The Best Daycare Centers in Aurora, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Aurora. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Aurora
The Goddard School of Aurora
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Aurora offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and hands-on activities tailored to each age group. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with low student-to-teacher ratios. The center is known for its strong parent communication through daily reports and regular updates, plus enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Aurora
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Aurora implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that combines academic learning with character development and social skills. The program includes technology integration, literacy development, and hands-on learning experiences. The facility maintains strict security protocols with keypad entry and comprehensive safety procedures. Highly qualified teachers receive ongoing professional development in early childhood education. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent-teacher conferences, and a structured daily schedule that balances learning and play. Their approach emphasizes preparing children for kindergarten success.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Old Second National Bank
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Old Second National Bank offers the World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes emergent learning through play and exploration. The program includes literacy development, mathematics, science, and creative arts integrated into daily activities. The center features secure facilities with observation windows, dedicated age-appropriate learning environments, and outdoor playgrounds. Highly qualified early childhood educators maintain low child-to-teacher ratios and implement developmentally appropriate practices. The center is recognized for its strong emphasis on social-emotional development, comprehensive health and safety protocols, and family engagement through regular communication and events.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Aurora, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Aurora, IL, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Aurora, all daycare centers and home-based providers must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). DCFS sets strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and ongoing training), facility safety, health protocols, and curriculum. To verify a provider's license and view any history of violations, you can use the DCFS Child Care Facility Search tool online. It's highly recommended to cross-reference this with the City of Aurora's own business license database, as local ordinances may require additional permits. Always ask to see the current license during a tour.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Aurora, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
The cost of full-time infant daycare in Aurora typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month, depending on the center's location, amenities, and curriculum (e.g., Montessori vs. traditional). Home-based daycare is often less expensive, averaging $800 to $1,200 monthly. For financial assistance, Illinois' Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible low-income families. Additionally, the Kane County Child & Family Connections office (serving Aurora) can provide resources. Some local centers may also offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's important to inquire directly.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Aurora, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers, especially for infant rooms, in Aurora can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. Popular centers in areas like downtown Aurora, near the Fox Valley Mall, or in the growing western subdivisions tend to have the longest lists. When touring, ask specifically about their waitlist process, any fees to join it, and how often they update families on their position.
What are some key factors to consider when choosing between a daycare center and a licensed home daycare in Aurora?
Choosing between a center and a home daycare in Aurora involves weighing several local factors. Centers often offer more structured curricula, multiple classrooms by age, and may have better resources for inclement weather (like large indoor play spaces). Home daycares, which are plentiful in Aurora's residential neighborhoods, usually provide a smaller, family-like setting with mixed ages and potentially more flexible hours. Consider your commute; a home daycare might be more convenient in your specific subdivision. Also, verify the provider's license type with DCFS, as family and group home licenses have different capacity and staff requirements.
Are there any unique resources or programs in Aurora for finding and evaluating childcare options?
Yes, Aurora parents have several local resources. The "4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care" agency, serving the western suburbs, offers a free referral service to help match your family with licensed providers based on your location, schedule, and needs. The Aurora Public Library District often hosts parenting workshops that include childcare topics. Furthermore, the City of Aurora's website and community centers sometimes list licensed providers. For evaluations, beyond online reviews, consider joining local parent Facebook groups (e.g., "Aurora, IL Moms") to get firsthand recommendations and experiences about specific daycare providers in the area.