The Best Daycare Centers in Elwood, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Elwood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Elwood
Kiddie Academy of Joliet
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Joliet is a highly-regarded educational childcare center serving the Elwood area with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. The academy emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, regular parent communication through mobile apps, and developmentally appropriate activities that prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.
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The Goddard School of Plainfield
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Plainfield provides premium early childhood education to families in the Elwood region with their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic preparation with social development. The school employs degreed teachers in early childhood education and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Features include secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety procedures, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and outdoor play spaces. Their play-based learning approach incorporates literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts while emphasizing individual development tracking and regular progress reports for parents.
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Bright Horizons at Joliet
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Joliet offers comprehensive early education programs serving Elwood families with their World at Their Fingertips® curriculum that emphasizes language, literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on exploration. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators, enhanced security systems including coded entry, and rigorous health and safety protocols. Their facility includes purpose-built learning environments, outdoor nature exploration areas, and developmentally appropriate materials. The program focuses on school readiness skills, social competence, and individualized learning plans with regular parent-teacher conferences and digital daily reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Elwood, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Elwood, Illinois, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Elwood, Illinois, all daycare centers and home-based daycare providers caring for more than three children must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). These licenses require providers to meet strict standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, and ongoing training. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool on their official website. You can search by facility name, city (Elwood), or zip code. It's crucial to confirm the license is current and to review any history of licensing violations or complaints, which are also public record through DCFS.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Elwood, IL?
The cost of daycare in Elwood is generally in line with the broader Will County and Chicagoland area averages. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $1,200 to $1,600 per month for full-time infant care. Toddler care (ages 2-3) typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Licensed home daycares may be slightly less expensive, often ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. Costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff qualifications. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, formula).
Are there any local resources or programs in Elwood to help parents find and afford quality childcare?
Yes, Elwood parents have several key resources. The primary resource is the Will County Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency, which is part of the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA). They offer a free referral service to help you find licensed providers in Elwood and surrounding areas. For financial assistance, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides subsidies to eligible low-income families. You can apply through the IDHS website or contact the Will County Family Community Resource Center. Additionally, checking with the Elwood Community Park District or local churches can sometimes reveal part-time or preschool options.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Elwood, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists at popular daycare centers in Elwood and nearby communities (like Joliet or Plainfield) can be significant. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long for infant rooms. We strongly recommend starting your search and getting on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy. When touring facilities, always ask about their specific waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often they update you on your position, and if they offer guaranteed enrollment for siblings of current families.
What are some key factors to consider when touring a daycare facility in Elwood, beyond the basics?
Beyond checking for a valid DCFS license, consider these Elwood-specific and practical factors: **Safety & Security:** Ask about their drop-off/pick-up procedures, especially given Elwood's proximity to major transportation routes like I-55. Are doors securely locked? **Outdoor Play:** Inspect their outdoor play area. Is it shaded, secure, and well-maintained? **Emergency Plans:** Inquire about their specific plans for severe weather common to Northern Illinois (tornadoes, extreme winter weather) and emergency evacuation routes. **Staff Longevity:** High staff turnover can disrupt a child's routine. Ask about the tenure of the lead teachers in your child's prospective room. **Local Community Ties:** Does the center participate in local Elwood events or have relationships with the park district or library for outings? Finally, trust your instincts about the overall atmosphere and how the staff interacts with the children.