Pros
The kids - for the most part. One or two of my coworkers were nice.
Cons
SO many to list but I'll bullet point the main ones that would matter the most to someone in this industry: * Absolutely NO support when there is a child with severe behavioral issues. Instead, what you will be faced with is having to figure out how to manage this child, amonth 15+ others, in a small classroom when he is flinging toys at kids heads, screaming and biting and kicking everyone near him, clearly displaying MAJOR behavioral issues because it is just NOT the best environment for him at all. * FAVORITISM abounds. If you have it in good with the owner or director you are treated like gold. But, for reasons you may never know, if you are not in their good graces, you will be treated less than. In fact, you may even experience slander or being accused of something you didn't do. * The pay and benefits are awful for Chicago living. As a Lead Teacher with a degree, I was barely surviving. And yes, I do know I don't have to work there and yes, I did leave. * The back-stabbing and lack of professionalism was nuts. Especially at the downtown location. We have very affluent families bringing their kiddos there. If they knew half of the things I saw, they would have pulled their children immediately. These things included lack of supervision. Unkind words being said to and around the kids. Staff just being rude and entitled. YES... you might have to do "janitorial" work. MOST daycares you do! Heaven forbid you have to wash a plate or take the trash out.