The Best Daycare Centers in Highwood, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Highwood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Highwood
Bright Horizons at Highland Park
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Highland Park is a highly-regarded childcare center serving the Highwood area with a research-based emergent curriculum that adapts to children's interests and developmental stages. The center employs degreed early childhood educators who focus on whole child development through literacy-rich environments, STEAM activities, and social-emotional learning. Safety is paramount with secured keypad entry, comprehensive background checks, and strict health protocols. The facility features modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and provides nutritious meals. Parent satisfaction is high due to daily communication logs, regular progress reports, and flexible scheduling options.
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The Goddard School of Highland Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Highland Park offers a premier early childhood education program serving Highwood families with its play-based F.L.EX.® Learning Program that emphasizes STEAM, literacy, and life skills. Certified teachers with ongoing training create individualized learning plans in safe, nurturing environments. The center features secured access, daily sanitation routines, and low student-teacher ratios. Facilities include interactive smartboards, dedicated art studios, and outdoor play spaces. Parents appreciate the robust communication through mobile apps and family events, along with enrichment programs like yoga and foreign language exposure.
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KinderCare at Lake Forest
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Lake Forest provides a balanced curriculum focused on academic readiness and social development for children from Highwood and surrounding areas. Their approach includes phonics-based reading, hands-on math, and science exploration led by qualified early childhood professionals. The center maintains high safety standards with electronic check-in systems, fenced playgrounds, and emergency preparedness drills. Nutritious meals and snacks are included, and the facility offers vibrant classrooms with learning centers. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular updates, portfolio assessments, and family activities, contributing to strong community reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Highwood, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Highwood, IL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Highwood, IL, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while preschool for a 3-5 year old generally costs between $1,000 and $1,500 per month. These costs are influenced by factors like the program's curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and facility amenities. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is administered through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (e.g., employment or education). Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's recommended to contact the Lake County IDHS office or individual providers directly to discuss specific options and application processes.
How do I verify that a daycare or home childcare provider in Highwood is properly licensed and what are the key state regulations I should know?
All licensed daycare centers and home providers in Illinois must be licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license status and view any history of violations by using the DCFS "Child Care Facility and Day Care Home Search" tool on their official website. Key regulations for Illinois include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:10 for 4-year-olds), mandatory background checks for all staff, and required health and safety trainings. In Highwood, providers must also comply with local city ordinances. When touring a facility, don't hesitate to ask for their license number and their most recent DCFS monitoring report to ensure compliance and safety standards are met.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Highwood, and when should I start my search for an infant spot?
Yes, due to high demand, especially for infant care, many reputable daycare centers in Highwood and the surrounding North Shore communities have significant waitlists, often ranging from 6 to 12 months. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy. Some popular centers may even have waitlists that extend beyond a year. To manage this, compile a list of 5-7 preferred providers, contact them to inquire about availability and waitlist procedures (including any deposit fees), and get on multiple lists. Exploring licensed home daycares in the area can also provide more immediate availability.
What unique childcare or preschool programs are available in Highwood that incorporate local community or cultural elements?
Highwood's vibrant, family-oriented community offers several unique programs. Some local preschools and daycares incorporate elements of the city's rich cultural heritage, including basic Italian or Spanish language exposure reflecting the community's demographics. Seasonal community events, like the famed Highwood Pumpkin Festival or summer concerts, are often integrated into classroom activities and field trips. Furthermore, several programs take advantage of local amenities, such as visits to the Highwood Public Library for storytime or outdoor play in Everts Park. When researching, ask providers how they connect children to the local community through outings, guest speakers, or celebrations of local festivals.
For parents with non-traditional work hours, are there any flexible or drop-in childcare options available in or near Highwood?
Options for non-traditional hours in Highwood are limited but available. While most traditional daycare centers operate on a standard 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule, some licensed home daycare providers may offer more flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekend care. For reliable drop-in or backup care, your best bet is to look at larger childcare networks in nearby cities like Highland Park or Lake Forest, which may offer such services. Additionally, consider using reputable babysitting services or nanny shares coordinated through local parent networks on social media (e.g., Highwood/Highland Park area parent groups on Facebook). Always ensure any drop-in provider is properly licensed and vetted for your child's safety.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Highwood: