The Best Daycare Centers in Villa Park, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Villa Park. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Villa Park
The Goddard School of Villa Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Villa Park 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 state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with advanced learning materials. They emphasize STEAM learning, character development, and individualized learning plans with daily communication to parents through their proprietary mobile app.
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Kiddie Academy of Oak Brook
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Oak Brook serves Villa Park families with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and certified teachers with early childhood credentials. Their program includes technology integration, Spanish language exposure, music and movement, and hands-on learning activities. The facility includes separate playgrounds for different age groups, bright classrooms with natural lighting, and a nutrition program that provides healthy meals and snacks. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Bright Horizons at Oak Brook
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Oak Brook provides high-quality early education with their World at Their Fingertips® curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills. The center employs degreed teachers with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains NAEYC accreditation standards. Their secure facility features coded entry systems, comprehensive health and safety protocols, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. The program includes emergent curriculum approaches, outdoor learning spaces, and enrichment activities like gardening and creative arts. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Villa Park, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Villa Park, IL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Villa Park, the cost of full-time daycare or preschool varies significantly based on the child's age, the type of facility (home-based vs. center-based), and the specific program's offerings. For infants, you can expect to pay between $1,400 to $1,800 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $1,100 to $1,500 per month. Home-based daycare is often slightly less expensive. It's important to note that these are average estimates, and some premier or specialized programs may charge more. 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 Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) or the DuPage County Community Services office for the most current eligibility requirements and application process for CCAP.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Villa Park is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed daycare providers in Illinois, including those in Villa Park, are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license status, view any licensing history, and check for complaints or violations by using the DCFS "Child Care License Lookup" tool on their official website. During a tour, look for the license certificate posted in a visible area. Beyond licensing, key things to observe include: the cleanliness and safety of the environment (covered outlets, secure gates, clean toys), the caregiver-to-child ratio (Illinois mandates specific ratios by age group), the engagement and demeanor of the staff with the children, the daily schedule and learning curriculum, outdoor play space security, and policies on nutrition, discipline, and sick children. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other Villa Park parents.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Villa Park, and how far in advance should I start my search?
Yes, waitlists are very common for daycare centers in Villa Park, especially for infant care slots, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. Popular centers and those affiliated with schools or churches often have waitlists that can be 6 to 12 months long, or even longer. For preschool programs for 3-5 year olds, waitlists also exist but may be shorter. It is highly advisable to begin your search and schedule tours at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. For infant care, starting your search during pregnancy is a wise strategy. When contacting centers, always ask specifically about their waitlist policy, any deposit required to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position.
What are the main differences between licensed home daycares and larger daycare centers in Villa Park?
The choice between a licensed group home daycare and a center in Villa Park often comes down to environment, structure, and personal preference. **Licensed Home Daycares** (caring for 8-12 children, including the provider's own) typically offer a smaller, family-like setting in a residential neighborhood. They often have mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings, and may offer more flexible hours. They are often slightly more affordable. **Daycare Centers** are commercial facilities with multiple classrooms separated by age. They usually have a more structured curriculum, multiple staff members allowing for backup coverage, and often more extensive facilities (like larger playgrounds, gyms, or specialized rooms). Centers may have stricter sick policies and less flexibility with schedules. Both types are licensed by DCFS, but their operational scale and feel are distinct.
What resources are available in Villa Park to help me find and compare local childcare options?
Villa Park parents have several excellent local resources. First, the **DuPage Children's Center** and the **Illinois Action for Children** website offer free referral services where you can search for licensed providers by zip code, type, and hours. The **Villa Park Public Library** often has community bulletin boards with local daycare advertisements and may host parenting resource events. For personal recommendations, consider joining local Facebook groups like "Villa Park Community" or "Villa Park Moms & Dads" to ask for firsthand reviews and experiences. Finally, the **Village of Villa Park** website may list licensed businesses, and your local park district (e.g., Villa Park Recreation Department) often runs preschool and before/after-school programs, which are a great benchmark for quality and availability.