The Best Daycare Centers in Glen Ellyn, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Glen Ellyn. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Glen Ellyn
The Goddard School of Glen Ellyn
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Glen Ellyn offers a premier early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) is designed to help children develop critical thinking skills through hands-on activities. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. The program includes daily communication with parents through the proprietary mobile app and focuses on social-emotional development alongside academic readiness.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Glen Ellyn
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Glen Ellyn provides a comprehensive early education program with research-based curriculum that focuses on the whole child's development. Their World at Their Fingertips® curriculum emphasizes language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and technology. The center features secure keypad entry, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and natural outdoor playgrounds. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The program includes daily updates via the Bright Horizons mobile app, nutritious meals and snacks, and a strong emphasis on creating inclusive, diverse learning communities. Their Emergent Curriculum approach allows learning to follow children's interests while meeting developmental milestones.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare at Wheaton
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Wheaton (serving Glen Ellyn residents) offers a nationally-recognized curriculum that balances academic learning with social development and character education. Their approach includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on mathematics, and science exploration. The center features secure building access, age-appropriate learning centers, and multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups. All teachers meet state qualification requirements and participate in ongoing training. The program includes daily communication with parents, nutritious meals prepared on-site, and a strong focus on building confidence and independence. Their Kindergarten program follows state standards and includes enrichment activities in music, physical education, and Spanish language exposure.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Glen Ellyn, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Glen Ellyn, IL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Glen Ellyn, the cost of full-time daycare or preschool varies significantly based on the type of program and the child's age. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $1,600 to $2,200 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. Home-based daycare is often more affordable, ranging from $800 to $1,400 monthly. It's important to note that these are competitive rates for the DuPage County area. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, family size, and need. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships. The Glen Ellyn Children's Resource Center and the DuPage County Community Services Department are excellent local resources to inquire about specific assistance options and application processes.
How long are the typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Glen Ellyn, and when should I start my search?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Glen Ellyn can be substantial, especially for infant care, which is in the highest demand. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for specific age groups. To secure a spot, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents or parents of young infants begin their research and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. For preschool programs targeting 3- and 4-year-olds, you should inquire and apply at least 9-12 months before your desired start date, as many programs have enrollment cycles that begin in the winter for the following fall. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists is a common strategy for parents in this community.
What are the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a licensed home daycare in Glen Ellyn, and how do I verify their licensing?
In Glen Ellyn, licensed daycare centers are facilities that care for groups of children in a non-residential setting, often with multiple classrooms and staff. They typically follow a structured curriculum, have set hours, and may offer care for a wider age range. A licensed home daycare operates out of the provider's residence, caring for a smaller group of children (up to 8 children under age 12, with no more than 3 under 24 months, as per Illinois law), which can offer a more home-like, flexible environment. Both are regulated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). To verify the license and review any history of complaints or violations, you must use the DCFS "Child Care Facility and Day Care Home Search" tool on their official website. This is a critical step for ensuring the provider meets state health, safety, and staff qualification standards.
Are there any unique or highly-regarded preschool curriculum approaches available in Glen Ellyn daycare programs?
Yes, Glen Ellyn offers a variety of preschool curriculum approaches to suit different learning styles. Many local centers offer play-based and Montessori programs, which focus on child-led exploration and hands-on learning. You can also find programs incorporating elements of the Reggio Emilia approach, which emphasizes project-based learning and the environment as a "third teacher." Furthermore, several centers are aligned with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards and may use structured curricula like Creative Curriculum. For parents interested in faith-based education, there are also preschools integrated with local churches. It's beneficial to visit centers like the Glen Ellyn Park District's preschool programs or private institutions to observe these philosophies in action and see which aligns best with your child's needs.
What local resources or organizations in Glen Ellyn can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Glen Ellyn and the surrounding DuPage County offer several excellent resources. A primary starting point is the **Collaborative for Early Childhood Care and Education** (formerly the DuPage Early Childhood Collaboration), which provides referral services and guidance. The **Glen Ellyn Public Library** often has community bulletin boards with local provider information and hosts parenting resources. The **Glen Ellyn Park District** is a major provider of preschool and childcare programs itself and can be a trusted source of information. For comprehensive online search and vetting, the **Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (INCCRRA)** website is an official state resource. Additionally, local parent groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Glen Ellyn Moms") are invaluable for getting personal recommendations and firsthand experiences from other families in the village.