Chicago -- advice on moving and childcare?

Hi all—my family and I are facing a tough decision about whether to move to Chicago for a job offer. We love our daycare/preschool, home, and everything about our lives here, but this job is a big opportunity—one that could, in the long run, put us in a better position to move back here one day with more financial security (we're junior academics). I grew up in the Midwest, so I’m familiar with the culture, weather, etc., but moving back with a young kiddo is an entirely new experience.

If you’ve lived in Chicago with young kids, do you have any recommendations for neighborhoods in the city proper (not the suburbs, though we might consider Evanston)? Ideally, we’re looking for somewhere with great parks and playgrounds, a strong sense of community, lots of diversity, and overall character. We currently live in North Oakland and are so happy here.

Also, does anyone have a preschool or daycare in Chicago that they absolutely love? Changing schools for our toddler is my biggest worry. I know she’ll be fine anywhere as long as she’s with us, but we truly love her teachers and school here and had envisioned her staying there for years. I’m especially concerned about finding a place that allows for plenty of outdoor play—right now, she gets lots of yard time at school, and we go to the park every weekend. We’d happily center our house-hunting around a daycare or preschool we love. She’ll be two when she starts at the new school, so if you have any recommendations, I’d be so grateful!

What’s the best way to connect with other parents for recommendations? I saw the Chicago Neighborhood Parents Network website mentioned in older BPN posts, but it seems like a very different vibe from BPN.

Thanks for any recommendations, advice, or words of wisdom!