The Best Daycare Centers in Vernon Hills, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Vernon Hills. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Vernon Hills
The Goddard School of Vernon Hills
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Vernon Hills offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their play-based curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized attention.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Vernon Hills
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Vernon Hills provides a research-based curriculum called The World at Their Fingertips, which emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, dedicated age-specific playgrounds, and nutritionally balanced meals. Their highly qualified staff includes teachers with bachelor's degrees and specialized early childhood training. The program focuses on school readiness and social-emotional development, with regular progress reports and parent-teacher conferences.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Vernon Hills
Kiddie Academy International
Kiddie Academy of Vernon Hills utilizes their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character education with academic preparation. The program emphasizes STEM activities, literacy development, and social skills through structured play and guided learning. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor play spaces. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices and maintain detailed portfolios tracking each child's progress. The academy offers enrichment programs including music, Spanish, and physical fitness activities.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Vernon Hills, IL
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Vernon Hills, IL?
In Vernon Hills, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, averaging between $1,200 and $1,600 per month. These rates are influenced by factors such as the type of center (corporate chain vs. independent), staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities like meals or enrichment programs. Prices at nationally accredited centers or those with specialized curricula (like Montessori) tend to be at the higher end of this range. It's important to note that costs in Lake County are generally higher than the Illinois state average, reflecting the area's cost of living and higher operational standards.
How do I verify a daycare provider's license and inspection history in Vernon Hills?
All licensed daycare centers and home providers in Vernon Hills are regulated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license and view their full compliance history, including any violations, by using the "Child Care Facility Search" tool on the DCFS website. Simply enter the provider's name or location. We also recommend checking with the Village of Vernon Hills Community Development Department, as they may have local zoning permits for home-based daycares. Always ask the provider for their license number and look for it posted visibly at the facility. A licensed provider must meet state standards for safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-adult ratios.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Vernon Hills, and how can I navigate them?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at many highly-rated daycare centers in Vernon Hills, especially at corporate centers near major employers like Baxter or CDW. Wait times can range from 3 to 9 months. To navigate this, we recommend starting your search during pregnancy or at least 6 months before your needed start date. Get on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee), and follow up with centers monthly to express continued interest. Consider exploring licensed home daycares, which often have more immediate availability and can provide a smaller setting. The Vernon Hills Park District also offers excellent preschool programs for children ages 3+, which can be a next-step option with different enrollment cycles.
What are the options for backup or emergency childcare in Vernon Hills if my regular provider is unavailable?
Vernon Hills and the surrounding Lake County area offer several solutions for backup care. Some local daycare centers offer drop-in care on a space-available basis, though advance registration is often required. National services like Bright Horizons have backup care centers in nearby Lincolnshire and Buffalo Grove that may be accessible to Vernon Hills residents, especially if offered as a benefit through your employer. Additionally, you can find screened and vetted babysitters for occasional care through reputable local agencies or online platforms that serve the North Shore suburbs. The Vernon Hills Community Church and other local organizations sometimes host parent's day out programs that can serve as short-term options.
Does the Vernon Hills Park District offer childcare or preschool programs, and how do they differ from traditional daycare?
Yes, the Vernon Hills Park District (VHPD) offers highly-regarded preschool programs for children typically ages 3 to 5, but they do not provide full-day, year-round infant or toddler daycare. Their programs are part-day (e.g., 2-3 hours, 2-5 days a week) and often follow the traditional school calendar, with sessions in the morning or afternoon. These programs are excellent for socialization and school readiness with a play-based curriculum. For full-day care, parents would need to combine a VHPD preschool with a separate daycare or babysitter for the remaining hours. Enrollment for these popular programs usually opens in early winter for the following fall, and in-district residents receive priority registration.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Vernon Hills: