The Best Daycare Centers in Worth, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Worth. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Worth
Bright Horizons at Oak Lawn
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Oak Lawn offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and developmental milestones. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parents praise the consistent communication, experienced staff, and the center's ability to prepare children for kindergarten through structured yet play-based learning approaches.
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The Goddard School of Palos Heights
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Palos Heights provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. Certified teachers implement STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities and promote critical thinking skills. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry, indoor gymnasium, multiple playgrounds, and webcam access for parents. The curriculum focuses on literacy development, problem-solving, and character building. Parents consistently highlight the nurturing environment, excellent teacher qualifications, and comprehensive safety protocols including health screenings and secure pick-up procedures.
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Kiddie Academy of Orland Park
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Orland Park implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that combines academic learning with character development and health-focused activities. The center features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Their program includes technology integration, foreign language exposure, music education, and physical fitness activities. The facility offers secure entry systems, modern classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, and nutritious meals prepared on-site. Parents commend the structured daily routines, strong communication through parent portals, and the center's focus on developing both academic skills and social-emotional intelligence in children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Worth, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Worth, IL?
In Worth, IL, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For center-based care, infant care (6 weeks to 15 months) typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler care (15 months to 3 years) usually costs between $1,000 and $1,400 per month. Home-based daycare (licensed family childcare) is often more affordable, averaging $800 to $1,200 monthly for full-time care. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that costs in Worth are generally in line with the southwest Chicago suburban average, and many facilities require annual registration fees ranging from $75 to $150. Financial assistance may be available through the Illinois Department of Human Services' Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families.
How do I verify that a daycare in Worth is properly licensed and what are the key state regulations I should know about?
All licensed daycare providers in Worth must be registered with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license status and review any history of violations by using the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. Key Illinois regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers), mandatory background checks for all staff, and annual health and safety training. Licensed facilities must also meet specific standards for space, nutrition, and programming. The Village of Worth does not have additional local licensing requirements beyond the state's. When touring a facility, don't hesitate to ask for their current license and their most recent DCFS monitoring report. Many reputable centers in Worth, like those affiliated with local school districts or national chains, will proudly display their credentials.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Worth, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers in Worth, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. Popular centers and those affiliated with employers or major institutions can have waitlists of 6 to 12 months or more. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. For toddler or preschool openings, a 3-6 month lead time is often necessary. When contacting a center, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee to join? How often is it updated? How many families are currently ahead of you? Some smaller, licensed home daycares in Worth neighborhoods may have shorter or more flexible wait times, so expanding your search to include these options can be beneficial.
What resources are available in Worth to help me find and compare local daycare options?
Parents in Worth have several valuable local resources. The primary resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Cook County**, which is administered by the Illinois Action for Children. They offer a free, personalized referral service to help you find licensed providers that match your needs, location, and budget. You can access their search database online or speak with a referral specialist. Additionally, the **Worth Park District** often has information on local preschool and before/after-school care programs. For community-based insights, consider joining local Facebook groups like "Worth, IL Community" or "Southwest Suburban Chicago Parents" where residents frequently share personal recommendations and experiences with area daycares. The Worth Public Library may also have bulletin boards with flyers from local providers.
What are the common options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Worth area?
For school-age children attending Worth Elementary School District 127, the primary option is the district's own **Worthridge School Age Child Care (SACC) program**, which operates on-site at Worth Elementary and Worth Junior High. This program provides care before school (starting around 6:30 AM) and after school (until 6:00 PM), including on most school holidays and breaks. Registration is typically done annually and spaces can be limited. Other options include local park district programs, like those offered by the **Worth Park District**, and private daycare centers that offer school-age rooms with transportation to and from district schools. Some licensed home daycares also provide before/after-school care and may offer more flexible hours. Costs for these programs in Worth generally range from $150 to $250 per week, depending on the hours and services included.
Childcare Insights for Worth
As a parent in Worth, Illinois, the search for reliable childcare can feel both urgent and overwhelming. You’re looking for a safe, nurturing environment close to home, a place where your child can thrive while you work or manage other responsibilities. The good news is that Worth and its surrounding communities in the southwest suburbs offer a variety of options, and finding the right fit starts with knowing where to look and what local factors to consider.
Begin your search by tapping into the strong sense of community here in Worth. Personal recommendations from neighbors, friends at local parks like Worthwoods Park, or other parents in your network are invaluable. They provide honest insights you won’t find in an online listing. Simultaneously, utilize trusted online resources. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) website maintains a licensed provider database, which is crucial for verifying the safety and regulatory standing of any center or home-based daycare. For a more localized view, community Facebook groups such as "Worth, IL Community" or "Southwest Suburban Parents" often have discussions and posts about childcare experiences and openings.
When evaluating options in our area, consider the practicalities of daily life in Worth. Proximity is key, but also think about your commute. A provider near the intersection of Harlem Avenue and 111th Street might be perfect if you head north for work, while one closer to the Metra station could be ideal for train commuters. Visit any potential daycare during operating hours to observe. Notice how the caregivers interact with the children, assess the cleanliness and safety of the environment, and ask about their daily structure. Inquire about their policies on inclement weather, given our Illinois seasons, and their approach to outdoor playtime, which is a benefit of our community parks and quieter neighborhoods.
Don’t overlook the specific programs and philosophies offered. Some centers in the area may focus on early academic readiness, while others emphasize social-emotional learning or creative play. For infants and toddlers, ask about caregiver consistency and ratios. For preschool-aged children, you might seek a program that incorporates preparation for local kindergarten, such as those in Worth School District 127. Finally, trust your instincts as a parent. The right childcare setting in Worth should not only meet all logistical and safety needs but should also give you a genuine sense of comfort and confidence when you imagine your child spending their day there. Taking the time to research and visit will help you find a partner in your child’s care, right here in our community.
Nearby Cities
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