The Best Daycare Centers in Olympia Fields, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Olympia Fields. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Olympia Fields
Bright Horizons at Olympia Fields
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Olympia Fields offers a comprehensive early education program with research-based curriculum including Emergent Curriculum and World at Their Fingertips approach. The center features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry systems. Their program emphasizes literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, outdoor learning environments, and regular parent communication through their Family Room portal. Their NAEYC accreditation and Gold Circle of Quality rating demonstrate their commitment to high-quality early childhood education.
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Kiddie Academy of Olympia Fields
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Olympia Fields (located in nearby Matteson) serves the Olympia Fields community with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances education and play. The academy features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes character development, technology integration, and hands-on learning activities. The center offers flexible scheduling options, nutritious meal programs, and regular developmental assessments. Their commitment to safety includes strict health protocols, emergency preparedness training, and secure check-in/check-out procedures.
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The Goddard School of Flossmoor
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Flossmoor serves families throughout the south suburban area including Olympia Fields with their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program. The school features degreed teachers, low child-to-teacher ratios, and purpose-built classrooms designed for optimal learning. Their play-based curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on activities. The facility includes secure entry systems, indoor and outdoor play areas, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. The school maintains high standards with ongoing staff training, comprehensive safety protocols, and regular program assessments to ensure quality education and care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Olympia Fields, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Olympia Fields, IL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Olympia Fields and the surrounding south suburban Chicago area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while preschool for a 3-5 year old averages $900 to $1,300 per month. These costs can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is administered through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's recommended to contact the IDHS Cook County office or the specific daycare provider to inquire about current rates and assistance options.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare center or home-based provider in Olympia Fields?
All licensed daycare providers in Illinois are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Parents can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online to look up any licensed center or home in Olympia Fields. This public database shows the facility's license status (full, probation, expired), capacity, ages served, and any serious licensing violations or substantiated complaints from the past three years. For the most current view, you can also call the DCFS Licensing Hotline. It's crucial to verify this information, as Olympia Fields has a mix of licensed centers, licensed group homes, and legally license-exempt providers (like certain religious programs). Always ask the provider for their license number during your search.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Olympia Fields, and when should I start my search?
Yes, waitlists are common for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Olympia Fields, especially for infant and toddler rooms which have lower staff-to-child ratios mandated by state law. For popular centers, waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long. It is strongly advised to begin your search and tours during your second trimester of pregnancy if seeking infant care. For preschool (age 3+), starting your search 9-12 months before your desired start date (often in the fall) is prudent. When touring, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often they update parents on position, and if they give priority to siblings of current families.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically within Olympia Fields village limits?
Olympia Fields offers several types of licensed childcare options. These include: 1) **Daycare Centers**: These are larger facilities, often with structured educational programs (e.g., Montessori or faith-based curricula). 2) **Licensed Group Daycare Homes**: These are family homes licensed to care for 8-12 children, offering a more home-like environment. 3) **Preschools**: Many local churches and community organizations offer part-day preschool programs for children ages 3-5. 4) **Before/After-School Care**: Provided at or in partnership with Olympia Fields Elementary School District 232 for school-age children. There are also national franchise centers and in-home nanny services available. The Olympia Fields Park District may also offer seasonal camps and part-time programs.
What local resources or organizations in Olympia Fields can help me find and evaluate childcare providers?
A key local resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Cook County**, which is **Illinois Action for Children**. They offer a free, personalized referral service to help parents find licensed care that matches their needs, location, and budget. They can also provide guidance on what to look for during tours and questions to ask. Additionally, the **Olympia Fields Village Hall** or community bulletin boards may have information on local providers. For evaluations, beyond checking DCFS records, parents can consult local Facebook groups (e.g., "Olympia Fields Community" groups) to ask for firsthand experiences and recommendations from other families in the village. The local library may also host storytimes where parents network about childcare.
Nearby Cities
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