The Best Daycare Centers in Arlington Heights, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Arlington Heights. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Arlington Heights
The Goddard School of Arlington Heights
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a play-based learning curriculum that focuses on social, emotional, and academic development. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and creative expression. Features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-to-teacher ratios, secure keypad entry systems, and daily communication with parents via the Goddard mobile app. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for music and movement activities.
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Kiddie Academy of Arlington Heights
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy's Life Essentials® curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, and STEM education through hands-on learning experiences. The academy features secure electronic entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and certified teachers with ongoing professional development. Their program includes daily progress reports, nutritious meals and snacks, and age-appropriate technology integration. The facility offers multiple outdoor play areas, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and enrichment programs including music and Spanish language exposure.
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Bright Horizons at Arlington Heights
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons implements the World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which focuses on emergent learning through exploration and discovery. The center features degreed early childhood educators, comprehensive health and safety protocols including secure building access, and regular developmental assessments. Their approach emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills through project-based learning. The facility includes natural light-filled classrooms, multiple outdoor learning environments, and dedicated art and music spaces. Parents receive regular updates through the MyBrightDay app with photos and daily reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Arlington Heights, IL
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Arlington Heights, IL?
In Arlington Heights, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,200 to $1,600 per month. These rates are influenced by the type of facility—center-based programs are often at the higher end, while licensed home daycares may offer more affordable options. Costs can also vary based on specific program features like curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities (e.g., meals, enrichment activities). It's advisable to budget for potential annual increases and inquire about any additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pickups. Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, which can significantly offset these costs.
How do I verify a daycare is properly licensed and what are the key state regulations I should know about in Illinois?
All licensed daycare providers in Arlington Heights must be registered with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. Key Illinois regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers), mandatory background checks for all employees, and required health and safety training. Licensed facilities must also meet specific standards for physical space, nutrition, and emergency preparedness. Always ask to see a provider's current license and don't hesitate to review their latest DCFS monitoring report for transparency.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Arlington Heights, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, due to high demand, many reputable daycare centers and preschools in Arlington Heights have waitlists, especially for infant rooms. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 12 months before your needed start date. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. To manage this, compile a list of 5-10 potential providers, contact them to inquire about current availability and waitlist procedures (including any deposit requirements), and get on multiple lists. Exploring a mix of centers, faith-based programs, and licensed home daycares can increase your options.
What resources are available in Arlington Heights to help me find and evaluate local childcare options?
Arlington Heights parents have several valuable local resources. The Village of Arlington Heights Community Services Department and the Arlington Heights Memorial Library often have community resource guides. The most comprehensive tool is the "Child Care Resource and Referral" service provided by the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, which serves the northwest suburbs. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers based on your specific needs. Additionally, local parent groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Arlington Heights Moms") are excellent for gathering firsthand recommendations and experiences from other families in the community.
What are some of the differentiating factors between daycare centers, preschools, and licensed home daycares in Arlington Heights?
In Arlington Heights, your main options are: * **Daycare Centers:** Typically larger facilities offering full-time, year-round care for infants through pre-K, often with structured schedules, multiple classrooms, and potentially higher staff turnover. Examples include national chains or local centers like Bright Horizons or The Goddard School. * **Preschools:** Usually focus on education for children ages 3-5, with part-day or full-day programs following a school-year calendar. They emphasize school readiness with a defined curriculum. Many local park district programs (Arlington Heights Park District) and faith-based organizations offer well-regarded preschools. * **Licensed Home Daycares:** Operated in a provider's home with a smaller group of children (max of 8-12, depending on ages). They often offer a more home-like, flexible environment with mixed-age groups and potentially lower costs. They are licensed and monitored by DCFS but have a different set of regulations than centers. Your choice will depend on your child's age, your schedule, budget, and desired learning environment.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Arlington Heights: