The Best Daycare Centers in Steger, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Steger. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Steger
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Matteson serves the Steger community with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-licensed facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor play areas. Certified teachers implement a play-based learning approach focusing on literacy, STEM, and social-emotional development. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish. Parents appreciate the daily communication through their proprietary app and the nutritious meal program. The school's strong safety protocols and experienced staff make it a top choice for families in the South Chicago suburbs.
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Kiddie Academy of Chicago Heights
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Chicago Heights provides educational childcare to Steger families through their Life Essentials® curriculum that emphasizes character development, literacy, and STEM learning. The facility features secure access controls, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and age-appropriate learning centers. Their degreed teachers implement project-based learning and maintain detailed developmental portfolios for each child. The academy offers flexible scheduling, nutritious meals prepared on-site, and comprehensive safety protocols including regular drills and background-checked staff. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, clean facilities, and the genuine care shown by educators who often hold advanced early childhood credentials.
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The Learning Experience - Homewood
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Homewood serves Steger families with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and manners programming. The bright, modern facility includes secured entry systems, multiple playgrounds with safety surfaces, and dedicated art and music rooms. Their faculty includes early childhood specialists who implement structured learning through play and technology integration. The center emphasizes philanthropy through their "Giving Back" program and offers flexible scheduling with extended hours. Parents particularly appreciate the consistent communication, focus on social skills development, and the center's commitment to maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios across all age groups.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Steger, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Steger, IL?
In Steger and the surrounding South Suburban area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $250 and $350 per week for infant care. For toddlers, the cost may drop slightly to around $220 to $300 per week. Licensed home-based daycares in Steger often offer more affordable rates, typically ranging from $150 to $250 per week. These costs are generally lower than those in nearby Chicago but are in line with Will County averages. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, formula, diapers, and educational curriculum. Many facilities also require a one-time registration fee.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Steger is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed daycare providers in Illinois, including those in Steger, are regulated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The most reliable way to verify a provider's license and review their history is to use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool available on their official website. You can search by facility name, city (Steger), or zip code. This public portal will show the facility's current license status, capacity, ages served, and any serious licensing violations or complaints that have been substantiated within the past three years. You can also call the DCFS Day Care Information Line for assistance. Always visit a facility in person and ask to see their current license certificate, which should be posted.
Are there any local resources or programs in Steger that help parents find and pay for childcare?
Yes, there are several key resources for Steger parents. The primary agency is the Will County Community Development Division, which administers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for income-eligible families to help subsidize daycare costs. For finding providers, the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) offers a free referral service through their website or hotline, where you can get a customized list of licensed providers in the Steger area (60475) based on your needs. Additionally, local organizations like the Steger Community Center or the South Suburban Family YMCA may offer information on preschool programs or community-based childcare options.
What is the average waitlist time for daycare centers in Steger, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists at popular daycare centers in Steger and nearby communities like Chicago Heights or Crete can be substantial. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 3 to 9 months long for infant rooms. For toddler and preschool spots, waitlists may be shorter, around 1 to 4 months. We strongly recommend starting your search and putting your name on waitlists as early as possible—ideally 6 to 12 months before your needed start date. Many parents begin their search during pregnancy. Be sure to ask each center about their specific waitlist policy, including any deposit required to hold a spot and how often you need to confirm your continued interest.
What are some key differences between home daycares and daycare centers available in Steger?
Choosing between a licensed group home daycare and a center in Steger involves several key considerations. **Home Daycares:** Typically smaller (serving up to 12 children), often run by a single provider in a residential setting. They offer a more home-like, flexible environment with mixed-age groups, which can be great for siblings. They are often less expensive and may have more flexible hours. **Daycare Centers:** Are larger facilities in commercial or institutional buildings with multiple staff and classrooms separated by age. They often follow a more structured educational curriculum, have stricter staff-to-child ratios, and may offer more amenities (like larger playgrounds) and professional development for teachers. In Steger, both options must be licensed by DCFS, but centers tend to have more formal policies and procedures. Your choice will depend on your child's personality, your need for schedule flexibility, and your educational priorities.