The Best Daycare Centers in Stone Park, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Stone Park. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Stone Park
The Goddard School of Melrose Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and implemented by qualified teachers with degrees in education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. They emphasize STEAM learning, literacy development, and character building through structured activities and free play. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides regular progress reports to parents.
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Bright Horizons at Northlake
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons provides a research-based curriculum called The World at Their Fingertips that emphasizes language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and technology. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. Their Emergent Curriculum adapts to children's interests while ensuring key developmental milestones are met. The facility includes secure access systems, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and age-appropriate learning environments. They offer enrichment programs in music, movement, and Spanish, along with nutritious meals and snacks prepared on-site.
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Little Angels Learning Center
Little Angels Learning Center, Inc.
Little Angels Learning Center provides a comprehensive early childhood education program with a strong focus on Christian values and academic preparation. Their curriculum combines Creative Curriculum with supplemental programs in literacy, mathematics, and character development. The center features experienced teachers with early childhood credentials and low child-to-teacher ratios. The facility includes secure entry systems, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and multiple outdoor play areas. They offer extended hours to accommodate working parents and provide hot meals through their USDA-approved food program. The center is known for its nurturing environment and strong parent-teacher communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Stone Park, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Stone Park, IL, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Stone Park, Illinois, all daycare centers and home daycare providers caring for more than three children must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). These licenses require providers to meet strict standards for health, safety, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid), child-to-staff ratios, and facility safety. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the DCFS "Child Care License Lookup" tool on their official website. It's highly recommended to check this for any facility you're considering, as it will show the license type, capacity, and any recent licensing violations or inspections. You can also contact the DCFS Licensing Representative for the Northern Cook County region, which includes Stone Park, for additional information.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Stone Park, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Stone Park and the surrounding western suburbs of Chicago, daycare costs are moderately high, reflecting the Chicagoland area. For full-time infant care, parents can expect to pay an average of $1,200 to $1,600 per month at a licensed center. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 monthly. Home-based daycares may be slightly less expensive. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps income-eligible families pay for care. Applications are processed through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's advisable to inquire directly with providers and contact the IDHS Cook County office to determine your eligibility for CCAP.
Are there any bilingual (Spanish-English) daycare options in Stone Park, given the community's demographics?
Yes, given Stone Park's diverse community with a significant Spanish-speaking population, there are several daycare providers that offer bilingual Spanish-English programs. Many licensed home daycares and some centers in the area have Spanish-speaking staff to better communicate with children and parents. This bilingual environment can be beneficial for language development and cultural connection. When researching options, you can specifically ask providers about their staff's language capabilities and if they incorporate Spanish into daily activities. Checking with local community centers or churches in Stone Park can also be a good way to find recommendations for culturally responsive and bilingual childcare providers.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Stone Park, and when should I start looking for care?
For popular and highly-rated daycare centers in Stone Park and nearby suburbs like Melrose Park or Bellwood, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long. Therefore, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before you need care. When contacting centers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee, how often you need to check in to stay active, and their estimated timeline. Being flexible with your start date can sometimes help. Also consider expanding your search to include licensed home daycares, which may have shorter wait times.
What are some key local resources for parents in Stone Park to find and evaluate childcare options?
Stone Park parents have several valuable local resources. First, the Illinois Action for Children website and helpline is a free referral service that can provide a customized list of licensed providers in your zip code based on your needs. Second, the Village of Stone Park may have community bulletins or information at the Village Hall. Third, connecting with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Stone Park Community" or parent groups for nearby areas) is an excellent way to get personal recommendations and reviews. Finally, don't underestimate the value of a physical visit; schedule tours at potential daycares to observe the environment, ask about their curriculum, safety protocols, and meet the staff who will be caring for your child.