The Best Daycare Centers in Huntley, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Huntley. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Huntley
The Goddard School of Huntley
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Huntley offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development with daily progress reports and parent communication through the proprietary mobile app. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and emphasizes safety with comprehensive background checks and health protocols.
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KinderCare at Huntley
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare Huntley provides nationally-recognized early childhood education with research-based curriculum that includes phonics, math, science, and social studies. The center features secure keypad entry, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and age-appropriate learning centers. Certified teachers implement the Early Foundations® curriculum with emphasis on kindergarten readiness. The facility includes indoor and outdoor play spaces, nutritious meal programs, and enrichment activities. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular conferences, with emphasis on developmental milestone tracking and individualized learning plans.
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Kiddie Academy of Algonquin
Kiddie Academy Domestic
Located just minutes from Huntley in Algonquin, Kiddie Academy offers the Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The center features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and comprehensive safety protocols including secured perimeters and emergency preparedness. Certified teachers implement STEAM-focused learning with hands-on activities and project-based learning. The academy provides nutritious meals, outdoor learning environments, and transportation for school-age children. Their educational approach emphasizes communication, critical thinking, and social skills development with regular progress assessments and parent engagement opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Huntley, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Huntley, IL?
In Huntley, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For center-based care, infant care (6 weeks to 15 months) typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month. Toddler care (15 months to 3 years) is slightly less, averaging $1,200 to $1,600 per month. Home-based daycare (licensed family childcare) is often more affordable, generally costing between $900 and $1,300 monthly for full-time care. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and included amenities (meals, diapers). It's advisable to budget for potential annual increases and inquire about any registration or supply fees, which are common in the area.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Huntley is properly licensed and safe?
All licensed childcare providers in Huntley must comply with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) regulations. You can verify a provider's license and review their official compliance history, including any violations, for free on the DCFS Child Care Facility Search website. Additionally, you can contact the DCFS Licensing Representative for the Northern Illinois region. Beyond licensing, visit potential centers to observe cleanliness, safety protocols (secured entrances, fenced playgrounds), and ask about staff background checks, CPR/first-aid certifications, and their emergency preparedness plans for scenarios like severe weather common to McHenry County.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Huntley, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Huntley, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 12 months before your needed start date, particularly if you require care for a child under 2 years old. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often is it updated? What is the typical current wait time for my child's age group? Also consider exploring licensed family childcare homes, which may have more immediate availability.
What resources are available in Huntley to help me find and compare local childcare options?
Huntley parents have several valuable local resources. The primary resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for McHenry County**, which is administered by the Family Health Partnership Clinic. They offer a free, personalized referral service to help you find licensed providers that match your needs (hours, location, budget). You can also use the statewide "Illinois Child Care Search" tool online. Locally, the Huntley Park District offers preschool and before/after-school programs, and the Huntley Area Public Library is a great hub for community bulletin boards and parent networking groups where recommendations are often shared.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in Huntley?
For school-age children (Kindergarten through 5th grade) in Huntley Community School District 158, there are several key options. The district itself partners with the **Huntley Park District** to offer the "School Age Child Care (SACC)" program, which operates at most elementary schools (like Chesak, Leggee, and Mackeben). This program provides care before school from around 6:30 AM and after school until 6:00 PM. Additionally, many local daycare centers offer school-age programs with transportation to and from district schools. Some private organizations, like the Boys & Girls Clubs, also provide after-school programming in the broader McHenry County area. Registration for these programs often opens in the spring for the following school year and fills quickly.