The Best Daycare Centers in Bonfield, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bonfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bonfield
The Goddard School of Kankakee
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Features state-certified teachers, low student-to-teacher ratios, and comprehensive security systems including keypad entry and CCTV monitoring. Curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development in purpose-built classrooms with modern learning materials. Provides nutritious meals and snacks, outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, and regular parent communication through daily reports and digital portfolios.
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Kiddie Academy of Bourbonnais
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, technology, and hands-on learning. Features degreed lead teachers, secure facility with electronic entry systems, and health/safety protocols including regular sanitation. Offers age-appropriate learning centers, interactive whiteboards, outdoor nature exploration areas, and structured physical activities. Includes meal program meeting nutritional guidelines, progress tracking through assessments, and family engagement events. Specializes in school readiness with focus on literacy, math, and social skills development.
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Bradley Bourbonnais Early Learning Center
Independent Non-Profit
Bradley Bourbonnais Early Learning Center is a licensed non-profit facility offering developmental appropriate practices through Creative Curriculum®. Features qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, secure building with controlled access, and comprehensive emergency preparedness plans. Provides hands-on learning experiences, literacy-rich environments, STEM activities, and creative arts programs. Includes large outdoor play areas with safety surfaces, family-style dining with healthy meals, and regular developmental assessments. Emphasizes community involvement and partnerships with local schools for smooth transitions to kindergarten.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bonfield, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Bonfield, Illinois, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Bonfield, as in all of Illinois, daycare providers must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). This includes family child care homes (serving up to 8 children) and day care centers. Licensing ensures facilities meet standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and sanitation, and program activities. To verify a provider's license and view any history of violations, you can use the DCFS Child Care Facility Search tool online. For very local options, you can also contact the Kankakee County Health Department or ask the provider directly to see their current license, which must be posted.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Bonfield area?
In Bonfield and the surrounding Kankakee County area, daycare costs are generally more affordable than in major metropolitan areas like Chicago. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $175 to $250 per week for full-time infant care. For toddlers, the cost may range from $150 to $225 per week. In-home family daycare is often slightly less expensive. It's important to note that availability in Bonfield itself is limited, so you may need to look at providers in nearby towns like Bradley, Bourbonnais, or Kankakee, where prices can be at the higher end of these ranges.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for families in Bonfield?
Yes, the primary program is the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care (such as employment or education). Many families in Bonfield qualify for this subsidy, which pays a portion of childcare costs directly to a licensed provider. You can apply online through the IDHS website or in person at the Kankakee County Family Community Resource Center. Additionally, some local organizations or churches may offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees, so it's worth inquiring directly with providers.
How long are waitlists typically for daycare centers in and around Bonfield, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare centers within Bonfield proper, waitlists for the popular centers in nearby Bourbonnais and Bradley can be significant, especially for infant spots. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long for infants. For toddler and preschool-age children, waitlists may be shorter, around 2-4 months. We strongly recommend starting your search and getting on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. For in-home family daycares in Bonfield, availability can be more immediate but still requires advance planning.
What are the main options for childcare in Bonfield itself, given it's a smaller community?
Bonfield's primary childcare options are licensed family child care homes operated out of a resident's home. These smaller settings often provide a home-like environment and may offer more flexible hours. There are currently no large daycare centers within Bonfield's village limits. Many families also utilize home-based providers in neighboring communities or commute to centers in Bourbonnais (about a 15-minute drive). Another option to explore is seeking a qualified nanny or nanny-share with another local family, which can be arranged through local networks or online care platforms, though this is typically the most expensive option. Checking community boards at the Bonfield Village Hall or the local post office can sometimes lead to discovering smaller, licensed home providers.