The Best Daycare Centers in Bradley, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bradley. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bradley
Little Angels Learning Center
Independent
Little Angels Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility known for its nurturing environment and comprehensive educational programs. They employ experienced early childhood educators who follow a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional development. The center features secure facilities with age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and modern safety protocols. What sets them apart is their strong focus on individualized attention, with low teacher-to-child ratios and regular developmental progress reports for parents. They also provide nutritious meals and maintain excellent communication with families through daily updates and parent portals.
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Kiddie Academy of Bourbonnais
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Bourbonnais is part of a nationally recognized educational childcare chain serving the Bradley area with their Life Essentials® curriculum. The academy employs degreed early childhood educators who implement a structured learning program focusing on character development, STEM education, and literacy. Their facility includes secure entry systems, monitored classrooms, and age-specific learning centers. The center stands out for its technology integration, with live streaming capabilities for parents and digital daily reports. They maintain high safety standards with rigorous staff training and comprehensive background checks, while offering flexible scheduling options for working families.
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The Goddard School of Bourbonnais
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Bourbonnais offers a premier early childhood education program serving Bradley families with their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The school features purpose-built classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and advanced security systems. Their educational approach emphasizes play-based learning while incorporating literacy, mathematics, science, and arts. The school distinguishes itself through its focus on whole-child development, including social skills, emotional intelligence, and physical coordination. They maintain excellent parent communication through regular conferences, progress reports, and a dedicated parent mobile app.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bradley, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Bradley, IL?
In Bradley, IL, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants (under 2 years), you can expect to pay between $175 to $250 per week at a licensed daycare center. For toddlers (ages 2-3), weekly rates typically range from $150 to $220. In-home family childcare providers in the Bradley and Kankakee County area may offer slightly lower rates, often between $130 to $200 per week. These costs are generally lower than those in the Chicago metropolitan area but are consistent with the Kankakee County region. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Bradley is properly licensed and what are Illinois' key regulations?
All daycare centers and home-based providers in Illinois must be licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the DCFS "Child Care License Lookup" tool online. Key regulations for Bradley providers include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers), background checks for all employees, annual health and safety training, and compliance with local fire and health department codes. The Kankakee Regional Office of DCFS oversees providers in Bradley, and you can contact them with specific concerns.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Bradley, and how far in advance should I apply?
Waitlists are common for infant care at highly-regarded daycare centers in Bradley, especially for those affiliated with employers, schools, or healthcare facilities. It is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date, particularly for infant spots. For toddler or preschool-age children, waitlists may be shorter, around 3-6 months. Some smaller in-home providers may have more immediate availability. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length and if they offer sibling or employer priority.
What resources are available in Bradley to help low-income or working families afford childcare?
Families in Bradley have access to the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides subsidies to eligible low-income working families, students, or those in training programs. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care. You can apply through the Kankakee County Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) office. Additionally, some local daycare centers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships. The Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region, INCCRRA, can help parents navigate these options and find CCAP-accepting providers in Bradley.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically within the village limits of Bradley, IL?
Within Bradley, parents typically have three main licensed options: 1) **Daycare Centers**: These are larger facilities, often with structured curricula and multiple classrooms (e.g., facilities near the Riverside Medical Center or along Kinzinger Avenue). 2) **Licensed Family Child Care Homes**: These are smaller, home-based settings, often with a mixed-age group and a more family-like atmosphere, commonly found in residential neighborhoods. 3) **Preschools**: Often part of local churches or community organizations, these usually offer part-day programs for children ages 3-5. There are also occasional **school-based programs** for before/after-school care through Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School District 307 or elementary districts.
Childcare Insights for Bradley
Finding the right childcare arrangement can feel like piecing together a complex puzzle, especially when a full-time schedule doesn’t fit your family’s needs. For parents in Bradley, Illinois, searching for “part time daycare near me” is often driven by a desire for flexibility—whether you’re returning to work part-time, a student balancing classes, or simply seeking socialization for your little one a few days a week. The good news is that the Bradley community and the surrounding Kankakee County area offer several avenues to explore for quality, part-time care that can provide both peace of mind and a nurturing environment for your child.
When beginning your search locally, it’s helpful to understand the typical landscape of childcare. In Bradley, you’ll find a mix of licensed daycare centers, home-based providers, and faith-based preschool programs, many of which offer part-time or flexible scheduling options. Some centers might have specific days for part-time enrollment, such as Monday-Wednesday-Friday or Tuesday-Thursday slots, which can be perfect for parents with alternating work schedules. It’s always advisable to call directly, as availability for these coveted spots can change quickly. Don’t overlook registered home daycares in Bradley neighborhoods; they often provide a smaller, family-like setting and can be more adaptable to custom part-time arrangements, which is a significant advantage for families with non-traditional hours.
A key local consideration is proximity to major routes like Route 50 or I-57, especially if your part-time schedule involves commuting to Kankakee, Bourbonnais, or nearby areas. Finding a provider with convenient access can simplify drop-off and pick-up, reducing stress on those busy days. As you visit potential places, take note of how they integrate part-time children into the daily flow. The best programs ensure that children attending fewer days feel just as connected and engaged as their full-time peers, with consistent routines and opportunities to bond with caregivers and friends. Ask about their policy on curriculum and activities; you’ll want a program where your child won’t miss foundational learning experiences simply because they aren’t present every day.
Building a shortlist is an essential step. We recommend starting with resources like the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) website to verify licenses and review any history, and don’t hesitate to ask other parents at local spots like the Northfield Square area or Bradley Park for personal recommendations. When you tour a facility, observe the interactions between staff and children and trust your instincts about the warmth and safety of the environment. Finally, be prepared to discuss your specific needs clearly—whether you need care for two half-days, three full days, or something else entirely. Many Bradley providers understand the diverse needs of local families and are willing to work with you to find a solution. With a bit of patience and focused searching, you can find a part-time daycare in Bradley that feels like a perfect fit, giving your child a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow while supporting your family’s unique rhythm.