The Best Daycare Centers in Buckingham, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Buckingham. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Buckingham
Bright Horizons at Kankakee
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Kankakee offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and developmental milestones. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parents appreciate the regular communication through daily reports and the center's commitment to creating a nurturing, stimulating environment that prepares children for academic success.
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The Goddard School of Bourbonnais
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Bourbonnais provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which balances academic preparation with social development. Certified teachers implement STEAM-based activities and promote literacy through daily reading sessions. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and indoor gym facilities for year-round physical activity. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, music enrichment, and technology integration appropriate for young learners. The school maintains high standards for staff qualifications and ongoing professional development, with many teachers holding advanced degrees in early childhood education.
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Kiddie Academy of Bourbonnais
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Bourbonnais implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM education through project-based learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains small class sizes for individualized attention. Their facility includes secure monitoring systems, age-separated learning environments, and outdoor nature exploration areas. The academy emphasizes health and wellness with nutritionally balanced meals and regular physical activity. Parents consistently praise the center's communication through the Academy Link® mobile app and the strong sense of community fostered through family engagement events and regular progress updates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Buckingham, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Buckingham, Illinois, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Buckingham, Illinois, all daycare centers and home-based providers caring for more than three children must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Licensing ensures facilities meet strict standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), and program curriculum. 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 small, unlicensed home providers (caring for three or fewer children), it's crucial to conduct your own thorough vetting, as they are not subject to the same state oversight.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Buckingham area?
In Buckingham and the surrounding Kankakee County area, daycare costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas like Chicago but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay an average of $800 to $1,100 per month for full-time infant care. Home-based daycare is often more affordable, typically ranging from $600 to $900 per month. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, formula). Some providers in the area may offer part-time or drop-in rates at a different scale. Financial assistance may be available through the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Buckingham, and how far in advance should I start looking?
While Buckingham is a smaller community, popular and highly-rated daycare centers, especially those serving infants, can have significant waitlists due to limited capacity and high demand from families in Buckingham and neighboring towns like Kankakee and Bourbonnais. It is strongly recommended to begin your search and make inquiries at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date, and even earlier if you require infant care. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and any non-refundable deposit required to hold a spot. Exploring licensed home daycares can also provide more immediate availability.
What resources are available in Buckingham to help me find and compare local childcare options?
The primary resource for finding licensed childcare in Illinois is the DCFS search tool. However, for localized support, parents in Buckingham should contact the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Kankakee and Iroquois Counties**, which is administered by the Community Services Council of Northern Will County. They maintain a database of licensed providers, can help you understand quality indicators, and provide information on financial assistance programs. Additionally, local Facebook groups for Buckingham/Kankakee County parents are often used for personal recommendations and to learn about smaller home-based providers.
What are some key questions to ask during a tour of a daycare in Buckingham, given the local context?
Beyond general questions about curriculum and safety, tailor your questions to local and state-specific factors. Key questions include: "What is your policy for severe weather, given Illinois' tornado risk?" (ask to see their emergency plan). "How do you handle transportation or field trips, if any, on local roads?" "Can you explain your sick policy and how it aligns with Illinois DCFS exclusion guidelines?" "What is your staff turnover rate?" (Low turnover is a good sign in any market). "Do you participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program to ensure nutritious meals?" Finally, always ask for references from current Buckingham-area parents.