The Best Daycare Centers in Buckley, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Buckley. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Buckley
Bright Horizons at CSL Behring
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at CSL Behring is a highly-regarded corporate childcare center serving the broader Kankakee County area, including Buckley families. The center follows the Bright Horizons World-Class Curriculum, which emphasizes STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth. Their qualified early childhood educators hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility features age-appropriate learning environments, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Parents praise the center's communication, nutritious meal program, and the developmental progress they observe in their children.
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Kiddie Academy of Bourbonnais
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Bourbonnais is a premier educational childcare center serving families throughout Kankakee County, including Buckley residents. Their Life Essentials® curriculum focuses on character development, academic readiness, and hands-on learning experiences. The center features state-licensed teachers with specialized early childhood training, secure facilities with coded entry systems, and modern learning environments with interactive technology. The academy emphasizes health and safety with rigorous cleaning protocols, nutritional meal planning, and regular developmental assessments. Parents consistently highlight the caring staff, engaging curriculum, and excellent communication.
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Small Wonders Daycare and Learning Center
Small Wonders Daycare
Small Wonders Daycare and Learning Center has been serving Kankakee County families for nearly two decades, including those from Buckley. This locally-owned center provides a nurturing environment with a balanced approach to early childhood education, combining structured learning with play-based activities. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science exploration, and social skills development. The center maintains certified early childhood educators, low student-teacher ratios, and comprehensive safety measures including secure access and emergency preparedness protocols. Parents appreciate the family-like atmosphere, consistent staff retention, and the center's commitment to individual child development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Buckley, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Buckley, IL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Buckley and the surrounding Iroquois County area, full-time daycare for an infant (under 2 years) typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week, while toddler care (ages 2-3) is generally between $150 and $200 per week. These rates can vary based on the provider's licensing (home-based vs. center-based), included amenities like meals, and curriculum. For financial assistance, Illinois' Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is the primary resource for eligible families. You can apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Additionally, local organizations like the Iroquois County Health Department or the Community Action Agency may have information on sliding scale fees or local grants. It's highly recommended to inquire directly with providers, as some may offer sibling discounts.
How can I verify that a daycare or home childcare provider in Buckley is properly licensed and meets Illinois state regulations?
All licensed daycare providers in Illinois, including those in Buckley, are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license status and review their official monitoring reports (which include any violations) for free on the DCFS "Child Care Facility and Day Care Home Search" website. Simply enter the provider's name or zip code (60922 for Buckley). Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and staff training. Be wary of unlicensed "babysitters" caring for more than three children unrelated to them, as they are not subject to these safety checks. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your visit.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers or popular home-based providers in Buckley, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a rural community like Buckley, waitlists for infant care spots, in particular, can be common and may range from a few months to over a year. Popular licensed home daycares and the limited center-based options in nearby towns often fill up quickly. It is strongly advised to begin your search during your second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. For toddler or preschool-age care, starting your search 6-9 months in advance is a good rule of thumb. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often they anticipate openings.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically within the village limits of Buckley, IL?
Within Buckley itself, the most common childcare options are licensed family/group home daycares, which operate out of a provider's residence. These smaller settings often offer a home-like environment and may have more flexible hours. There are currently no large daycare centers located directly in the village. For center-based care or preschool programs, many Buckley families look to neighboring communities such as Watseka, Gilman, or Onarga, which may have centers, church-affiliated programs, or Head Start options. For school-age children, Buckley Grade School may offer before/after-school care programs. Networking with other local parents through community groups or Facebook (e.g., "Buckley, IL Community") is a great way to discover trusted in-home providers.
What questions should I ask during a tour of a potential daycare in Buckley, especially considering the rural setting?
Beyond standard questions about curriculum and daily routines, parents in Buckley should ask location-specific questions. Inquire about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather common to East Central Illinois (tornadoes, winter storms) and their protocol for power outages. Ask about their policy on farm or animal exposure if the home is near agricultural land. For transportation, clarify if they provide or coordinate any pickup/drop-off from local preschools like Buckley Grade School. Given the rural setting, ask about their outdoor play area security and pest/insect control. Finally, discuss their communication plan for parents who may commute to work in Kankakee, Champaign, or other cities—how will they relay urgent updates if you have a longer drive home?