The Best Daycare Centers in Grant Park, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Grant Park. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Grant Park
Kiddie Academy of Bourbonnais
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Bourbonnais offers a comprehensive educational curriculum called Life Essentials® that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and surveillance cameras. All teachers are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. Their nutrition program provides healthy meals and snacks daily. Located just 15 minutes from Grant Park, they serve families throughout Kankakee County with a strong emphasis on school readiness and developmental milestones tracking.
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The Goddard School of Bourbonnais
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Bourbonnais provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic preparation with social development. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators. Safety features include secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks. The facility features bright, modern classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and specialized learning areas for art, music, and technology. Their STEAM-focused curriculum incorporates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Located approximately 12 minutes from Grant Park, they offer flexible scheduling and extensive parent communication through daily updates and digital portfolios.
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Kankakee Trinity Academy
Independent Christian School
Kankakee Trinity Academy offers a faith-based early childhood program that integrates Christian values with academic excellence. Their early learning program focuses on developmental appropriateness while building strong literacy and numeracy foundations. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, updated playground equipment, and dedicated infant and toddler wings. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in continuous professional development. The program includes music, physical education, and Spanish language exposure. With comprehensive safety protocols and nutritious meal programs, they serve families throughout Kankakee County, located about 10 minutes from Grant Park. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular conferences and family events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Grant Park, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Grant Park, IL?
In Grant Park and the surrounding Kankakee County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $175 to $250 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family daycare providers often range from $125 to $175 per week. These rates are generally lower than those in major metropolitan areas like Chicago, but it's important to note that subsidies and state assistance programs like the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) are available for eligible families in Illinois. Always ask providers for a detailed breakdown of what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials.
Are there any licensed daycare centers within the village limits of Grant Park, or will I need to look in neighboring towns?
Grant Park is a smaller village, so licensed daycare center options within the immediate village limits are limited. Parents often find licensed care through in-home family daycare providers locally. For larger daycare centers, you will likely need to look in nearby communities such as Manteno, Bourbonnais, or Kankakee, which are all within a 15-20 minute drive. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) website offers a "Child Care Search" tool where you can filter by zip code (60940) to find all licensed options, both centers and homes, in and around Grant Park.
What is the current waitlist situation for daycare in Grant Park, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small community like Grant Park, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care slots. It is highly recommended to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date. For popular providers or centers in neighboring towns, waitlists can sometimes be a year long. When contacting providers, be sure to ask directly about their current waitlist length, any fees to be placed on the list, and how often they update families on their position. Building a relationship with local in-home providers through community networks can also be a valuable strategy.
What are the key state of Illinois licensing requirements I should verify when choosing a daycare provider in Grant Park?
All legitimate daycare providers in Illinois must be licensed by the DCFS. Key requirements you should verify include: appropriate staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers), background checks for all employees, ongoing training in health/safety and early childhood education, and regular facility inspections for safety and sanitation. You can ask any provider for their license number and verify it online through the DCFS website. Additionally, providers in Illinois are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Don't hesitate to ask for proof of these credentials during your visit.
Are there any unique local resources or programs for parents seeking childcare assistance or preschool options in Grant Park?
Yes, there are several local resources. First, the Kankakee County Regional Office of Education often has information on licensed providers and early childhood programs. For preschool-specific options, Grant Park Elementary School District 6 may offer state-funded Preschool for All programs or have partnerships with local providers. The Community Action Agency of Kankakee County administers the CCAP subsidy program for income-eligible families. Furthermore, connecting with local parent groups on social media or through the Grant Park Public Library can provide invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations for trusted in-home caregivers, which are a cornerstone of childcare in small communities.