The Best Daycare Centers in Markham, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Markham. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Markham
Kiddie Academy of Hazel Crest
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Hazel Crest provides comprehensive educational childcare with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and creative arts. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and real-time parent communication through the Kiddie Academy Mobile App. Their degreed teachers implement age-appropriate learning activities in modern classrooms designed to stimulate cognitive, social, and physical development. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms with individualized care plans, spacious playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment, and nutritious meal programs. Serving the Markham area with proven educational outcomes and strong parent satisfaction.
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The Goddard School of Tinley Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Tinley Park offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic learning with play-based development. The school features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and ongoing professional development. Safety protocols include secured entry systems, comprehensive emergency procedures, and regular safety drills. The facility includes bright, modern classrooms, multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, and specialized learning centers for literacy, mathematics, and creative arts. Their program emphasizes STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and social-emotional development. Serving Markham families with flexible scheduling options and comprehensive educational programming from infancy through kindergarten.
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Bright Horizons at South Holland
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at South Holland provides high-quality early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes emergent learning, project-based activities, and individualized development. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, degreed early childhood educators, and comprehensive assessment tracking. Safety measures include secure building access, health screening protocols, and enhanced cleaning procedures. The facility offers spacious classrooms with natural lighting, outdoor learning environments, and developmentally appropriate materials. Their program includes enrichment activities in music, movement, and literacy, with strong emphasis on social skills and school readiness. Serving Markham area families with corporate-quality standards and nationally recognized educational programming.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Markham, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Markham, IL, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Markham, Illinois, all daycare centers and home-based group daycares caring for more than three children must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). DCFS sets strict standards for staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, safety inspections, health protocols, and curriculum. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the DCFS "Child Care License Lookup" tool on their official website. It's highly recommended to check this for any facility you're considering, as it shows their compliance history, any recent violations, and their current license standing. You can also contact the DCFS Licensing Representative for the South Cook County region, which includes Markham, for additional verification.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Markham, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Markham and the surrounding south suburban Chicago area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $1,100 to $1,500 per month. Toddler care is slightly less, often between $950 and $1,300 per month. Home-based daycare may be more affordable, often ranging from $700 to $1,100 monthly. A key resource for financial assistance is the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). Applications are processed through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Markham, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to high demand and limited infant slots (which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios), waitlists for quality daycare centers in Markham can be significant. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. Therefore, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee to join? How often is it updated? What is their current estimated timeline? Starting early provides the most options and reduces last-minute stress.
What are some key factors to consider when choosing between a daycare center and a licensed home daycare in Markham?
Choosing between a center and a home daycare in Markham involves weighing several local factors. **Centers** often offer more structured educational programs, multiple classrooms by age, and may have more resources and backup staff. They are typically open set hours (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). **Licensed Home Daycares** often provide a smaller, family-like setting with mixed ages, which can mean more flexible hours and potentially a lower child-to-provider ratio for your child. They may also be more affordable. In Markham, consider your commute, as home daycares are in residential neighborhoods. Visit both types, check their DCFS licensing, and see which environment feels like the best fit for your child's personality and your family's schedule.
Are there any unique local resources or programs in Markham that support parents in finding and evaluating childcare?
Yes, Markham parents have access to a vital local resource: the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Cook County**, which is administered by the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. This free service helps parents find licensed childcare options tailored to their specific needs, location, and budget. They maintain a database of providers, can explain CCAP assistance, and offer guidance on what to look for during a visit. You can contact them via phone or their website. Additionally, connecting with local parent groups on social media (like Facebook groups for Markham or the South Suburbs) can provide personal recommendations and insights into the reputation of local daycare providers.
Nearby Cities
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