The Best Daycare Centers in Lansing, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lansing. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lansing
Bright Horizons at Franciscan Health
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
This NAEYC-accredited center offers a comprehensive educational curriculum with a focus on early childhood development. The facility features age-appropriate learning environments, certified early childhood educators, and a STEM-focused approach. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, regular health screenings, and comprehensive emergency procedures. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, outdoor play areas, and emphasizes social-emotional learning. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular conferences to track developmental milestones.
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Little Learners Child Development Center
Independent
A locally-owned center serving Lansing families with a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates Creative Curriculum elements. The facility maintains low teacher-to-child ratios with qualified staff holding early childhood credentials. Features include secure entry systems, age-separated classrooms, and structured learning activities. The center focuses on kindergarten readiness through literacy development, math concepts, and social skills. Additional services include summer programs and flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families.
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The Goddard School of Schererville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
This franchised early childhood education center offers the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The facility features secure entry systems, indoor gymnasium, and age-appropriate playgrounds. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, with ongoing professional development. The curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies integrated with arts and technology. The center provides regular parent communication through daily activity reports and digital portfolios.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lansing, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lansing, IL, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Lansing, 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). The licensing process involves rigorous background checks for all staff, health and safety inspections of the facility, and adherence to strict staff-to-child ratios based on age. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool on their official website. You can search by facility name, city (Lansing), or zip code (60438). It's crucial to check for any recent violations or conditional licenses. Many reputable centers in Lansing also pursue voluntary accreditation from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which indicates a higher standard of quality.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lansing, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
The cost of daycare in Lansing, IL, varies by the child's age and the type of facility. For a full-time infant (under 2 years), parents can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (ages 2-3), costs typically range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based daycares may be slightly less expensive. Financial assistance is available through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low-income families, working parents, and students pay for care. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's recommended to contact the Lansing Youth Center or the South Suburban Family Shelter for referrals and information on local support resources.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Lansing, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to high demand, especially for infant care, waitlists at popular licensed daycare centers in Lansing can range from 3 to 9 months, and sometimes longer. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if expecting. Some centers have priority enrollment for siblings of current families, which can shorten the wait. When contacting centers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often they update the list, and if they offer guaranteed enrollment dates. Exploring a mix of centers and licensed home daycares in Lansing and neighboring communities like Lynwood or Calumet City can increase your options and potentially reduce wait times.
What are some key questions to ask during a tour of a daycare center in Lansing?
When touring a daycare in Lansing, go beyond the basics. Ask specific questions about their daily structure, safety protocols, and staff qualifications. Key questions include: "What is your staff turnover rate, and what are the qualifications and ongoing training requirements for your teachers?"; "Can you walk me through your sick child policy and your procedures for emergencies or severe weather common in our area?"; "How do you handle communication with parents, and can you provide examples of daily reports?"; "What is your curriculum philosophy, and how do you incorporate outdoor play, especially given Lansing's seasonal weather?"; and "What are your security measures for drop-off and pick-up?" Observing how staff interact with children during your visit is one of the most important indicators of quality.
Are there part-time or flexible childcare options available in Lansing for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Yes, while full-time care is most common, several providers in Lansing offer part-time and flexible options to accommodate shift workers, students, or parents with irregular hours. Some licensed home daycares may offer more flexible hourly or daily rates. Additionally, drop-in care is occasionally available at certain centers, though it's less common and usually requires advance registration. For true non-traditional hours (evenings, overnight, weekends), your options will be more limited, and you may need to look at registered home providers in the broader South Suburban area who specifically advertise this service. Networking through local parent groups on social media or contacting the Lansing Public Library for community resource lists can help identify these flexible providers. Always ensure any provider you consider is properly licensed by DCFS.