Lil Critters

They did such a great job! We had lil critters over for a family gathering and the kids age toddler to 9 loved seeing all the animals. The bird was my favorite, it dances! Very nice, easy to communicate with, lots of fun and reasonably priced for what they offer.

They were the highlight of my son's birthday party. The kids and adults loved their demonstration and it's wonderful to see how much they truly love their lil critters.

As a first time parent, I was VERY apprehensive about sending my baby to daycare but it was good vibes with Ms. Tonya from Day 1. My son (4) has been going to Lil Critters for almost a year and he loves it. He was even potty trained within 2 months of attending, something I struggled with when we were at a different daycare. Additionally, my son can count to 30 by himself, knows his ABCs, all 12 months, and is a stickler for saying YES, PLEASE and THANK YOU #mannersmatter Overall, a wonderful experience and I would absolutely recommend because most of all, Ms. Tonya is consistent and keeps the lines of communication open regarding your child and the daycare itself. As a working single parent with little outside help, I am truly grateful to be able to depend on reliable QUALITY care. thank you Lil Critters!

Ms. Tonya who has been in business for over 31 years is the BEST in home daycare in the Hawthorne Area. My almost 5 year old has been with Ms. Tonya since he was 2 months old. He has learned so much being in her care. He attends a part time preschool and is more advanced then the kids his age. Definitely ready for kinder. She is so patient, loving, and extremely kind to all the children as well as her staff I wouldn't want my children anywhere else.

I now have a 4 month old who has also been with her since he was 2 months as well and the nurturing she gives him I wouldn't have him anywhere else. It's like being with mom. Thank you so much Ms. Tonya for being such a positive and important impact in my village. We appreciate you. 5 stars all across the board.

We are in LOVE with Ms. Tonya and Lil' Critters, and she gets the highest RECOMMENDATION. Ms. Tonya and her caring and attentive staff have an academic and activity centered, well balanced program that keeps our granddaughter engaged and wanting to come back for more each and every day. Ms. Tonya personally greets our granddaughter each morning with a big smile and hugs.

We were amazed to see our 2 year old know exactly what to do next and understand what is expected of her because of the routine and structure Ms. Tonya provides and expects. Ms. Tonya's standards are high for her staff and students which we appreciate. With Over 30 years in the business, her knowledge experience and professionalism is unparalleled. Ms. Tonya, provides the healthiest breakfast, snacks, and lunch.

She gets our highest recommendation. Lil' Critters is a home away from home with all the love and care that a Daycare provides. You can't go wrong with Lil' Critters 24 hour Family Day Care. If you get a opportunity watch DAYCARE CHRONICLES 101- Helpful and Hilarious or listen to Ms. Tonya podcast. 10 Stars

This review is long over due for me.but I still wanted to provide my thoughts. Every parents main concern, is finding someone professional and trustworthy to watch over their child. When I found Ms Tonya with Lil Critters I felt very comfortable when meeting her for the first time and my daughter did as well. And that was my main concern that my daughter felt comfortable and happy with the person and place that was going to care for her.

I loved her wonderful well organized play area for the kids full of fundamental toys and materials. She has a separate room for the classroom so the kids can execute their daily curriculum as well. I had to take my daughter out because I went on maternity leave but I would take my daughter back to Ms Tonya

We had them come for my son's birthday and they were excellent! They brought a bunch of animals and the presentation was informational and fun! The kids ranged in age from 2-16 and all of them LOVED it, as did the adults!

Picture a snowy, nasty and cold day in April. Now imagine having a birthday party for a 6 year old on the same day. Entertaining a lot of kids that age in that weather can be tough. They were full of energy and running around wildly. My knights in shining armor came and knocked on the door and came to our rescue. Lil critters came in set up and provided a fun, interactive, informative and delightful show.

They went through their repertoire of pets and shared their passion and knowledge with everyone. All of a sudden the kids were sitting and paying attention to each detail that was given. My son loved the show and other parents did so as well. Please do yourself a favor and have them at your parties. Not only is it fun and safe entertainment, but they are great people.

Everyday since my 2 year old had started at Ms. Tonya's daycare this month, she'd giggle with excitement when she realized we were approaching. For the most part, I could see that she really enjoyed coming & I enjoyed taking her. She was learning fast & she fit right in with the other children. She had only been there for technically 2 weeks before an incident occurred that's every parents' worst fear.

When I came to pick up my daughter on April 17, 2019, Ms. Tonya had claimed that a 16 month old baby girl hit my 2 year old baby girl in the face with a shoe but yet to everyone who had seen the markings on her face agreed & said it looks like a bite mark. Majority said IT IS a bite mark. I found it odd that she never admitted that it did look a bite mark.

She showed me the bottom of the shoe but the marks on her face looked nothing like the mark. An incident report was filled out once I asked for one. She also claimed that when she was hit in the face with a shoe there was no mark. My baby girl is fair skinned & VERY light. She easily bruises & a mark would show up right away but Ms. Tonya stated that the mark didn't show up until AFTER her nap.

