How to Choose the Right Daycare or Preschool in Park Forest, IL

Parent Guide 2025–2026

Choosing childcare is not just about finding a place with openings. It is about finding a safe, nurturing, age-appropriate environment where your child can grow through every stage — from infancy through kindergarten readiness.

This guide breaks down what parents should look for by age, what developmental milestones matter, and how First Years University supports children from 6 weeks through age 5.

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The right daycare or preschool in Park Forest, IL should give parents peace of mind and give children the structure, care, and learning experiences they need at their specific stage of development. Infants, toddlers, two-year-olds, preschoolers, and pre-kindergarten children each need different types of support.

Why Choosing the Right Childcare Matters in 2025–2026

Across the country, families continue to face pressure when searching for dependable childcare. Recent childcare data shows that supply and affordability remain major concerns for working parents. That makes it even more important to choose a center that provides consistency, clear communication, and programs designed for each age group.

75%+

CDC developmental milestones describe skills that most children — 75% or more — can do by a certain age.

0–5

Birth through age 5 is a critical window for language, movement, social skills, confidence, and school readiness.

2025

Childcare supply and affordability continued to challenge many families, making dependable care a priority.

What Parents Should Look For in a Daycare or Preschool

A quality early learning center should offer more than supervision. Parents should look for a center that understands child development, provides age-appropriate structure, and communicates clearly with families.

  • Safe, clean, and secure classrooms
  • Age-appropriate learning activities
  • Warm and attentive teachers
  • Consistent daily routines
  • Support for emotional development
  • Strong communication with parents
  • Hands-on play and discovery
  • Preparation for the next classroom stage

Age-by-Age Guide: What Children Need From Infant Care Through Preschool

Every age has unique developmental needs. Below is a parent-friendly breakdown of each stage, common challenges, helpful 2025–2026 developmental metrics, and how First Years University supports children at each age.

0

Infants: 0 Years Old

First Years University Infant Program: 6 weeks–15 months

Infants need responsive care, safe routines, feeding support, rest, comfort, and gentle developmental experiences. At this stage, trust is the foundation for learning.

2025–2026 developmental metrics

  • By around 2 months, many babies calm when spoken to or picked up, look at faces, and begin making sounds other than crying.
  • By around 6 months, many babies know familiar people, laugh, reach for toys, explore objects with their mouth, and roll from tummy to back.
  • Milestones are not a race, but they help parents and teachers notice growth patterns early.

Common challenges

  • Separation anxiety for parents and babies
  • Feeding and sleep transitions
  • Building trust with caregivers
  • Supporting early communication before words develop

How First Years University supports infants

Our infant care focuses on nurturing relationships, individualized routines, safe supervision, sensory experiences, tummy time, music, talking, and gentle interaction that helps babies feel secure and loved.

Learn about infant care
1

One-Year-Olds

Supported through Infant and Toddler transitions

One-year-olds are becoming more mobile, expressive, and curious. They need a classroom that encourages movement, early language, safe exploration, and predictable routines.

2025–2026 developmental metrics

  • By around 1 year, many children wave “bye-bye,” use names like “mama” or “dada,” and understand “no.”
  • Many begin pulling up to stand, walking while holding furniture, and picking up small items with thumb and pointer finger.
  • Many enjoy simple social games like pat-a-cake and peekaboo.

Common challenges

  • New walking skills and increased safety needs
  • Early frustration when children know what they want but cannot fully say it
  • Adjusting to group routines
  • Learning gentle interaction with peers

How First Years University supports one-year-olds

Our teachers use songs, stories, movement, simple directions, conversation, repetition, and warm reassurance to help young toddlers build confidence as they move from babyhood into toddlerhood.

Learn about toddler care
2

Two-Year-Olds

First Years University Two-Year-Old Program

Age two is a big year for independence, language, emotions, and early social development. Children want to do more on their own, but they still need patient guidance and consistent routines.

2025–2026 developmental metrics

  • By around 2 years, many children say at least two words together, such as “more milk.”
  • Many run, kick a ball, use a spoon, and play with more than one toy at the same time.
  • Many begin noticing when others are hurt or upset.

Common challenges

  • Big feelings and limited emotional regulation
  • Sharing and taking turns
  • Potty training readiness
  • Learning classroom routines and transitions

How First Years University supports two-year-olds

Our Two-Year-Old Program uses structure, repetition, play-based learning, emotional support, social guidance, and pressure-free potty training support in partnership with families.

