The Best Daycare Centers in Lemont, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lemont. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lemont
The Goddard School of Lemont
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Lemont offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure keypad entry systems, and live streaming cameras for parent monitoring. Their comprehensive curriculum includes STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and character development programs. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated art and music spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, individualized attention to each child's needs, and the professional development of their teaching staff.
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Kiddie Academy of Lemont
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Lemont provides Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, social-emotional learning, and school readiness skills. The center features a technology-enriched learning environment with interactive whiteboards and educational software. Their health and safety protocols include secured access, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and strict hygiene standards. The academy offers nutritious meals prepared on-site and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility includes multiple outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, a dedicated STEM lab, and spacious classrooms with developmentally appropriate learning centers. Parents highlight the consistent communication through the AcademyLink® app and the visible academic progress children make.
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Bright Horizons at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital, while located in nearby Bolingbrook, serves families throughout the Lemont area with their World at Their Fingers® curriculum that emphasizes emergent, project-based learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. Their enhanced safety measures include biometric entry systems, comprehensive emergency preparedness protocols, and rigorous cleaning procedures. The curriculum incorporates literacy-rich environments, mathematics through everyday experiences, and scientific exploration. The facility includes natural outdoor classrooms, dedicated art studios, and movement spaces. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, experienced leadership team, and the seamless transition children experience when moving to elementary school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lemont, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lemont, IL?
In Lemont, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the type of facility and the child's age. For center-based care, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month for an infant, and slightly less, around $1,000 to $1,400 per month, for a toddler. Licensed home daycares in the area often offer more affordable rates, typically ranging from $800 to $1,200 per month. These costs are generally in line with the DuPage County and greater Chicago suburban averages. It's important to note that many facilities include meals and basic supplies in their tuition, but you should always confirm what is covered. Financial assistance may be available through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Lemont?
All licensed daycare centers and home providers in Illinois are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). To verify a provider's license and view their official compliance history, you can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool available on their website. Simply enter the provider's name or location. This report will show their license status, capacity, any serious licensing violations, and the dates of their last inspections. For Lemont-specific providers, you can also contact the Village of Lemont or check with local referral agencies like the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Will County, which can provide additional local insights and parent feedback.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Lemont, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, waitlists are common for many of the popular daycare centers and preschools in Lemont, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is highly advisable to begin your search and application process at least 6 to 12 months before your needed start date. Some highly sought-after programs may even recommend getting on a list during pregnancy. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (which is usually non-refundable), and how often they update families on their position. Exploring a mix of centers and licensed home daycares can increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What are some of the key differences between the daycare options available within the Lemont school district boundaries?
Within the Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A area, parents will typically find three main types of options: national or regional chain centers (like The Goddard School or Kiddie Academy), local independent centers (often affiliated with churches or community organizations), and licensed family child care homes. The chains often offer structured curricula and extended hours, while local independent centers might provide a strong community feel and potentially lower ratios. Licensed home daycares offer a family-like setting, often with mixed-age groups and more flexible hours, which can be ideal for parents with non-traditional schedules. Additionally, the Lemont Park District offers preschool and before/after-school care programs that are popular for older toddlers and school-aged children.
Does Lemont have any unique resources or programs to help parents find and evaluate childcare?
Absolutely. A valuable local resource is the "Will County Child Care Resource and Referral" (CCR&R), a free service that maintains a database of licensed providers in the Lemont area. They can provide personalized referrals based on your needs (hours, location, budget) and offer guidance on what to look for during a visit. Furthermore, the Lemont Mothers Club and other local parent groups on social media (like Facebook groups) are excellent for getting unfiltered recommendations and experiences from other Lemont families. The Lemont Public Library also often hosts storytimes and early learning events, which can be a good way to meet other parents and learn about local preschool and daycare programs informally.