The Best Daycare Centers in Frankfort Heights, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Frankfort Heights. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Frankfort Heights
Bright Horizons at Frankfort
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Frankfort offers a comprehensive early education program with their proprietary World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their secure facility includes coded entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and age-appropriate learning environments with both indoor and outdoor play spaces. The center is known for its strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, plus nutritious meal programs that support healthy development.
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The Goddard School of Frankfort
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Frankfort provides play-based learning through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. The center features state-certified teachers with ongoing professional development, and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Their facility includes secure entry systems, multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, and specialized learning centers for STEM, art, and literacy. The school emphasizes character development and offers enrichment programs in yoga, music, and foreign language, with comprehensive safety protocols and regular health screenings.
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Kiddie Academy of Frankfort
Kiddie Academy International
Kiddie Academy of Frankfort utilizes their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character education, social development, and school readiness skills. The center features degreed early childhood educators with ongoing training in child development best practices. Their secure facility includes electronic entry systems, comprehensive safety measures, and age-specific classrooms with hands-on learning materials. The academy emphasizes health and wellness with nutritious meals and regular physical activity, plus strong parent partnerships through real-time communication apps and regular progress updates. Their program includes STEAM activities and literacy development from infancy through school age.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Frankfort Heights, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Frankfort Heights, IL?
In Frankfort Heights and the surrounding Clinton County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $175 to $225 per week for infant care. For toddlers, the cost may drop slightly to around $160 to $210 per week. In-home licensed family childcare providers often offer more competitive rates, typically ranging from $130 to $180 per week. These costs are generally lower than in major Illinois metropolitan areas but are in line with the regional average. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, which can significantly offset these costs.
How can I verify the license and complaint history of a daycare provider in Frankfort Heights?
The State of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) licenses all daycare centers and group/family homes. To verify a provider's license and review any formal complaints or licensing violations, you should visit the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" website. You can search by the provider's name, city (Frankfort Heights), or zip code. This public database will show the facility's current license status, capacity, ages served, and any substantiated violations from their last few inspections. For a more local perspective, you can also contact the Clinton County Health Department or ask the provider directly to see their most recent DCFS licensing report, which they are required to post in a visible location.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Frankfort Heights, and when should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of dedicated daycare centers in Frankfort Heights itself, waitlists for infant spots, in particular, can be common and may extend several months. It is highly advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. For toddler or preschool-age openings, a lead time of 2-4 months is often sufficient. Many families in the area also utilize licensed in-home providers in Frankfort Heights or neighboring communities like Carlyle or Centralia, which may have shorter wait times. Being flexible with your start date and having a backup plan, such as a nanny share with another local family, is a practical strategy.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in the Frankfort Heights area?
Structured part-time and drop-in childcare options are limited within Frankfort Heights itself. Most licensed centers and homes prioritize full-time enrollments. However, some in-home family providers may offer part-time schedules or "mother's day out" programs on certain weekdays. For occasional drop-in care, your best options are typically in larger nearby towns. The City of Centralia, about a 20-minute drive, has facilities that may accept drop-ins for enrolled members or for a daily rate. Another option is to explore local churches; some in Clinton County offer periodic parent-day-out programs. For reliable part-time care, networking with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Frankfort Heights Community") can help you find a trusted home-based provider willing to accommodate a flexible schedule.
What resources are available in Frankfort Heights to help me find and evaluate local childcare providers?
Your primary local resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Southern Illinois**, which serves Clinton County. They maintain a comprehensive, updated database of all licensed providers in the area and offer free referral services to match your family's needs. You can contact them online or by phone. Additionally, the **Clinton County Health Department** can provide general guidance. On a community level, the **Frankfort Heights Village Hall** may have information on locally operated programs, and local Facebook groups are invaluable for getting personal recommendations and reviews from other parents. Always complement these resources with an in-person tour, where you can observe the environment, ask about daily routines, and meet the caregivers.
Childcare Insights for Frankfort Heights
Finding quality, affordable childcare is one of the most pressing concerns for families, and if you're searching for "cheap childcare near me" in Frankfort Heights, Illinois, you're likely balancing your budget with the need for a safe and nurturing environment for your child. The good news is that with some focused research and an understanding of local options, securing reliable care that fits your financial situation is entirely possible right here in our community.
Your search should begin by looking beyond the phrase "cheap" and focusing instead on "affordable value." In Frankfort Heights and the surrounding Clinton County area, this often means exploring a mix of licensed home daycares, smaller local centers, and potential subsidy programs. Licensed family child care homes can be a wonderful, cost-effective option, often offering more flexible hours and a home-like setting with smaller group sizes. These providers are regulated by the state of Illinois and can be found through resources like the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) website, where you can search for licensed providers by zip code. Don't hesitate to ask other parents at local spots like the Frankfort Heights Community Center or the Clinton County Fair for personal recommendations; word-of-mouth is invaluable.
It is crucial to understand the financial assistance landscape in Illinois. The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is a state program designed to help low-income families, working parents, and those in school pay for childcare. Your eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care. Contacting the Clinton County CCAP office or visiting the Illinois Action for Children website can provide you with specific eligibility guidelines and the application process. Even if you don't qualify for full assistance, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees based on income or sibling discounts, so always inquire directly.
When you visit a potential provider, whether it's a home daycare on a quiet street in Frankfort Heights or a center in a nearby town, come prepared with questions that go beyond cost. Ask about their daily schedule, educational philosophy, meal provisions, and safety protocols. A truly affordable option is one that provides peace of mind. Consider the total value: a slightly higher weekly rate that includes nutritious meals and a structured learning curriculum might offer more long-term value than a bare-bones option. Also, factor in your commute; a provider closer to your home or work in the Frankfort Heights area can save significantly on gas and time, effectively reducing your overall cost.
Remember, investing time in your search is an investment in your child's well-being. By leveraging state resources, tapping into local parent networks, and carefully evaluating what "affordable" means for your family's unique needs, you can find a childcare solution in the Frankfort Heights area that doesn't compromise on quality or your financial stability. The right fit is out there, offering your child a secure and stimulating start right in your own community.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Frankfort Heights: