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Licensed Daycare in Waukegan, Illinois

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Waukegan?

Statewide averages in Illinois run roughly $1340/month for infants and $960/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: What staff-to-child ratios apply in Waukegan daycares?

All licensed Illinois centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Waukegan typically operate below these ceilings.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Waukegan?

Illinois families can apply for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) via IDHS (intake: (877) 202-4453). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

Every center listed below is sourced directly from the state's child care licensing registry — no paid placement, no editorial picks, no hidden referral fees.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$1,340/mo

Illinois avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Waukegan

ChildCare Aware reports the Illinois average full-time cost at $1,340/month for infant care and $960/month for preschool. City-level prices in Waukegan vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Illinois families may also qualify for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) via IDHS (intake: (877) 202-4453).

Full Illinois licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Illinois Department of Children and Family Services — Day Care Licensing
Infant ratio: 1:4
Toddler ratio: 1:8
Preschool ratio: 1:10
Avg capacity: 38 kids

ZIP codes covered

60085 13 60087 4

Program types in Waukegan

Preschool Program

1 centers

Licensed Group Child Care Home

1 centers

Licensed Family Daycare Home

1 centers

Head Start Center

1 centers

All Waukegan licensed centers

Page 1 of 1

C Head Start

Chicago Little Stars Daycare #115

Waukegan

2 years - 12 years Cap 26

Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.

Frequently asked questions from families searching for child care here.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Waukegan, Illinois?

Our directory lists 4 licensed childcare centers in Waukegan, Illinois, sourced from Illinois Department of Children and Family Services — Day Care Licensing. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Waukegan?

Statewide averages in Illinois run roughly $1340/month for infants and $960/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Waukegan daycares?

All licensed Illinois centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Waukegan typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Waukegan?

Illinois families can apply for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) via IDHS (intake: (877) 202-4453). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Waukegan daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Illinois Department of Children and Family Services — Day Care Licensing search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.