The Best Daycare Centers in Lombard, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lombard. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lombard
The Goddard School of Lombard
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Lombard offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and dedicated outdoor play areas. All teachers are highly qualified with degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes parent communication through daily activity reports and regular parent-teacher conferences, creating a nurturing environment where children develop confidence and lifelong learning skills.
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Bright Horizons at Oak Brook
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Oak Brook serves families throughout the Lombard area with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which emphasizes emergent learning and developmentally appropriate practices. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and comprehensive safety protocols. Their highly qualified teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and implements personalized learning plans. The facility includes dedicated art studios, STEM labs, and outdoor nature exploration areas. Bright Horizons is particularly noted for their robust parent engagement program, nutritious meal service, and flexible scheduling options to meet working families' needs.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy in nearby Glen Ellyn provides a comprehensive educational experience with their Links to Learning curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms equipped with interactive technology, and expansive outdoor play spaces. Their experienced teaching staff holds advanced degrees in early childhood education and maintains small class sizes for individualized attention. The program emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and character education while incorporating music, art, and physical education. Parents appreciate the strong community atmosphere and regular communication about their child's progress and milestones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lombard, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lombard, IL?
In Lombard, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the type of center, age of the child, and specific program offerings. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,900 per month at a licensed daycare center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), monthly costs typically range from $1,200 to $1,600. In-home daycare providers are often more affordable, generally ranging from $900 to $1,300 monthly for full-time care. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum (e.g., Montessori), and included amenities like meals. It's important to note that costs in Lombard are slightly above the Illinois state average due to its location in DuPage County. We recommend contacting providers directly for the most current pricing and inquiring about any potential registration or supply fees.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Lombard is properly licensed and what should I look for in inspection reports?
All licensed daycare providers in Lombard must be registered with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license and view their official compliance history through the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. When reviewing a facility's record, pay close attention to the "Type of License" (e.g., Day Care Center, Group Day Care Home, or Family Day Care Home), the license expiration date, and any "Non-Compliances" noted during inspections. Look for patterns of serious violations related to health, safety, or supervision. You can also contact the DCFS Licensing Representative for DuPage County for additional context. Beyond the license, many Lombard parents also seek accreditation from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which indicates a higher standard of quality.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Lombard, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care and at highly-rated centers in Lombard and the surrounding DuPage County area. For infant spots (children under 18 months), it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. For toddler and preschool programs, a 3-6 month lead time is recommended. Popular centers near Lombard's Yorktown Center or those with specialized curricula often have the longest waitlists. When touring a facility, always ask about their specific waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often do they update families? What is the typical wait time for your child's age group? Considering a mix of centers and licensed home-based providers can increase your options.
What are some of the key differences between a licensed in-home daycare and a larger daycare center in Lombard?
The choice between a licensed family/group home daycare and a center in Lombard involves trade-offs in environment, structure, and logistics. **In-Home Daycares** (licensed for up to 8 or 16 children) often offer a more home-like, mixed-age setting, potentially more flexible hours, and lower child-to-adult ratios, which can mean more individualized attention. They are often less expensive. **Daycare Centers** provide a more structured, school-like environment with separate classrooms by age, a defined curriculum, multiple staff members (which can reduce closures if one person is sick), and often more extensive facilities like dedicated playgrounds and gyms. Centers in Lombard must adhere to strict DCFS regulations on staff qualifications and building safety. Your decision may depend on your child's temperament, your need for flexibility, and your preference for a specific educational philosophy.
What local resources in Lombard can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Lombard parents have several excellent local resources. The primary resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for DuPage County**, operated by the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. They offer a free, personalized referral service to match your family's needs with licensed providers, and they can provide guidance on financial assistance programs like the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Additionally, the **Lombard Park District** offers preschool and before/after-school care programs, which are popular community-based options. For peer recommendations, local Facebook groups such as "Lombard, IL Moms" or "DuPage County Moms" are invaluable for getting honest reviews and availability updates from other parents. Finally, the **Lombard Village Hall** or public library may have community bulletins with listings for local providers.