The Best Daycare Centers in Fort Sheridan, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fort Sheridan. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fort Sheridan
The Goddard School of Highland Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Highland Park offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms, and age-appropriate outdoor play spaces. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, serving families throughout the North Shore area including Fort Sheridan.
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Bright Horizons at Lake Forest
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Lake Forest provides comprehensive early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that integrates emergent learning with structured activities. The center features state-of-the-art security including keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and rigorous health and safety protocols. Their educated teaching staff creates individualized learning plans focusing on cognitive, physical, and social development. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, preschool classrooms with technology integration, and expansive outdoor learning environments. They serve many military and professional families from Fort Sheridan and surrounding communities.
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The Children's Courtyard of Highwood
The Children's Courtyard
The Children's Courtyard in Highwood offers a well-established childcare program serving the Fort Sheridan area with comprehensive early childhood education. Their research-based curriculum includes phonics-based literacy programs, hands-on math and science activities, and creative arts. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios with qualified early childhood educators who provide individualized attention. Safety features include secured perimeters, comprehensive monitoring systems, and strict health protocols. The facility includes age-specific playgrounds, modern classrooms with learning centers, and dedicated spaces for music and movement. They offer flexible scheduling and serve children from 6 weeks through school age with enrichment programs in Spanish, yoga, and music.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fort Sheridan, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Fort Sheridan, IL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Fort Sheridan and the surrounding North Shore suburbs of Illinois, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,400 per month, while toddler and preschool programs average $1,400 to $1,900 monthly. These costs reflect the area's high quality standards and cost of living. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is administered through the Lake County Illinois Department of Human Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (e.g., employment or education). Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to contact the **Illinois Action for Children** resource and referral service for personalized help navigating subsidies and local options.
How do I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Fort Sheridan, and what are Illinois' key licensing requirements?
All licensed daycare centers and home providers in Illinois are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license and view their official monitoring reports (which include any violations) for free on the **DCFS Child Care Facility Search** website. Key requirements for Illinois providers include specific 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 facility safety standards. In a community like Fort Sheridan, which is part of a former military base, you may also find programs accredited by national bodies like NAEYC, which often exceed state minimums.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in the Fort Sheridan area, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Yes, waitlists are very common for high-quality daycare centers and preschools in Fort Sheridan and the sought-after North Shore communities. It's not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, especially for infant rooms. The best strategy is to begin your search during early pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $50-$150). Follow up politely every few months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to neighboring towns like Highwood, Highland Park, or Lake Forest for more options. Flexibility on start dates can also improve your chances.
What unique childcare options are available for military families or civilians living on or near the former Fort Sheridan base?
While the active military presence at Fort Sheridan is now limited, the community is part of the larger Great Lakes Naval Station area. The most significant resource is the **Child Development Center (CDC)** and **Family Child Care (FCC) homes** operated by **Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR)** at Naval Station Great Lakes. These programs prioritize active-duty military families but often have spaces for Department of Defense civilians and, if space allows, the general public. They offer subsidized, high-quality care that follows strict federal standards. Civilians in Fort Sheridan should inquire directly about eligibility and availability. Additionally, the surrounding area has excellent civilian centers and preschools that are accustomed to serving military families with flexible schedules.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Fort Sheridan, and are there any local resources for setting up tours?
During a tour, look beyond the aesthetics. Key things to observe: staff-child interactions (are they engaged and warm?), cleanliness and safety of play areas, security procedures for entry/exit, and the overall mood of the children. Ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, daily schedules, nutrition policies, and their protocol for emergencies and sick children. For local resources, **North Shore Family Services** and the **Collaborative for Early Childhood Care and Education in Lake County** are excellent starting points for finding and vetting providers. They can provide checklists and questions tailored to Illinois regulations. Given Fort Sheridan's proximity to nature, also inquire about outdoor play opportunities—quality programs will have structured outdoor time in all but the most severe weather.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Fort Sheridan: