For many working parents, the early years of raising children are marked by a constant balancing act: trying to stay engaged in a career while also being present at home. Le Village offers a solution designed specifically for that season of life—a coworking space with on-site childcare that blends flexibility, community, and high-quality early childhood programming under one roof.

Located in Lyons, Le Village Cowork, Old Route 66 serves parents who work remotely, maintain hybrid schedules, or run their own businesses. The space welcomes children from three months to four years old, allowing parents to focus on their work while remaining just steps away from their little ones. Its tagline—“cowork, community, childcare”—captures the heart of the model.

Abbey Bigi-Prow, owner of the Old Route 66 location, first discovered Le Village as a member. A family and newborn photographer for more than 15 years, she joined the original location in Chicago’s Albany Park with her twin boys. “I realized quickly that editing during nap time wasn’t realistic,” she says. “But stepping away from my career for several years wasn’t an option either.”

Le Village filled a gap she hadn’t known how to solve. Instead of committing to full-time daycare or juggling part-time childcare, she worked onsite three days a week and spent the remaining days with her sons. “I got to do motherhood my way,” she explains. Years later, after moving to the western suburbs, she became the first franchisee and opened the Le Village Cowork, Old Route 66 space in August of 2025. Today, there are six independently owned Le Village locations, all operated by mothers.

While onsite childcare sets Le Village apart from traditional coworking spaces, Abbey emphasizes that the community element is equally transformative. Each day, children spend the morning in care and then reconnect with their parents for lunch—often alongside other families with similarly aged children. The model creates organic opportunities for real-time support, whether discussing sleep regressions or navigating toddler milestones.

“It can be incredibly isolating to work from home with young kids,” Abbey says. “Here, you’re surrounded by people who understand exactly what you’re going through.”

Le Village also offers flexible membership options, including three-day and five-day plans, half-day options, and afternoon “PM Play” sessions for families who need shorter blocks of care. For parents transitioning back to work or testing new schedules, that adaptability is key.

The Le Village Cowork, Old Route 66 location also incorporates a “Waltessori” preschool curriculum (inspired by Waldorf and Montessori philosophies) that is play-based, developmentally tailored, and overseen by a curriculum coordinator with a master’s degree in early childhood education.

Beyond its membership base, the 7,000-square-foot warehouse space hosts monthly community events such as “Sensory Sunday” toddler play sessions, parenting workshops, and wellness programming. The space is available for private events as well, offering a welcome alternative to traditional party venues. With an on-site play structure and comfortable gathering areas, it accommodates both adults and children with ease.

Abbey’s advice to working parents navigating early parenthood is simple: ask for help. “There’s no award for doing it all on your own,” she says. “Building community will only enhance your life—and your children’s lives.”

For families seeking a flexible, supportive environment that bridges work and home, Le Village offers more than childcare–it reimagines what community space can look like in the western suburbs.