The Best Daycare Centers in Midlothian, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Midlothian. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Midlothian
Kiddie Academy of Oak Forest
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Oak Forest provides comprehensive educational childcare with a proprietary Life Essentials curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, maintaining low student-teacher ratios for personalized attention. Their secure facility includes coded entry systems, comprehensive security cameras, and rigorous safety protocols. The academy offers age-appropriate learning environments with modern educational technology, nutritious meal programs, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. Parents consistently praise the center's communication through daily reports and the strong academic preparation children receive.
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The Goddard School of Tinley Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Tinley Park offers a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program, emphasizing social, emotional, and academic development. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in education or related fields, with ongoing professional development. The facility features secure keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, and creative arts in purpose-built classrooms. The school is noted for its clean, bright environment, extensive playground facilities, and strong parent-teacher communication through regular conferences and digital updates.
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Bright Horizons at Orland Park
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Orland Park implements the World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which emphasizes emergent learning through children's interests and developmental stages. The center employs degreed early childhood educators who create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed developmental portfolios. Safety features include secure building access, comprehensive emergency preparedness plans, and health screening protocols. The facility offers modern classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, and natural outdoor play spaces. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the center's educational quality, teacher engagement, and the smooth transition children experience when entering elementary school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Midlothian, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Midlothian, IL?
In Midlothian and the surrounding south suburban Chicago area, daycare costs are generally more affordable than in the city center but can vary based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month for full-time infant care. For toddlers, the cost typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. In-home licensed daycare providers in Midlothian often offer slightly lower rates, ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. It's important to note that these are average estimates, and prices can be influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. We recommend contacting the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to see if you qualify for financial support based on income.
How can I verify the licensing and complaint history of a daycare provider in Midlothian?
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 review any history of complaints or violations, you should use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool available on their official website. You can search by the provider's name, city (Midlothian), or license number. This public database will show the facility's current license status, capacity, ages served, and any substantiated licensing violations from the past several years. For the most thorough vetting, parents should also visit the facility in person, ask for references from current families, and check with the Midlothian Village Hall or local parenting groups on social media for community feedback.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Midlothian, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for the most sought-after daycare centers in Midlothian and the nearby communities like Oak Forest and Crestwood, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year for infants. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often should I check in? Is the list for a specific classroom or general enrollment? Exploring multiple options, including licensed home daycares which may have more immediate openings, is a practical strategy for Midlothian parents.
What are the main options for childcare besides traditional daycare centers in Midlothian?
Parents in Midlothian have several alternatives to standard daycare centers. First, there are licensed family child care homes, which operate out of a provider's residence and often offer a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups. Second, you may find preschool programs, often housed in local churches or community centers, which typically serve children ages 3-5 and may offer half-day or full-day options. For school-age children, the Midlothian Park District and Bremen Community High School District 228 may offer before-and-after-school care programs. Additionally, seeking a nanny or nanny-share with another local family is an option, though it is typically the most expensive. Checking local Facebook groups (e.g., "Midlothian, IL Moms") is a great way to discover these smaller, community-based options.
What state-mandated safety and health regulations should I expect all Midlothian daycares to follow?
Illinois DCFS enforces strict regulations for all licensed childcare facilities. Key mandates you can expect every compliant Midlothian daycare to follow include: 1) **Staff-to-Child Ratios:** For infants (0-14 months), it's 1:4; for toddlers (15-23 months), it's 1:5; and for 2-year-olds, it's 1:8. 2) **Background Checks:** All staff must undergo fingerprint-based criminal background checks and be checked against the Statewide Sex Offender Database. 3) **Immunizations:** All children must provide proof of age-appropriate immunizations unless exempted for medical or religious reasons. 4) **Safe Sleep for Infants:** Providers must follow "Back to Sleep" practices and have safe cribs. 5) **Emergency Plans:** Facilities must have written plans for fire, tornado, and other emergencies, with drills conducted regularly. During your tour, don't hesitate to ask the director to explain how they meet each of these requirements.