How do I choose the right daycare in Lake Forest?

When choosing a daycare in Lake Forest, consider visiting facilities in person and checking: Licensing status with Illinois's regulatory agency Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Illinois) Safety measures and cleanliness Daily routines and educational curriculum Parent reviews and ratings Location and hours that fit your schedule

Child Daycare & Preschools in Lake Forest, Illinois (9 Results)

Q: What types of daycare are available in Lake Forest?

Lake Forest offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 9 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 1 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in Illinois?

Daycare costs in Illinois typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Lake Forest for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Lake Forest

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

The Episcopal Preschool INC

4.62 score

5(8)

400 Westminster, Lake Forest, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children

The Episcopal Preschool receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise its warm, nurturing environment and dedicated staff led by director Melanie. Parents consistently report their children are excited to attend daily, thrive academically and socially, and are well-prepared for kindergarten. The school balances play-based learning with early academics while maintaining strong parent communication and enrichment programs.

Warmcaring leadership and staff

Winter Club Of Lake Forest

4.4 score

4.5(20)

956 N Sheridan Rd, Lake Forest, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children

Winter Club of Lake Forest is a recreational facility featuring ice rinks and various activities for children and families. Parents consistently praise the quality of the ice, amenities, and variety of activities available year-round, with all reviews giving 5-star ratings.

High-quality iceoutdoor hockey rinksmultiple amenitieswarm facilities

Child Daycare & Preschools in Lake Forest, Illinois

There are 9 child daycare & preschools in Lake Forest, Illinois, making up 90% of the 10 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Lake Forest, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

Frequently asked questions

There are 9 child daycare & preschools daycares in Lake Forest, Illinois, out of 10 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Lake Forest, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:

Licensing status with Illinois's regulatory agency
Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Illinois)
Safety measures and cleanliness
Daily routines and educational curriculum
Parent reviews and ratings
Location and hours that fit your schedule

Lake Forest offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 9 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 1 facilities

Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Daycare costs in Illinois typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Lake Forest for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Lake Forest must be licensed by Illinois's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.

9 Child Daycare & Preschools in Lake Forest, Illinois

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Lake Forest

Top Rated

The Episcopal Preschool INC

Winter Club Of Lake Forest

Dearhaven Childcare And Learning Center

1st Presbyterian Preschool Program

The Children'S Center At Lake Forest

Lake Forest High School'S Little Scouts

Map

Daycare types in Lake Forest