The Best Daycare Centers in Rolling Meadows, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Rolling Meadows. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Rolling Meadows
The Goddard School of Rolling Meadows
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Rolling Meadows offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms. Highly qualified teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM enrichment activities. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals. Their comprehensive curriculum includes language development, mathematics, science, and social studies tailored to each age group, with regular progress reports and parent communication.
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Bright Horizons at Rolling Meadows
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Rolling Meadows provides research-based early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills. The center features secure facilities with biometric entry systems, dedicated indoor motor skills rooms, and outdoor learning environments. Their highly trained teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing professional development. The program includes music, art, and movement activities, with emphasis on social-emotional development and kindergarten readiness. Parents receive daily communication through the Bright Horizons mobile app with photos and updates.
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Kiddie Academy of Arlington Heights
Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising
Located just minutes from Rolling Meadows, Kiddie Academy of Arlington Heights offers the Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development with academic learning. Their secure facility features age-specific learning centers, interactive whiteboards, and safe outdoor playgrounds. Certified teachers implement hands-on learning experiences in literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The academy emphasizes health and fitness with structured physical activities and provides nutritious meals prepared on-site. Their communication system includes daily activity reports and regular parent-teacher conferences to track developmental milestones and ensure kindergarten readiness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Rolling Meadows, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Rolling Meadows, IL?
In Rolling Meadows, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the type of facility and the child's age. For center-based care, you can expect to pay between $1,400 to $1,800 per month for an infant, and slightly less, around $1,200 to $1,600 per month, for a toddler. Licensed home daycares in the area are often more affordable, typically ranging from $900 to $1,300 per month. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, which can significantly offset these expenses. Many local centers also have limited slots for CCAP recipients, so it's advisable to inquire directly.
How can I verify the licensing and safety record of a daycare provider in Rolling Meadows?
All licensed daycare providers in Illinois, including those in Rolling Meadows, are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can and should use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool on their official website to look up any center or home daycare. This public database shows the provider's license status, any recent licensing violations, and the results of compliance monitoring visits. For the most thorough check, you can also contact the DCFS Licensing Representative for the Northern Cook County region, which includes Rolling Meadows, to ask about a provider's full history. Additionally, the Rolling Meadows Police Department may have community safety partnerships with local daycares, which you can inquire about.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Rolling Meadows, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers in Rolling Meadows, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. Popular centers near major employers or with strong educational reputations can have waitlists of 6 to 12 months or longer. It is highly recommended that expecting parents begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool spots, applying 3-6 months in advance is a safer bet. When you join a waitlist, ask specific questions about their process: Is there a fee? How often do they update you? Does your position on the list guarantee a spot? Some smaller, licensed home daycares may have shorter or no waitlists, offering a good alternative.
What unique childcare resources or programs are available for parents in Rolling Meadows?
Rolling Meadows offers several local resources to support parents. The City of Rolling Meadows Park District runs excellent preschool and early childhood enrichment programs at the Community Center, which can be a part-time complement to daycare. The Rolling Meadows Library hosts regular, free storytimes and early literacy events for young children. For finding and comparing providers, the local resource and referral agency, **Childcare Network of Evanston** (which serves the broader north/northwest suburban area), is an invaluable free service. They maintain a database of licensed providers, offer guidance on choosing care, and can explain financial assistance options like CCAP. Additionally, the "Rolling Meadows Community" Facebook group is often used by parents to share personal recommendations and experiences with local daycares.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare in Rolling Meadows?
Beyond general cleanliness and safety, focus on Illinois-specific and local factors. First, verify that the DCFS license is visibly posted and current. Observe the staff-to-child ratios: Illinois law requires 1:4 for infants (0-15 months), 1:5 for toddlers (15-24 months), and 1:8 for 2-year-olds. Ask about staff qualifications and turnover rates—consistent caregivers are crucial. Inquire about their emergency plans, especially for severe weather common in the Midwest. Check the outdoor play space; is it secure and well-maintained? Ask about their sick policy and how they handle common childhood illnesses to prevent outbreaks. Finally, trust your instincts about the warmth of the interactions between staff and children and don't hesitate to ask for references from other Rolling Meadows parents.
Nearby Cities
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