The Best Daycare Centers in Highland, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Highland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Highland
The Goddard School of Highland
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Highland offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-teacher ratios for personalized attention.
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Kiddie Academy of Highland
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Highland provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, STEM education, and literacy. The academy features modern security systems including electronic entry and surveillance cameras. Their program includes nutritious meal plans, regular parent communication through mobile apps, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. Certified teachers implement project-based learning and maintain detailed progress reports. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, interactive playgrounds, and technology-enhanced learning spaces for older children.
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Highland Early Learning Center
Independent Community Center
Highland Early Learning Center is a locally-owned childcare facility serving the Highland community with a balanced approach to early education. Their curriculum combines structured academic preparation with creative play and social development. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, age-separated playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms. Experienced educators focus on school readiness skills while maintaining warm, nurturing environments. The program includes regular developmental assessments, parent-teacher conferences, and enrichment activities like music and movement. Their long-standing reputation in the community reflects consistent quality care and strong family partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Highland, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Highland, IL?
In Highland, 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 $225 to $300 per week for an infant, and slightly less, around $200 to $275 per week, for a toddler. In-home daycare providers often charge $150 to $225 per week. These rates are generally in line with the Madison County average but can be lower than those in the St. Louis metro area. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and curriculum materials. 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 or preschool in Highland is properly licensed and what are the key state regulations I should know?
All licensed daycare centers and home providers in Illinois are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the "Child Care Facility Search" tool on the Illinois DCFS website. Key regulations for Highland providers include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers), background checks for all employees, and mandatory health and safety training. Licensed facilities in Highland must also meet specific standards for safe sleep practices (especially for infants), outdoor play space, and nutrition. Always look for the DCFS license displayed at the facility.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Highland, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common, especially for infant care slots at highly-regarded centers and preschools in Highland. Due to limited capacity and high demand, it is strongly recommended that parents begin their search and tour facilities at least 6 to 9 months before their needed start date. For popular programs or if you need care for an infant, starting a year in advance is not unusual. When touring, ask specifically about the current waitlist length, any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot, and how often the list is updated. Some in-home providers may have shorter wait times, but it's still wise to plan ahead.
What are some of the main options for childcare in Highland besides traditional daycare centers?
Highland offers several alternatives to large daycare centers. Many families utilize licensed family child care homes, which provide a smaller, home-like setting often with mixed-age groups. The Highland area also has church-affiliated preschools and daycare programs (like those at St. Paul Catholic Church or Evangelical United Church of Christ) that may offer part-day preschool options for ages 3-5. For more flexible or occasional care, you can explore networks like Care.com or local Facebook groups (e.g., "Highland, IL Community Board") to find registered sitters or nanny shares. Additionally, the Highland School District offers early childhood programs for which some families may qualify.
What resources are available in Highland to help me find and compare local childcare options?
The primary local resource is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region, which is **Bond County Child Care Connection**. They serve Madison County (which includes Highland) and provide free referrals, information on licensing, and guidance on financial assistance. You can contact them via phone or their website. Additionally, the **Highland Public Library** may have community bulletin boards with provider flyers. For direct comparisons, online platforms like Winnie.com or Yelp can have parent reviews for local centers. Finally, don't underestimate word-of-mouth; asking for recommendations in local parent groups on social media or at community hubs like the Splash City Water Park or the library can yield valuable, firsthand insights.
Childcare Insights for Highland
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and for parents in Highland, Illinois, the search for "top rated daycares near me" is about more than just convenience—it's about finding a nurturing extension of your home. Highland’s strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere is reflected in its childcare options, which range from intimate home-based providers to established center-based programs. Starting your search locally means you’re looking for a place where your child can thrive within the fabric of our town, building friendships and connections that often last through their school years.
A great first step is to tap into the invaluable resource of fellow Highland parents. Personal recommendations carry significant weight here. Conversations at the splash pad at Silver Lake Park or after story time at the Highland Public Library can yield honest insights you won’t find online. These firsthand accounts about a daycare’s daily rhythm, how they handle transitions, or their communication style are golden. Furthermore, make use of the State of Illinois’ official licensing database to check the compliance history of any facility you’re considering. A top-rated daycare in Highland will not only meet state standards but will often exceed them, with caregivers who pursue ongoing training in early childhood development.
When evaluating options, consider what "top rated" means for your family’s specific needs. For some, a top rating is tied to a structured preschool curriculum that prepares children for Highland School District’s elementary programs. For others, it’s about a flexible schedule for commuting parents or a program with a large outdoor play space. Schedule visits to your shortlisted centers. Pay attention to the feeling you get when you walk in. Are the children engaged and happily busy? Is the environment clean, safe, and filled with child-led play? Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about caregiver-to-child ratios, daily schedules, policies on sick children, and how they facilitate play and learning. A quality provider in Highland will welcome these questions and communicate openly.
Remember, the perfect fit also considers practicalities unique to our area. Consider the location relative to your commute, perhaps near the I-70 corridor or closer to downtown. Ask about their plans for community involvement, like visiting the library or walking to the park, which are hallmarks of a program integrated into Highland life. Trust your instincts during your visits; you know your child best. The right daycare will feel like a partnership, where you are confident your child is cared for, valued, and given opportunities to grow. By taking a thoughtful, community-oriented approach, you can find a wonderful childcare solution that provides peace of mind and a joyful start for your little one right here in Highland.