The Best Daycare Centers in Highland Park, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Highland Park. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Highland Park
The Goddard School of Highland Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Highland Park 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 state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play spaces. Highly qualified teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM curriculum, language development, and character education. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides daily communication through their mobile app. Their comprehensive safety protocols and nutritious meal programs make them a top choice for families seeking both educational excellence and peace of mind.
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Lake Forest Country Day School - Early Childhood Program
Lake Forest Country Day School
Lake Forest Country Day School's Early Childhood Program serves Highland Park families with an exceptional Reggio Emilia-inspired approach that emphasizes child-directed learning and project-based exploration. Their highly qualified educators hold advanced degrees in early childhood education and maintain small class sizes for personalized attention. The campus features dedicated infant and toddler wings, multiple outdoor learning environments, and specialized spaces for art, music, and movement. Their comprehensive curriculum focuses on social-emotional development, literacy foundations, and hands-on STEM activities. The school's strong safety record, parent partnership model, and commitment to diversity and inclusion make it a standout choice.
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The Montessori School of Lake Forest
Independent Montessori School
The Montessori School of Lake Forest provides authentic AMI-recognized Montessori education serving Highland Park families with programs from infancy through elementary. Their carefully prepared environments feature natural Montessori materials that encourage independence, concentration, and love of learning. AMI-trained guides observe and support each child's individual development across practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, and cultural studies. The school maintains beautiful outdoor classrooms and gardens that extend the Montessori experience to nature-based learning. With mixed-age classrooms, peaceful environments, and emphasis on respect and community, this school offers a distinctive educational approach that prepares children for lifelong success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Highland Park, IL
What are the typical costs for infant daycare in Highland Park, IL, and what factors influence the price?
In Highland Park, infant daycare costs typically range from $1,800 to $2,500+ per month, placing it among the higher-priced areas in Illinois. Several factors influence this cost: the type of facility (corporate chain vs. local independent center vs. licensed home daycare), the staff-to-child ratio, the inclusion of amenities like organic meals or specialized early learning curricula (like Montessori or Reggio Emilia), and the hours of operation. Many centers in Highland Park are accredited by national organizations like NAEYC, which often commands a premium. It's important to note that prices can be slightly lower in neighboring communities like Highwood or Deerfield, so some parents consider a short commute for more affordable options.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Highland Park, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Highland Park can be extensive, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant and toddler rooms. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their research and place deposits during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. For preschool programs (ages 3-5), you should inquire and apply at least a full year before your desired start date, typically in the fall prior to the enrollment year. Maintaining communication with your top-choice centers and being flexible on your start date can improve your chances. Exploring licensed home daycares can also provide more immediate availability.
What are the licensing and safety regulations for childcare providers in Illinois that I should verify for a Highland Park daycare?
All licensed childcare providers in Highland Park must comply with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) regulations. Key standards parents should verify include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers), comprehensive background checks for all employees, mandatory health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), and regular facility inspections whose reports are public. You can check a provider's license status, capacity, and any history of violations on the DCFS website. Additionally, many Highland Park centers exceed state minimums and may have enhanced security protocols like keypad entry, secure check-in/out systems, and live-streaming cameras.
Are there part-time or flexible childcare options available in Highland Park, or is it mostly full-time only?
While many traditional daycare centers in Highland Park prioritize full-time enrollment (5 days a week), there are part-time and flexible options available. Several local preschools offer half-day programs (morning or afternoon) for children ages 2.5 to 5. Some centers may offer 2, 3, or 4-day-a-week schedules, though these spots are limited and often have waitlists. For more flexibility, licensed family child care homes in the area may be more accommodating to irregular schedules. Additionally, you can find drop-in care services and nanny-share arrangements coordinated through local parent networks on social media platforms like the "Highland Park, IL Moms" Facebook group.
What resources are available in Highland Park to help me find and evaluate local daycare options?
Highland Park offers several valuable local resources. The City of Highland Park's website and community center may list licensed providers. The most active resource is often the "Highland Park, IL Moms" Facebook group, where parents share firsthand experiences and recommendations. For structured searches, you can use the Illinois DCFS "Child Care Lookup" tool to find licensed providers by zip code (60035, 60037). The North Suburban YMCA in Northbrook and the Moraine Township Family Center also provide referral services. Finally, scheduling tours and asking for references from current parents is considered the gold standard for evaluation in the community.
Nearby Cities
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