Child care and early education services are expanding rapidly in Vernon Hills, with the latest proposal coming from The Nest Schools Inc. The Nest, a fast-growing company specializing in child care and preschool facilities, plans to transform the former Superior Ambulance building into a state-of-the-art facility. This will be the fourth child care or preschool facility planned or set to open in Vernon Hills over the last two years, signifying an increasing demand for such services in the community.
The Nest Schools Proposal: A New Addition to Vernon Hills
The Nest Schools Inc. intends to renovate the vacant 11,725-square-foot former ambulance headquarters, located at the corner of Route 45 and Sullivan Drive. The company has signed a long-term lease for the site, aiming to create a child care center that will accommodate 210 children from infants to 5 years old. The proposed facility will feature 13 classrooms, providing a modern and engaging environment for early childhood education.
The Daily Herald reports that Wilmette-based Newlook Construction LLC, which previously worked on another Nest facility in Barrington, will lead the design and construction of this new location. The renovation will include both internal and external upgrades to the existing building, as well as the construction of a new outdoor playground.
Outdoor Playground with a Parklike Setting
One of the standout features of The Nest Schools facility will be its expansive outdoor playground, which is described as being nearly as large as the interior space. The playground will be designed with a parklike setting, aiming to offer a natural and stimulating environment for children to play and explore. This outdoor area is expected to complement the classrooms by providing ample space for physical activity, essential for young children's development.
Project Review and Informal Approval
The project was recently presented to the Vernon Hills village board for an informal review. While the board gave The Nest Schools the green light to proceed with a more detailed review, the main concern highlighted was access to the busy Route 45 during peak times. Traffic flow and safety are critical, especially for a facility catering to infants and toddlers. Andrew Jennings, the community development director, pointed out that a key issue will be ensuring there are adequate gaps in traffic to allow safe entry and exit for parents and staff.
The decision on whether to use existing traffic data or commission a new study is yet to be made, but it will play an important role in determining how the facility integrates with the surrounding area. A detailed staff review and a public hearing before the advisory planning and zoning commission will be the next steps in the approval process.
The Growing Demand for Child Care in Vernon Hills
Child care services have been in high demand in Vernon Hills, and The Nest Schools is not the only facility meeting this need. Two years ago, the village board approved plans for Guidepost Montessori School, which has since been updated with Bright Path as the operator. Bright Path and Rhythm of Learning Montessori, located at 536 Atrium Drive, are both expected to open soon, pending final approval from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
The latest child care project to receive approval is the Kiddie Academy Child Care Center and swim school. Located on a 3.7-acre parcel at 300 N. Fairway Drive, this facility will feature separate buildings for child care and swim instruction. The project is currently in the permit review phase, but once operational, it will add further capacity to meet the growing needs of families in the area.
Child Care Supply and Demand in Vernon Hills
Data presented as part of the Kiddie Academy proposal highlights the existing demand for child care services in Vernon Hills. Currently, 10 schools are open and providing care for 1,840 children in the area, but there remains a need for more facilities. With 3,051 children aged infant to 4 years old in the local trade area, another 1,211 children still require child care services. This growing demand makes Vernon Hills a prime location for new child care centers, and projects like The Nest Schools are poised to meet this need.
Supporting Families and Building the Future
The Nest Schools project, alongside other child care facilities in Vernon Hills, reflects the community’s growing need for early education and child care services. With the introduction of The Nest, families will have access to a well-designed, modern facility that prioritizes safety, learning, and play. The involvement of Newlook Construction LLC ensures that the facility will meet high standards in both design and construction. As Vernon Hills continues to grow, the expansion of child care services will play a key role in supporting the community’s youngest residents and their families.
