The Best Daycare Centers in Plainfield, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Plainfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Plainfield
The Goddard School of Plainfield
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Plainfield offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. The facility features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive camera monitoring. All lead teachers hold bachelor's or master's degrees in education or related fields, and the curriculum focuses on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, age-appropriate playgrounds, and enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish language exposure.
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Kiddie Academy of Plainfield
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Plainfield implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, mathematics, and science through hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and maintained low teacher-to-child ratios. Their program includes technology integration for older children, daily communication with parents through the mobile app, and emphasis on health and fitness with structured physical activities. The facility includes dedicated learning centers, age-separated playgrounds, and provides all meals meeting nutritional guidelines.
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Bright Horizons at Naperville Crossings
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
While located in nearby Naperville, Bright Horizons serves families throughout the Plainfield area with their World at Their Fingers® curriculum that emphasizes emergent, project-based learning. The center features enhanced security protocols including biometric entry systems and comprehensive emergency preparedness plans. Highly qualified early childhood educators implement developmentally appropriate practices with focus on literacy, mathematics, and social skills. The facility includes dedicated art studios, STEM labs, and outdoor learning environments. Bright Horizons maintains NAEYC accreditation and offers flexible scheduling options including part-time and backup care for working families in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Plainfield, IL
What are the typical costs for infant and toddler daycare in Plainfield, IL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Plainfield, the cost of daycare varies significantly based on the type of center, age of the child, and hours of care. For infants (under 2 years), full-time care typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month. For toddlers (2-3 years), costs are slightly lower, averaging $1,200 to $1,600 per month. In-home daycare providers may offer more affordable rates, often between $800 and $1,200 monthly. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices at premier centers can be higher. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low-income families. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. We recommend contacting the Will County Community Services Division for specific CCAP application guidance and checking directly with individual providers about their financial policies.
How long are daycare waitlists in Plainfield, and when should I start looking for a spot, especially for an infant?
Waitlists for daycare, particularly for infants, are common in Plainfield due to high demand and limited infant-to-teacher ratios mandated by Illinois law. For popular centers and highly-rated in-home providers, waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long, sometimes longer. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy. When touring facilities, always ask about their specific waitlist process: whether there's a fee to join, how often you need to confirm your interest, and how they notify families when a spot opens. Exploring multiple options, including licensed family child care homes in your neighborhood, can increase your chances of securing care when needed.
What are the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a licensed family child care home in Plainfield, and how do I verify their licensing?
In Plainfield, licensed daycare centers are facilities in commercial or dedicated buildings, often with multiple classrooms, staff, and structured curricula. Licensed family child care homes operate out of the provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like environment with mixed-age groups. Centers must follow strict Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) rules on staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), group sizes, and staff qualifications. Family homes also follow DCFS licensing but have different ratio rules (e.g., 1:8 with no more than 3 children under age 2). To verify the license and compliance history of any provider, you must use the Illinois DCFS "Child Care Facility and Foster Home Search" tool online. This public database shows the license status, any recent violations, and the facility's capacity.
Are there any unique local resources or programs in Plainfield to help parents evaluate and choose quality childcare?
Yes, Plainfield and Will County offer excellent local resources. A primary resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Will County**, which is operated by the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. This free service provides personalized referrals to licensed providers that match your family's needs, location, and budget. They can also help you understand quality indicators and state regulations. Furthermore, the **Plainfield Public Library District** often hosts parenting workshops and can be a good place to network with other parents for recommendations. For evaluating quality, always look for providers participating in Illinois' voluntary quality rating system, **ExceleRate Illinois**. A Silver, Gold, or Platinum circle of quality indicates a program that has exceeded basic licensing standards.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in Plainfield that is specific to safety and preparedness for local weather?
During a tour in Plainfield, beyond general cleanliness and security, pay close attention to weather and emergency preparedness. Given Illinois' severe weather, including tornadoes, thunderstorms, and winter storms, ask about their specific emergency plans. A quality center or home should have a clearly marked severe weather shelter (like a basement or interior room without windows), practiced tornado and fire drills, and a communication plan for parents during emergencies. For winter, inquire about their policy for closures due to snow and ice, and how they handle early pickups. Also, observe the outdoor play area: it should be securely fenced, have adequate shade for sunny days, and a safe, soft surface under play equipment. Providers should be able to readily show you their DCFS-required emergency and disaster plan.