They didn't call me right away once they did notice it. If you could see the picture I took of my baby's face I'd post it in the reviews. No parent would be peachy keen about this. It look exactly like a bite mark not on my baby's arm, not her leg, but her face & close to her eye. How long were their eyes off the children for this to have happened?

It just doesn't make any sense. I had to remove my baby from the daycare because I don't feel at peace with her being there any longer. My baby is also now afraid of vacuum cleaners all of a sudden. She had never been afraid until last week & she keeps saying "ok" in a very sad/scared tone every time she sees he vacuum cleaner in the hallway or at her father's house. She won't even walk passed it. I think I made the right decision by removing my baby.

My daughter has been going there majority of the year & it's amazing how much she's learned & advanced because of the excellent teaching she's receiving. The best $ we've ever spent. After going through numerous daycare services from Hawthrone, Norwalk & Carson I find that this is the best. Many daycares just let the children run around & play all day.

It's rare to find a good balance between play, education & good diet. This is not just a daycare but also a great prep for preschool & beyond. The staff is amazing & Miss Tonya is as well. I strongly suggest this location if you're looking.

The last review is incredibly unfortunate. It has nothing to do with the business itself or the care that is provided to the children. That would be my main concern as a parent of two little children. This is clearly a neighborly dispute that has nothing to do with the person who wrote the review. One thing that I do know about this business is that it too has been successful for over 40 yrs.

It has been a pilar in the community providing care to infants and adolescents. The provider loves children and there is no question that they are safe in her home. She goes out of her way to provide for the children and prepare them for school. Parking disputes are the least of my worries. Please keep doing what your doing.

My 2 kids have been at Lil Critters for about 3 years now, and my baby has been there for over a year. They have learned, had fun, and have grown so much from being there, since they're there all day. I'm at peace at work, knowing my kids are in a safe, loving, and patient hands. They always look forward to going to daycare. They always tell me about their day of eating healthy, doing arts and crafts, books they've been reading, playing outside, songs they sing, and what they learned today.

It makes me happy, knowing they're happy and being productive. She keeps me updated on how they're doing and if I'm needed, I'm notified right away. I recommend Lil Critters if you're looking for high quality child care service because of the genuine love that has been provided to my children over the years. I have nothing but good things to say and have experienced the best here.

I deeply appreciate all the hard work of taking good care of my kids, all the healthy food, all the necessary education, and fun extracurricular activities that Ms. Tonya has provided.

My 2 year old daughter attends Lil critters and she loves it there. She comes home with new things she has learned in a very short time. Her caretakers is especially great with the children. It's a clean environment and I would recommend it to any parent in search of a safe and professional daycare for you little one.

We just had them for my son's 6th birthday party and the parents and kids are still talking about it. The price is fantastic, they kept the kids entertained and the adults as well. I will definitely get them again. It was so much fun!

So much fun! I hired them for my son's 4th birthday party. I'm always looking for different things because his birthday is in February so I can't ever have the fun backyard party. The owner/operators were entertaining and so good with the kids. The kids loved touching and petting all the animals and were so well behaved (a true sign that they were enthralled )! My only regret was that more kids weren't able to come to experience it. I recommend them to anyone looking for a great birthday party idea.

My husband and I absolutely adore little critters daycare. Our son and daughter have developed so much due to her special care. And I love her healthy and nutritional menus for the children. In this place the children are truly handled with love and care.

Dave and Laurie were professional, quick to respond and great with the kids. Will definitely hire again.

I just had this couple at my daughter's golden birthday party. It was so fun! Both the kids and the grown ups laughed and enjoyed the show. The animals they brought are super cute and nice to the kids. You won't regret to have them.

We had lil Critters come to my daughter's 7th. B-Day last week. Amazing time! The kids and parents all LOVED it! Laurie & Dave are very patient, more so than I could be with 20 kids crowded around. They took their time with each animal, made sure everyone got a chance to pet/hold the critters. The show is supposed to be an hour, but due to the amount of kids, they stayed longer with no rush and no complaints. I would definitely recommend them for a unique, fun party idea!

Came to my sons B-Day this Sept. They were awesome! Laurie & Dave were extremely informative & kept the show going at a nice even pace letting everyone take part as much as they wanted too. Casper the Cockatoo is the 'Star' of the show but the other animals they had were unique and cute for kids 3-10 yrs. A Tucan, lizards, snakes, turtles, etc. I would certainly give them high marks for being good people & kid friendly for sure - Will call them again next year - Everyone had a really fun time.

For my son's 6th birthday, we hired Lil Critters to come to our house on the NW side of Chicago. They brought several different animals and birds - 2 snakes, a tarantula, 2 tortoises, 2 bearded dragons, a salamander, guinea pig, rabbit, hedgehog, toucan and a cockatoo. Laurie & Dave were great. They were patient, prompt and very interactive with the kids (& parents).

Everyone that wanted to could touch the animals, but there was no pressure. It was educational and memorable - looking back at the photos and the expressions on the kids' faces, I have no hesitation in recommending Lil Critters for a kid's party. Top notch experience.