Frequently Asked Questions

Enrolling at Cheerful Moments

Where exactly are you located?

Cheerful Moments is at 5225 Crosswind Dr, Richton Park, IL 60471. It is a residential street in Richton Park, close to I-57 and the Metra Electric line.

What ages do you take?

Six weeks through ten years. That covers infants, toddlers, a Montessori-inspired preschool program and before and after school care for school-age children.

Are you licensed?

Yes. Cheerful Moments is a licensed Illinois day care home. Evonda Phillips also holds CPR/AED, Basic Life Support, Food Sanitation, Mandated Reporter, SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness certifications, plus a Certified Nursing Assistant qualification.

How is a home daycare different from a daycare center?

Illinois caps group size in a licensed day care home well below a center classroom, and your child has the same caregiver all day, every day. There are no room transitions, no shift handovers and no staff turnover mid-year. Meals are cooked in the kitchen your child eats in.

Do you provide meals?

Yes. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are prepared here, fresh. Tell us about allergies or dietary restrictions at the tour and we will plan around them. Parents of infants send bottles, breast milk or formula.

What does Montessori-inspired actually mean here?

Children choose their own work from open, low shelves and stay with it as long as they want. Practical life comes before academics: pouring, buttoning, sweeping and serving their own snack. We use Montessori materials and methods and do not claim AMI or AMS accreditation.

Which towns do you serve?

We are in Richton Park and regularly care for children from Matteson, Park Forest, Olympia Fields, University Park, Country Club Hills. Families from Frankfort, Tinley Park, Homewood, Flossmoor, Steger and Crete are welcome to ask.

How do I schedule a tour?

Call 708-527-2628, email services@cheerfulmoments.info, or send the form on our homepage. Tours are how every enrollment starts — come and see the space before you decide anything.

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes: sibling, student, military and law enforcement, and hardship discounts, plus seasonal holiday promotions. Eligibility applies, so ask when you book a tour.

Can I visit during the day once my child is enrolled?

Yes, any time we are open, without an appointment. Parents of enrolled children never need to give notice.

Do you take children with special needs?

Evonda has experience supporting children with special needs and the individualized pace of the program often helps. Bring the specifics to a tour so we can have an honest conversation about fit.

Do you cover school holidays and summer?

Yes, subject to space. Teacher institute days, early dismissals, winter and spring break and full summer care can all be arranged. These fill early, so ask well ahead of the school calendar.