The Best Daycare Centers in Hillside, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hillside. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hillside
Kiddie Academy of Oak Park
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Oak Park is a highly-regarded educational childcare center serving the Hillside area with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum. The center focuses on character development, STEM learning, and social-emotional growth through structured play and hands-on activities. Features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and provides nutritious meals. Parents praise the consistent communication and developmental progress tracking.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Elmhurst
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Elmhurst offers research-based early education programs with their World at Their Fingertips® curriculum emphasizing literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive health protocols. Highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education implement individualized learning plans. The facility includes dedicated art studios, music rooms, and developmentally appropriate outdoor play spaces. Known for strong parent partnerships through daily communication and regular progress reports. Serves many families from Hillside with flexible scheduling options.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Oak Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Oak Park provides play-based learning through their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic preparation with social development. The center maintains enhanced safety protocols including secured perimeters, comprehensive camera systems, and strict health screening procedures. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in ongoing professional development. Features modern classrooms with interactive technology, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and enrichment programs in yoga, music, and Spanish. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's communication and their children's developmental progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hillside, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hillside, IL, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Hillside, Illinois, all daycare centers and home daycare providers caring for more than three children must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). DCFS sets strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and ongoing training), facility safety, nutrition, and programming. To verify a provider's license and view any history of licensing violations, you can use the DCFS Child Care Facility Search tool online. It's highly recommended to cross-reference this with a visit to the facility to see the standards in practice and ask for their most recent inspection report.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hillside, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Hillside and broader western Cook County area, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. Toddler care is slightly less, often between $1,000 and $1,400 per month. Home-based daycares may offer lower rates. For financial assistance, Illinois' Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible low-income families pay for care. Applications are processed through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are daycare waitlists common in Hillside, and how far in advance should I start looking for infant care?
Yes, waitlists for infant care, in particular, are very common in Hillside and the surrounding suburbs due to high demand and lower staff-to-child ratios required by law. For popular centers, waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often should you check in? What is their typical turnover rate for infant spots? Starting early provides the most options and reduces last-minute stress.
What are some key factors to consider when choosing between a daycare center and a licensed home daycare in Hillside?
The choice depends on your family's priorities. **Daycare Centers** in Hillside (like those in nearby Oak Park or Bellwood) often offer structured curricula, multiple classrooms by age, and larger facilities with dedicated outdoor spaces. They may have more staff, providing backup if someone is sick. **Licensed Home Daycares** often provide a smaller, family-like setting with mixed-age groups, which can be comforting for some children, and may offer more flexible hours. They are typically less expensive. For either option, ensure they are DCFS-licensed. Consider your child's temperament, your need for schedule flexibility, and visit both types to get a feel for the environment.
Beyond basic licensing, what are some Hillside-specific resources or programs to look for in a quality daycare?
Look for programs that connect to local community resources. This includes partnerships with the Hillside Public Library for storytime visits, utilization of nearby parks like Walker Park for outdoor play, and alignment with the curriculum of Hillside School District 93 for preschool-age children to ensure kindergarten readiness. Also, inquire about their emergency preparedness plans specific to the area (e.g., severe weather procedures for tornadoes common in Illinois) and their policies on local field trips. A daycare that is integrated into the community often provides a richer, more connected experience for your child.