The Best Daycare Centers in Oak Lawn, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Oak Lawn. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Oak Lawn
Bright Horizons at Oak Lawn
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Oak Lawn is part of the nationally recognized Bright Horizons network, offering a comprehensive emergent curriculum that focuses on the whole child's development. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees and specialized training in early childhood development. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning through hands-on activities. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms with natural lighting, and well-equipped outdoor play areas. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provide nutritious meals through their meal program. Parents particularly praise the consistent communication and the center's focus on preparing children for kindergarten success.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Oak Lawn
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Oak Lawn follows the proprietary F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The center features STEAM-focused classrooms, a dedicated art studio, and secure outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Their safety protocols include biometric entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and real-time parent communication through their mobile app. The curriculum incorporates language development, social skills, and early literacy while maintaining small class sizes. Parents consistently highlight the engaging learning environment and the school's strong focus on individualized attention.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare at Alsip
KinderCare Learning Companies
While located in neighboring Alsip, this highly-rated KinderCare center serves many Oak Lawn families and is part of the national KinderCare network with over 50 years of early childhood education experience. Their research-based curriculum focuses on early literacy, math, science, and social studies through project-based learning. The center features dedicated learning centers in each classroom, secure keypad entry systems, and fenced outdoor play areas. All teachers receive comprehensive training in early childhood development and safety protocols, including CPR and first aid certification. The center offers flexible scheduling options and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Parents frequently commend the center's structured yet nurturing environment and the experienced teaching staff who create strong bonds with children.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Oak Lawn, IL
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Oak Lawn, IL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Oak Lawn, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These costs can vary based on the type of center (corporate chain, faith-based, or in-home licensed daycare) and the specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Illinois' Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is the primary resource for eligible families, helping to subsidize costs based on income, family size, and need. Additionally, some local Oak Lawn centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to contact the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) or the Oak Lawn Family Service Center to check your eligibility for CCAP and get a list of participating providers in the area.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare center or home provider in Oak Lawn?
All licensed childcare providers in Oak Lawn must be registered with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license and review their official inspection reports, including any violations or complaints, through the DCFS "Child Care Facility and Day Care Home Search" tool available on their website. Simply enter the provider's name or zip code (60453, 60454 for Oak Lawn) to access their licensing status, capacity, and history. It's also wise to visit the facility in person, ask the director for their license to be displayed, and check for local recommendations on community forums like the "Oak Lawn Moms" Facebook group for firsthand parent experiences.
Are there many daycare centers in Oak Lawn with extended hours or weekend care to accommodate non-traditional work schedules?
While most traditional daycare centers in Oak Lawn operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule, options for extended hours or weekend care are more limited but do exist. Some larger corporate childcare chains and certain licensed group day care homes may offer extended evening hours. For overnight, weekend, or very early/late care, parents often need to seek specialized in-home providers or nanny shares. We recommend contacting centers directly to inquire about their specific hours and any flexibility. The Oak Lawn Park District also offers occasional parents' night out programs, which can help with occasional weekend or evening needs.
What is the typical waitlist situation for reputable daycare centers in Oak Lawn, and when should I start looking for a spot?
For the most sought-after daycare centers and preschools in Oak Lawn, especially for infant rooms which have strict staff-to-child ratios, waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if expecting. Many popular centers, including those affiliated with schools or highly-rated private facilities, have enrollment periods that fill up quickly. When touring, always ask about the current waitlist length, the registration fee to hold a spot, and how often they update the list. Being flexible on your start date can sometimes help secure a spot sooner.
Beyond basic care, what types of enrichment or educational programs are commonly offered by Oak Lawn daycares for preschool-aged children?
Many daycare centers in Oak Lawn offer structured preschool curricula designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Common enrichment programs include early literacy (like phonics and storytime), foundational math skills, science exploration, and arts and crafts. You'll also find centers that incorporate special programs such as introductory Spanish, basic sign language, music and movement classes, or yoga. Several facilities have partnerships with the Oak Lawn Park District for swim lessons or use nearby parks for outdoor play. When touring, ask about their educational philosophy (e.g., play-based, Montessori-inspired, or academic-focused), the qualifications of their lead preschool teachers, and how they track developmental milestones to ensure your child is getting a well-rounded early learning experience.