The Best Daycare Centers in Manhattan, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Manhattan. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Manhattan
Bright Horizons at New Lenox
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at New Lenox is a highly-regarded national childcare provider serving the Manhattan area with a comprehensive educational approach. The center features the World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and technology. Their highly qualified teachers hold early childhood education degrees and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes age-appropriate learning environments, secure entry systems, and nutritious meal programs. What sets this center apart is their strong emphasis on school readiness and their NAEYC accreditation, ensuring high-quality standards in early childhood education.
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Kiddie Academy of Frankfort
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Frankfort serves Manhattan families with their Life Essentials curriculum that focuses on character development, social-emotional learning, and academic preparation. The center features state-certified teachers with ongoing professional development, secure keypad entry systems, and modern classroom technology. Their program includes STEM activities, literacy development, and hands-on learning experiences. The facility offers spacious indoor play areas and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, safety protocols, and the visible developmental progress children make through their structured yet flexible learning approach.
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The Goddard School of Frankfort
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Frankfort provides Manhattan-area families with a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program. The center features degreed teachers who implement developmentally appropriate practices and maintain small class sizes. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and creative arts while promoting social skills and independence. The facility includes secure entry systems, daily health checks, and nutritionally balanced meals. What makes this school stand out is their focus on individualized learning plans and their comprehensive safety protocols that give parents peace of mind while their children receive quality early education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Manhattan, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Manhattan, IL?
In Manhattan, IL, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $225 to $300 per week for infant care (6 weeks to 15 months) and $200 to $275 per week for toddler care. Licensed home-based daycares often offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $160 to $240 per week. These costs are generally lower than those in the nearby Chicago metropolitan area but have been rising. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and curriculum materials. Some providers may offer sibling discounts. 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 if a daycare provider in Manhattan is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All daycare centers and home daycare providers in Illinois must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). To verify a provider's license and review their history, you can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility and Day Care Home Search" tool available on their official website. Simply enter "Manhattan, IL" or the provider's name. This report will show the license status, capacity, and any serious licensing violations or complaints found valid during inspections over the past few years. You can also contact the DCFS Licensing Representative for the region covering Will County. We recommend always visiting a facility in person and asking the director to see their current license and asking about their most recent monitoring visit report.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Manhattan, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Manhattan's growth as a family-friendly suburb, quality daycare centers, especially for infants, often have waitlists. It is very common for popular centers to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months, and sometimes longer for infant rooms which have strict staff-to-child ratios. We strongly recommend starting your search at least 6-12 months before your needed start date. For a summer or fall start, begin contacting providers the preceding winter. When you tour a facility, ask specifically about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to be on the list? How often do they update families on their position? Are spots offered based on application date or other criteria? Also consider expanding your search to include licensed home daycares in the area, which may have more immediate availability.
What are some of the key questions I should ask when touring a daycare in Manhattan, specific to local safety and programs?
Beyond general questions, tailor your inquiries to local factors. For safety, ask about their severe weather protocols, given Illinois' tornado risk—where is their safe shelter, and how do they practice drills? Inquire about their outdoor play policy during winter and the hot, humid summers. For programming, ask how they incorporate local community resources, such as visits from the Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District or walks to nearby parks like Veterans Park. Given the agricultural surroundings, some daycares may have garden projects. Also, ask about staff retention and qualifications—low turnover is a good sign of a positive work environment. Finally, clarify their sick policy and communication methods, especially regarding local school district closures (e.g., Lincoln-Way communities) that might affect staff.
What alternative or backup childcare options exist for parents in Manhattan beyond traditional daycare centers?
Manhattan offers several alternatives. For flexible or part-time care, consider licensed family child care homes, which provide a home-like setting and may offer more flexible hours. The **Manhattan Park District** offers preschool programs, seasonal camps, and "Parents' Night Out" events. For occasional backup care, you can explore regional nanny share networks or use reputable apps that connect parents with background-checked babysitters in the Will County area. Some local churches also host mother's day out programs. For school-age children (K-5), the Park District and the Boys & Girls Clubs in neighboring communities offer before-and-after-school programs with transportation from local schools. Always ensure any alternative provider is properly licensed or, for occasional sitters, thoroughly vetted for your child's safety.