The Best Daycare Centers in Grayslake, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Grayslake. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Grayslake
The Goddard School of Grayslake
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Grayslake 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 in state-of-the-art classrooms. All teachers are highly qualified with degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the facility features secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and age-appropriate outdoor play spaces. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized attention.
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Bright Horizons at Abbott Park
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Abbott Park serves the Grayslake area with a research-based curriculum called The World at Their Fingertips, which integrates language, math, science, and social studies through hands-on learning. The center features highly qualified educators with bachelor's degrees and specialized early childhood training. Their secure facility includes biometric entry systems, dedicated age-specific playgrounds, and nutritionally balanced meal programs. The program emphasizes emergent curriculum that follows children's interests while meeting developmental milestones, with strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Kiddie Academy of Libertyville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Libertyville provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM education. The academy features degreed teachers with ongoing professional development and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Their secure facility includes keypad entry systems, sanitization protocols, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through learning centers, outdoor exploration, and technology integration. Parents receive regular progress updates and have access to live streaming in classrooms for added peace of mind.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Grayslake, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Grayslake, IL?
In Grayslake, the cost of childcare varies by age and program type. For infants (under 2 years), full-time daycare typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month. For toddlers (2-3 years), you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month. Preschool programs for 3-5 year-olds often cost $1,000 to $1,400 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors such as the center's accreditation (like NAEYC), staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities (e.g., meals, curriculum). Home-based daycare in the area can be 10-20% less expensive. It's advisable to budget for annual registration fees ($75-$150) and inquire about potential discounts for siblings or prepayment.
How can I verify the licensing and complaint history of a daycare center or home provider in Grayslake?
All licensed childcare providers in Illinois are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). To verify a provider in Grayslake, you can use the "Child Care Lookup" tool on the Illinois DCFS website. This public database shows the provider's license status, capacity, ages served, and any serious licensing violations or substantiated complaints from the past several years. You can also contact the DCFS Licensing Representative for Lake County directly. Additionally, the Grayslake Community Park District and local libraries often have resources and may know of reputable programs. Always visit in person and ask the provider for their license number and their last inspection report.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Grayslake, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Yes, waitlists are common, especially for infant care slots at highly-regarded centers in Grayslake. Due to limited capacity and strict infant-to-staff ratios, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and touring facilities during their second trimester, and ideally get on waitlists 6 to 9 months before their needed start date. Some popular centers affiliated with the park district, churches, or corporate chains may have even longer waits. For preschool programs, applying 3-6 months in advance is typical. Be sure to ask about waitlist fees (often $50-$100, sometimes non-refundable) and how often you need to confirm your continued interest.
What unique childcare or preschool options are available in Grayslake beyond traditional daycare centers?
Grayslake offers several community-focused options. The **Grayslake Community Park District** runs highly popular preschool and before/after-school programs at the Central Park and Sports Center facilities. **College of Lake County (CLC)** in Grayslake hosts the "Children's Learning Center," a lab school that serves as a training ground for early childhood education students. There are also Montessori schools, faith-based preschools at local churches, and numerous licensed home daycares that offer a smaller, family-like setting. For school-age children, the park district and District 46 offer extensive summer camps and school's out day programs, which are vital for working parents.
What resources are available in Grayslake to help me find and pay for quality childcare?
Several local and state resources can assist Grayslake parents. The **Illinois Action for Children** website and helpline are primary tools for search and referrals. For financial assistance, you may qualify for the **Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)**, which provides subsidies based on income, family size, and need; apply through the Lake County Illinois Department of Human Services office. Locally, the **Grayslake Area Public Library** has community bulletin boards and resource guides. Some employers in the area, like AbbVie or Baxter, may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or referral services. Also, check with local parent groups on Facebook (e.g., "Grayslake Moms") for personal recommendations and insights on openings.