The Best Daycare Centers in Bolingbrook, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bolingbrook. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bolingbrook
The Goddard School of Bolingbrook
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Bolingbrook operates as a premier early childhood education center with a F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, social-emotional development, and creative arts, with daily communication to parents through an app. What makes this center stand out is their comprehensive approach to early learning with structured lesson plans while maintaining a nurturing environment.
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Kiddie Academy of Bolingbrook
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Bolingbrook implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that promotes character development, social skills, and academic readiness through hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure access controls, CCTV monitoring, and age-specific learning environments. All lead teachers have early childhood education credentials and participate in continuous training. The program includes technology integration, Spanish language exposure, and developmentally appropriate activities. Their standout feature is the strong emphasis on community values and character building integrated throughout daily activities and curriculum.
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Bright Horizons at Bolingbrook
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Bolingbrook offers a research-based World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through project-based learning. The facility includes dedicated art studios, movement spaces, and outdoor learning environments. Teachers typically hold bachelor's degrees in education and receive extensive professional development. The center maintains enhanced health and safety protocols including rigorous cleaning procedures and health screening. What distinguishes this center is their strong focus on emergent curriculum that follows children's interests while ensuring kindergarten readiness through documented developmental milestones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bolingbrook, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Bolingbrook, IL?
In Bolingbrook, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of center. For infants (under 2 years), you can expect to pay between $1,400 to $1,800 per month at a licensed childcare center. For toddlers (ages 2-3), monthly fees typically range from $1,200 to $1,500. Home-based daycare (licensed family childcare) is often more affordable, averaging $900 to $1,300 monthly for full-time care. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that costs in Bolingbrook are generally in line with the Chicago metro area but can be slightly lower than in downtown Chicago. Many centers require an annual registration fee ($75-$150) as well.
How do I verify that a daycare in Bolingbrook is properly licensed and what should I look for in state inspection reports?
All licensed daycare providers in Bolingbrook are regulated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license and view their official compliance history through the DCFS "Child Care Facility and Day Care Center Search" tool online. When reviewing inspection reports (also called "licensing monitoring visits"), pay close attention to any "Type A" violations, which are the most serious and concern health and safety. Also, look for the center's history of correcting violations. You can contact the local DCFS licensing office for the Bolingbrook area with specific questions. Additionally, many high-quality centers in Bolingbrook voluntarily pursue accreditation from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which signifies a higher standard of care.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Bolingbrook, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in Bolingbrook, especially for those affiliated with employers, school districts, or with strong educational reputations. For infant care, it is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists **6 to 12 months before your needed start date**. For toddler and preschool programs, 3 to 6 months in advance is advisable. When contacting centers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be on the list (typically $25-$100, often non-refundable), and how often they update families on their position. Exploring multiple options, including licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times, is a practical strategy for Bolingbrook parents.
What are some of the key differences between a daycare center and a licensed family childcare home in Bolingbrook?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and structure. **Daycare Centers** in Bolingbrook are commercial or non-profit facilities dedicated solely to childcare. They often have multiple classrooms divided by age, larger groups of children, a structured curriculum, and multiple staff members with specialized roles. They may offer amenities like commercial kitchens and large playgrounds. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** operate out of the provider's residence. They offer a smaller, home-like environment with mixed-age groups (infants to school-age), which can be beneficial for siblings. The caregiver-to-child ratio is smaller, often leading to more individualized attention. They typically have more flexible hours but may have limited backup if the provider is ill. Both are licensed by DCFS, but the regulations (like group size and physical environment) differ. Your choice depends on your child's temperament and your family's needs for schedule and environment.
Does the Village of Bolingbrook or local organizations offer any resources or assistance to help parents find and pay for childcare?
Yes, there are several local resources. First, the **Illinois Action for Children** agency serves Will and DuPage Counties (which include Bolingbrook) and offers a free Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) service. They can provide personalized lists of licensed providers matching your criteria. For financial assistance, the **Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)** provides subsidies to eligible low-income families working or attending school. You apply through the IDHS website or local office. Additionally, some larger employers in the Bolingbrook area (like distribution centers or corporate offices) may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or partnerships with specific centers. Checking with your HR department is recommended. The Bolingbrook Park District also offers preschool and before/after-school programs, which can be a more affordable part-time option.