surrounded by nature in the heart of Minooka. Located in a peaceful neighborhood with local shops and clinics nearby, our Minooka center offers a safe and engaging early learning experience where children thrive. They have fun during circle time, block-stacking, dance classes, and so much more. 

Parents enjoy hassle-free parking, while children benefit from natural playgrounds that build physical strength and daily disinfecting that keeps spaces spotless. Security measures, including tall fences and live security cameras, ensure every child’s safety. Serving preschool and childcare needs.

OUR MISSON

OUR MISSON

Our mission is to provide children with learning experiences and a wide variety of experiences that help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development. We recognize the uniqueness of the individual child, family, and the community in which we reside.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Caring for your child and helping your child learn and grow through our preschool program is an honor and a blessing. We built our center based on this philosophy and will continue to work hard and improve so that your child has the best childcare experience possible. 

We believe that we must all work together to teach our children how to behave appropriately. We guide the behavior of the children entrusted to us through positive methods such as modeling and helping them to learn the language necessary to express their feelings.

We create an environment that is not just school, but a second home to the children as they learn.

Our greatest hope for the children in our care and us is that we will set the example for them to follow to allow them to reach their highest potential

OUR PHILOSOPHY
OUR PHILOSOPHY
PARENT-TEACHER PARTNERSHIP
PARENT-TEACHER PARTNERSHIP

PARENT-TEACHER PARTNERSHIP

We believe that the dedication of our teachers and their desire to provide a healthy environment allows our program to be successful. They are vital to our program, and we offer them all of the support they need to accomplish their mission.

We believe that parents are the primary teachers and role models for their children. We strive to partner with them and to offer them guidance, encouragement, and support in nurturing their children to become responsible adults.