The Best Daycare Centers in Barrington, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Barrington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Barrington
The Goddard School of Barrington
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Barrington offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. The school employs degreed teachers who implement a comprehensive curriculum focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress. The center is known for its clean, safe environment and strong emphasis on social-emotional development through structured play and learning activities.
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Bright Horizons at Northwest Community Hospital
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Northwest Community Hospital serves families throughout the Barrington area with their research-based World at Their Fingertips curriculum. The center features secure facilities with dedicated infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms, and employs highly qualified early childhood educators. Their program emphasizes STEAM learning, literacy development, and social skills through hands-on activities and project-based learning. The center maintains excellent health and safety protocols with secured entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Parents appreciate the regular communication through daily reports and parent-teacher conferences, as well as the nutritious meal program included in tuition.
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Kiddie Academy of Palatine
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Palatine serves the Barrington community with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, academic readiness, and healthy physical development. The center features modern, secure facilities with age-appropriate learning environments and outdoor playgrounds. Their program includes technology integration, Spanish language exposure, and hands-on learning activities. The academy employs certified teachers who receive ongoing professional development and maintain low child-to-teacher ratios. The center is recognized for its strong safety protocols, including secure entry systems, comprehensive health screenings, and emergency preparedness training. Parents consistently praise the center's communication and the visible developmental progress in their children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Barrington, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Barrington, IL, and are there any local resources to help with affordability?
In Barrington, IL, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,600 to $2,200 per month, while preschool for a 3-5 year old generally costs between $1,200 and $1,800 per month. These costs reflect the area's high-quality facilities, lower child-to-staff ratios, and the community's overall cost of living. For help with affordability, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, administered through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's also worth inquiring about pre-tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) through your employer.
How long are waitlists for infant care at licensed daycare centers in Barrington, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited infant slots (driven by strict Illinois licensing ratios of 1 staff to 4 infants), waitlists for infant care at reputable centers in Barrington can be significant. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, especially for centers affiliated with churches or highly-rated preschools. We strongly recommend starting your search and getting on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. Many parents tour facilities and submit applications even before the baby is born to secure a spot for their desired start date.
What should I look for when touring a daycare or preschool in Barrington to ensure it meets Illinois standards and my family's needs?
Beyond checking that the facility's Illinois DCFS license is visibly posted and current, look for specific indicators of quality. Ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, and ongoing training. Observe the cleanliness, safety (e.g., secured entrances, outlet covers), and whether the environment is engaging and child-centered. Inquire about their curriculum, outdoor play schedule (important in Barrington's seasonal climate), and policies on communication, sick children, and nutrition. Also, ask for references from current Barrington-area parents. Trust your instincts on the warmth of the caregivers and the overall feel of the center.
Are there unique childcare options in Barrington, such as nature-based or Montessori programs, and how do they differ?
Yes, Barrington offers several specialized childcare options. There are accredited Montessori schools that emphasize child-led learning in mixed-age classrooms with specific materials. You can also find nature-based or "forest school" inspired programs, particularly at some local preschools and the Barrington Park District, which incorporate extensive outdoor exploration, aligning well with the community's access to forest preserves and open spaces. These differ from traditional daycare by their specific educational philosophies. It's important to visit, understand their daily structure, and see if their approach aligns with your child's temperament and your educational values.
What role do the Barrington Park District and the Barrington Area Library play in supporting parents and young children?
Both are invaluable local resources for parents. The Barrington Park District offers a wide variety of early childhood classes (e.g., music, art, movement), parent-tot programs, and seasonal camps that can supplement childcare or provide social enrichment. They also run highly-regarded preschool programs. The Barrington Area Library provides free, daily storytimes for various age groups, a fantastic children's department for play and learning, and resources like parenting books and early literacy kits. Utilizing these services is a great way to build community, support your child's development, and meet other Barrington-area families.
Nearby Cities
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