The Best Daycare Centers in Harvard, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harvard. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harvard
Harvard Early Learning Center
Independent
Harvard Early Learning Center is a locally-owned, state-licensed facility providing comprehensive early childhood education. They employ a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, featuring low student-teacher ratios and degreed early childhood educators. The center offers secure facilities with coded entry systems, nutritious meal programs, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Their curriculum focuses on social-emotional development, literacy, and kindergarten readiness, with regular parent communication and developmental progress reports.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Woodstock
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
As part of the nationally recognized Bright Horizons network, this center serves families throughout McHenry County including Harvard. They implement the World at Their Fingertips curriculum, emphasizing STEAM learning, literacy development, and social skills. The facility features secure environments with biometric entry, certified teachers with early childhood credentials, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their Emergent Curriculum adapts to children's interests while meeting developmental milestones, with enhanced parent communication through the MyBrightDay app.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Huntley
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Huntley serves the broader Harvard area with their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with play-based exploration. Their state-licensed educators hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-specific classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment programs in yoga, music, and Spanish. Their comprehensive approach focuses on school readiness while nurturing each child's individual development through structured learning centers and hands-on activities.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harvard, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Harvard, IL?
In Harvard, IL, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For center-based care, you can expect to pay between $200 and $300 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed daycare providers often have slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $150 to $250 per week. These costs are generally lower than the state average for the Chicago metropolitan area but are in line with other smaller cities in McHenry County. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and curriculum materials. Some providers may offer sibling discounts. Financial assistance may be available through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Harvard is properly licensed and what are the key state regulations I should know about?
All licensed daycare centers and home providers in Harvard must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license status and review any past licensing violations by using the "Child Care Facility Search" tool on the DCFS website. Key Illinois regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers), required background checks for all staff, annual health and safety training, and specific standards for safe sleep practices. Licensed providers in Harvard are also subject to unannounced annual inspections. Always ask to see the provider's current license and feel free to inquire about their latest inspection report.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Harvard, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Harvard's size and the limited number of dedicated daycare centers, waitlists are common, especially for infant care. It is highly advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and even earlier if you are expecting a new baby. Some of the more established centers in town may have waitlists that extend a year or more. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process, any fees to join, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring licensed family child care homes can be a good alternative, as they may have more immediate or flexible openings.
What types of childcare options are available in Harvard beyond traditional daycare centers?
Harvard offers several childcare options to fit different family needs. These include: 1. **Licensed Daycare Centers:** Such as Harvard Early Learning Center, offering structured programs. 2. **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** Smaller, home-based settings often with mixed-age groups. 3. **Preschools:** Many local churches and organizations offer part-day preschool programs for children ages 3-5, which may not provide full-day care. 4. **Nanny Shares or In-Home Care:** Some families arrange for a shared nanny or hire a private caregiver, though this is less formal. 5. **School-Age Programs:** Operated by Harvard School District 50 or the Park District for before/after-school care and summer camps. For the youngest children, centers and licensed homes are the primary full-time options. The Harvard Community Resource Guide, often available at the library or city hall, can be a helpful starting point.
What resources are available in Harvard to help me find and evaluate local daycare providers?
Parents in Harvard have several valuable local resources: - **McHenry County Child Care Connection:** This is a referral agency funded by the state that provides free, personalized searches for licensed care in Harvard and the surrounding area. They can be contacted by phone or through their website. - **Harvard Diggins Library:** The library often has community bulletin boards with flyers from local providers and may keep resource lists. - **City of Harvard Parks and Recreation Department:** They run youth programs and may have information on licensed providers that offer before/after-school care in conjunction with their activities. - **Local Facebook Groups:** Groups like "Harvard, IL Community" or "Harvard Moms" are frequently used by parents to ask for personal recommendations and experiences with specific providers. Always schedule in-person tours, ask for references from current parents, and trust your observations of the environment and interactions during your visit.