The Best Daycare Centers in Orland Park, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Orland Park. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Orland Park
The Goddard School of Orland Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Orland Park offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and physical development. The school features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. Certified teachers implement age-appropriate lesson plans in bright, modern classrooms with dedicated learning centers. The facility includes multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups and offers enrichment programs like yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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Bright Horizons at Orland Park
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Orland Park provides comprehensive early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum, emphasizing emergent literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. Safety features include secured entrances with electronic access, comprehensive emergency preparedness protocols, and health screening procedures. The facility offers spacious classrooms with natural lighting, age-appropriate learning materials, and outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces. Their emergent curriculum is tailored to individual children's interests and developmental levels, with strong emphasis on social-emotional learning and school readiness skills.
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The Learning Experience - Orland Park
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Orland Park features their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and science with character development programs. The center offers specialized enrichment programs including dance, soccer, and STEM activities at no additional cost. Their safety protocols include biometric entry systems, 24/7 monitored security cameras, and strict visitor policies. The facility boasts colorful, engaging classrooms with dedicated learning centers, indoor gymnasium, and multiple age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Their early literacy program begins in infancy with sign language and progresses to comprehensive phonics instruction. Teachers receive extensive training in child development and curriculum implementation, with many holding advanced degrees in early childhood education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Orland Park, IL
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Orland Park, IL?
In Orland Park, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, averaging between $1,200 and $1,600 per month. These rates are influenced by factors such as the center's accreditation (like NAEYC), staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities (e.g., meals, curriculum). In-home daycare options may be more affordable, often ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. It's important to note that Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, and some local centers may offer sibling discounts or flexible payment plans.
How can I verify the licensing and safety record of a daycare provider in Orland Park?
All licensed daycare providers in Illinois are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Parents can use the DCFS "Child Care License Lookup" tool online to verify a provider's license status, view their licensing history, and check for any serious violations or complaints. For Orland Park specifically, you can also contact the Village's Community Development Department, as they may have local zoning and safety requirements for home-based providers. Always schedule an in-person tour to observe safety measures firsthand, such as secure entrances, clean facilities, and up-to-date fire extinguishers.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Orland Park, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to high demand, especially for infant care, many reputable daycare centers in Orland Park do maintain waitlists. It is highly recommended to begin your search and submit applications at least 6 to 12 months before your needed start date, particularly for infants. Some of the most sought-after centers affiliated with local schools or corporate chains may have even longer waits. When touring, always ask about the current waitlist length and if a deposit is required to hold a spot. Exploring a mix of larger centers, church-affiliated preschools, and licensed home daycares can increase your chances of finding timely availability.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Orland Park?
Orland Park offers several flexible childcare options beyond traditional full-time programs. Many centers provide part-time schedules (e.g., 2-3 days a week), often for preschool-age children. The Orland Park Recreation Department runs popular preschool and "Kids' Korner" programs with flexible hourly or daily rates, perfect for parents with variable schedules. Additionally, licensed family child care homes often offer more adaptable hours, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional drop-in care. For last-minute needs, services like local nanny agencies or caregiver apps can connect you with vetted babysitters in the area.
What resources are available in Orland Park to help me choose between a daycare center and a home-based provider?
Orland Park has local resources to help with this decision. The "Orland Park Parents" Facebook group is an active community where parents share firsthand experiences and recommendations for both centers and home providers. You can also contact the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Cook County** (Illinois Action for Children) for free, personalized referrals and checklists comparing the two models. Consider your priorities: centers often offer structured curricula and multiple staff, while licensed home providers typically offer a smaller, family-like setting with mixed-age groups and potentially more schedule flexibility. Touring several of each type in Orland Park will give you the best sense of fit.
Childcare Insights for Orland Park
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, blending practical logistics with deep emotional trust. For parents in Orland Park, Illinois, searching for "private daycares near me" opens a door to several wonderful local options, each offering unique environments for your child's early growth. The process, while sometimes overwhelming, can be navigated smoothly with a focus on what matters most for your family right here in our community.
Orland Park is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods and excellent amenities, and this extends to its childcare landscape. Private daycares in our area often provide smaller group settings and specialized educational philosophies, from Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches to faith-based programs. A key local consideration is the balance between Orland Park's peaceful suburban setting and its proximity to major roadways like La Grange Road and I-80. When researching, consider the daily commute not just for you, but for potential caregivers or family members who might assist. A daycare centrally located near Old Orland or the Orland Park Sportsplex might offer convenience, while one in the quieter subdivisions could provide a very serene setting.
Begin your search by going beyond a simple online query. Drive through neighborhoods like Orland Square or the area near Centennial Park during morning drop-off or afternoon pickup times. Observing the flow of families and the exterior upkeep of a facility can offer invaluable, unspoken clues about its daily rhythm and pride of ownership. Make it a point to visit multiple centers in person; a virtual tour is helpful, but nothing replaces the atmosphere you feel walking the halls, seeing the outdoor play spaces, and noticing how staff interact with the children. Given Orland Park's distinct seasons, ask about their policies for outdoor play—do they have shaded areas for summer and clear protocols for safe winter activities?
When you tour, ask questions deeply specific to a family's life in Orland Park. Inquire about how the center integrates local resources. Do they take walking trips to the Orland Park Public Library for story time? Are there partnerships with the Orland Park Recreation Department for introductory sports or music programs? Furthermore, discuss their communication style. A good private daycare will understand the busy life of an Orland Park parent and offer consistent updates, whether through an app, daily logs, or casual conversations at pickup. Finally, trust your instincts as a parent. The right place will not only meet your checklist for safety, curriculum, and cleanliness but will also feel like a warm extension of your own care, a place where your child can thrive within the supportive fabric of our local community.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Orland Park: