The Best Daycare Centers in Berkeley, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Berkeley. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Berkeley
The Goddard School of Hillside
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Hillside offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development. Features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, live streaming cameras for parent viewing, and nutritionally balanced meals. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art and music rooms, and modern learning centers. Known for low student-teacher ratios and comprehensive safety protocols.
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Bright Horizons at North Aurora
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons provides research-based early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes emergent learning through play and exploration. Features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees and ongoing professional development. The center includes secure entry systems, comprehensive health and safety protocols, and regular developmental assessments. Offers enriched learning environments with literacy-rich classrooms, STEM labs, outdoor learning spaces, and music programs. Parents appreciate the strong communication through daily reports and parent-teacher conferences.
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Kiddie Academy of Naperville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy's Life Essentials® curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, and hands-on learning experiences. Features degreed teachers with specialized early childhood training and low child-to-teacher ratios. The facility includes secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, nutritious meal programs, and modern learning environments with technology integration. Offers enrichment programs in Spanish, music, and physical fitness. Known for their strong parent partnership approach with regular progress updates and family engagement events. The academy maintains excellent state licensing compliance and high parent satisfaction ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Berkeley, IL
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Berkeley, IL, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Berkeley, IL, the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, depending on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. This is generally in line with the broader Chicago suburban area. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care (e.g., employment, education). Parents in Berkeley can apply through the Cook County IDHS office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth inquiring directly.
How can I verify that a daycare or home childcare provider in Berkeley is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed daycare centers and home providers in Illinois must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). To verify a provider's license and review their history, you can use the DCFS "Child Care License Lookup" tool available on their official website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, city (Berkeley), or zip code. It will show the license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any serious licensing violations or substantiated complaints. For Berkeley-specific inquiries, you can also contact the DCFS Licensing Representative for the North Suburban region. Always visit a facility in person to complement this online research.
Are there many daycare centers in Berkeley with immediate openings, or should I expect to join a waitlist?
Due to Berkeley's relatively small residential community, high-quality daycare options can be limited, and waitlists are common, especially for infant care. It is highly advisable to begin your search at least 6-9 months before you need care. While some family childcare homes may have more frequent openings, popular centers like those affiliated with local schools or chains often have waitlists that can extend several months. We recommend contacting providers directly, touring multiple facilities, and getting on more than one waitlist if necessary. Being flexible with your start date can also improve your chances of securing a spot.
What are the typical operating hours for daycare centers in Berkeley, and are there options for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Most traditional daycare centers in Berkeley operate on a standard schedule, typically from around 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Options for evenings, overnight, or weekend care are extremely limited within Berkeley itself. Parents with non-traditional schedules (e.g., healthcare, shift work) may need to look for licensed family childcare homes in the surrounding areas (like Bellwood, Hillside, or Melrose Park) that advertise flexible hours, or consider arranging a nanny share with other local families. Some 24-hour facilities exist in the broader Chicago metro area, but they require a significant commute from Berkeley.
Beyond basic care, what types of early learning programs or enrichment activities are commonly offered by daycares in Berkeley?
Many daycare centers in Berkeley align their curricula with Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. Common programs include play-based learning, STEM activities for preschoolers, and literacy enrichment. Given the community's proximity to forest preserves, some centers may incorporate nature-based outdoor play. You'll also find programs offering music and movement, introductory Spanish, and kindergarten readiness programs. For specific enrichment like Montessori or faith-based education, you may need to look at centers in neighboring towns such as Northlake or Elmhurst. Always ask for a detailed daily schedule and curriculum overview during your tour to ensure it matches your child's developmental needs and your family's values.