The Best Daycare Centers in Harwood Heights, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harwood Heights. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harwood Heights
Bright Horizons at Norridge
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Norridge is a highly-regarded early education center located just minutes from Harwood Heights. They implement the World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which focuses on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Teachers hold early childhood education degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds, dedicated art studios, and modern classrooms with natural lighting. Parents consistently praise the center's communication through the Bright Horizons mobile app and the quality of developmental updates provided.
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Kiddie Academy of Norridge
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Norridge offers the Life Essentials curriculum that emphasizes character development, academic readiness, and healthy physical habits. The center serves many families from Harwood Heights and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios that exceed state requirements. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive camera monitoring, and strict health protocols. The curriculum incorporates technology integration, Spanish language exposure, and hands-on learning experiences. Staff members participate in continuous training and many hold advanced certifications in early childhood education. The facility features spacious classrooms, indoor gross motor areas, and nutritionally balanced meal programs prepared on-site.
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The Goddard School of Norridge
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Norridge provides F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The school serves the Harwood Heights community with a play-based approach that incorporates literacy, mathematics, and science concepts. All lead teachers have bachelor's degrees in education or related fields and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, daily health checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. Classrooms are equipped with SMART Board technology, literacy-rich environments, and dedicated learning centers. Parents appreciate the regular communication through daily activity reports and the school's focus on developing independence and problem-solving skills in children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harwood Heights, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Harwood Heights, IL?
In Harwood Heights, the cost for full-time daycare varies significantly based on the type of facility and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,800 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Home-based daycare providers (licensed family child care) often offer more affordable rates, generally ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and included amenities (e.g., meals, enrichment programs). It's important to note that Harwood Heights, being in Cook County, tends to have higher costs than more rural parts of Illinois, but it may be slightly more affordable than downtown Chicago. We recommend contacting several providers directly for precise pricing and inquiring about any registration or supply fees.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Harwood Heights is properly licensed and has a good safety record?
All licensed childcare providers in Illinois are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license and review their official compliance history by using the "Child Care Facility and Day Care Home Search" tool on the Illinois DCFS website. Simply enter the provider's name or Harwood Heights' zip code (60656). This report will show their license status, capacity, and any serious licensing violations or complaints found during inspections. For a more local perspective, you can also contact the Village of Harwood Heights or the Norwood Park Township office, as they may have community insights or maintain local referral lists. Always schedule an in-person tour to observe safety measures firsthand, such as secure entrances, clean facilities, and emergency plans.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Harwood Heights, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many of the more sought-after daycare centers and preschools in Harwood Heights, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is highly advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists **6 to 12 months** before your needed start date. For popular programs with strong local reputations, you may even need to inquire as soon as you know you are expecting. While some family daycare homes may have more immediate openings, centers affiliated with schools, churches, or with specific educational philosophies (like Montessori) tend to have the longest lists. When touring, always ask about the current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Harwood Heights?
Harwood Heights offers a mix of childcare options to fit different family needs. The most common types include: 1. **Licensed Daycare Centers:** These are formal facilities, often located in commercial buildings or attached to community institutions (e.g., park districts, churches like St. Rosalie's). 2. **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** Smaller, home-based settings typically caring for a smaller group of children, offering a more intimate environment. 3. **Preschools:** Many local options focus on ages 3-5, often with half-day or full-day programs that emphasize school readiness. The Harwood Heights Park District, for example, offers popular preschool programs. 4. **School-Age Programs:** For before and after-school care, the local elementary school districts (Norwood Park School District 80 and others) often partner with park districts or private organizations to provide care. Given its suburban nature, there are fewer large corporate chains compared to downtown Chicago, with many providers being locally owned and operated.
Does the Village of Harwood Heights or local organizations offer any resources or assistance for finding and paying for childcare?
While the Village itself does not directly provide childcare, there are key local and state resources. First, the **Harwood Heights Park District** is a central hub, offering preschool, early childhood classes, and summer camps which can complement childcare needs. For financial assistance, Illinois' **Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)** provides subsidies to eligible low-income families working or attending school. You apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Locally, you can seek referrals and advice from **Norwood Park Township** or community centers. Additionally, exploring flexible spending accounts (FSAs) through your employer for dependent care is a common way to use pre-tax dollars for eligible expenses. Networking with other parents in local Facebook groups (e.g., "Harwood Heights Community") can also yield personal recommendations and insights into lesser-known home providers.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Harwood Heights: