The Best Daycare Centers in Park Forest, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Park Forest. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Park Forest
Bright Horizons at Olympia Fields
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Olympia Fields is a NAEYC-accredited center offering a comprehensive early education curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum incorporates hands-on learning experiences, and the facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning spaces. Parents praise the center's strong communication, nutritious meal program, and focus on individual child development tracking.
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The Goddard School of Matteson
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Matteson offers a play-based learning approach combined with academic readiness programs. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while promoting creativity and social skills. The center features state-certified teachers, secure keypad entry, live streaming for parents, and modern classrooms with interactive technology. The facility includes multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups and offers enrichment programs in yoga, music, and foreign language. Parents consistently highlight the school's clean environment, experienced staff, and comprehensive developmental assessments.
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Kiddie Academy of Matteson
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Matteson provides the Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development and social skills. The center emphasizes health and fitness through their proprietary standards and offers technology-enhanced learning experiences. Features include secured entry systems, age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor play spaces, and a focus on STEM education. The academy employs degreed early childhood educators and maintains small class sizes. Parents appreciate the structured daily routines, regular progress reports, and the center's commitment to creating a nurturing, educational environment that prepares children for kindergarten success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Park Forest, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Park Forest, IL?
In Park Forest, IL, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the type of provider and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month for infant care, and slightly less, around $1,000 to $1,400 per month, for toddler care. Licensed home-based daycares in the area often offer more affordable rates, typically ranging from $800 to $1,200 per month. These costs are generally in line with the broader Chicagoland area but can be lower than downtown Chicago. It's important to note that many facilities include meals, snacks, and curriculum in their rates. Parents should inquire about any additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pickups. Financial assistance may be available through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare provider in Park Forest?
All licensed daycare providers in Illinois, including those in Park Forest, are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). To verify a license and review inspection reports, you can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool available on their official website. Simply enter the provider's name or location. This public database will show the facility's current license status, capacity, any serious licensing violations (called "Type I violations"), and the dates of recent monitoring visits. For a more comprehensive view, you can also contact the DCFS Licensing Representative for the South Suburban region, which includes Park Forest, to ask specific questions. We strongly recommend visiting any potential daycare in person and asking the director to see their most recent licensing report, which they are required to have on-site.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Park Forest, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many of the popular and highly-rated daycare centers in Park Forest, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual for a sought-after center to have a waitlist of 6 to 12 months for an infant spot. For toddler and preschool-age children, waitlists may be shorter, around 3 to 6 months. We recommend starting your search at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. To improve your chances, consider applying to multiple centers and expanding your search to include high-quality licensed home daycares in neighboring communities like Richton Park, Matteson, or Olympia Fields, which may have more immediate availability. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is typically $50-$100.
What types of preschool or early learning programs are integrated into daycare services in Park Forest?
Many daycare centers in Park Forest offer structured preschool curricula for children ages 3-5 as part of their full-day childcare services. These programs often follow state-aligned early learning standards and may use recognized curricula like Creative Curriculum or HighScope. The Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department also offers popular part-day preschool programs at the Park Forest Aqua Center, which can be a complement to daycare. Additionally, several local centers participate in the state's Preschool for All program, which provides free, high-quality preschool to eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, often within a daycare setting. For parents seeking a faith-based option, churches in the area, such as St. Irenaeus or St. Mary's, may offer preschool programs integrated into their daycare operations. Always ask about a provider's educational philosophy and how they track developmental progress.
What resources are available in Park Forest to help me find and compare local childcare options?
The primary local resource is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region, which is administered by the South Suburban Family Shelter. They maintain a database of all licensed providers in Park Forest and the surrounding South Suburbs. You can contact them for a free, personalized referral list based on your needs (hours, location, child's age). The Park Forest Village Hall and the Park Forest Public Library are also excellent community hubs where you can find bulletin boards with information on local home daycares and centers. For online comparison, besides the state DCFS website, local parent groups on Facebook (e.g., "Park Forest, IL Community" or "South Suburban Moms") are invaluable for getting candid reviews and recommendations from other parents in the village.
Nearby Cities
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