Learn about two-year-old care
3

Three-Year-Olds

First Years University Preschool Program: Ages 3–5

Three-year-olds are building stronger language, friendships, imagination, and independence. This is often when children begin participating more actively in group learning.

2025–2026 developmental metrics

  • By around 3 years, many children have at least two back-and-forth exchanges in conversation.
  • Many ask “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions and can say their first name when asked.
  • Many notice other children and join them in play.

Common challenges

  • Learning to separate confidently at drop-off
  • Using words to express feelings
  • Participating in group activities
  • Developing listening skills and self-control

How First Years University supports three-year-olds

Our preschool classroom supports social confidence, communication, early literacy, music, art, movement, hands-on discovery, and gentle guidance as children learn how to be part of a classroom community.

Learn about preschool
4

Four-Year-Olds

Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Readiness

Four-year-olds are becoming more conversational, imaginative, and socially aware. They benefit from activities that introduce early academic concepts while still keeping learning playful.

2025–2026 developmental metrics

  • By around 4 years, many children speak in sentences with four or more words.
  • Many name a few colors, tell what comes next in a familiar story, and draw a person with three or more body parts.
  • Many ask to play with other children and begin changing behavior based on the setting.

Common challenges

  • Learning patience, sharing, and turn-taking
  • Building attention during group learning
  • Managing excitement and frustration
  • Developing pencil grip, early writing, and fine motor skills

How First Years University supports four-year-olds

Our preschool program introduces early literacy, math, science, creative expression, classroom responsibilities, social problem-solving, and independence-building activities that prepare children for the next step.

Explore preschool readiness
5

Five-Year-Olds

Kindergarten Readiness Support

Five-year-olds are preparing for kindergarten expectations. They need opportunities to practice independence, listening, early academics, problem-solving, and positive peer relationships.

2025–2026 developmental metrics

  • By around 5 years, many children count to 10 and name some numbers and letters when pointed to.
  • Many can pay attention for 5 to 10 minutes during non-screen activities like story time or arts and crafts.
  • Many follow rules, take turns in games, tell a story with at least two events, and keep conversations going.

Common challenges

  • Strengthening attention and classroom participation
  • Following multi-step directions
  • Building confidence before kindergarten
  • Practicing self-help skills like buttons, cleanup, and classroom routines

How First Years University supports five-year-olds

Our preschool program helps children build kindergarten readiness through early reading, early math, group learning, creative projects, fine motor practice, social skills, and daily routines that encourage independence.

Prepare for kindergarten

Parent tip: Milestones are helpful guideposts, not a test. Children develop at different speeds. If you ever have concerns about your child’s development, speak with your pediatrician and ask about developmental screening.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Daycare or Preschool

A tour is one of the best ways to know whether a childcare center feels right for your family. Use these questions to compare programs and understand how each center supports your child’s age and stage.

1

How do you support my child’s specific age group?

Infants need different care than preschoolers. Ask how the classroom supports your child’s current stage, daily routine, emotional needs, and learning goals.

2

What does a typical day look like?

Look for a balance of structure, free play, outdoor time, meals, rest, group activities, and hands-on learning. Children feel more secure when they know what to expect.

3

How do teachers handle emotions and behavior?

Young children are still learning how to express feelings, share, wait, and solve problems. A strong program uses patience, redirection, positive reinforcement, and consistent routines.

4

How do you communicate with parents?

Parent communication builds trust. Ask how teachers share updates about meals, naps, behavior, learning, milestones, and classroom reminders.

5

How does the program prepare children for the next stage?

A good childcare program should help children transition smoothly from infant care to toddler care, from toddler care to preschool, and from preschool to kindergarten.

Why Families Choose First Years University

First Years University provides a connected early learning pathway for children from infancy through age 5. This continuity helps children build relationships, feel comfortable in their environment, and move into each new stage with confidence.

  • Infant care from 6 weeks to 15 months
  • Toddler care for growing independence
  • Dedicated two-year-old program
  • Preschool for ages 3 to 5
  • Full-day care available Monday through Friday
  • Safe, nurturing classrooms
  • Play-based early learning
  • Kindergarten readiness support

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should my child start daycare?

Every family is different. Some children begin care as infants, while others start as toddlers or preschoolers. The best time depends on your family’s work schedule, your child’s needs, and the type of environment you want for early learning and social development.

What is the best daycare program for an infant?

Infants need responsive caregivers, safe sleep practices, individualized feeding and rest routines, gentle interaction, and a calm environment where they can build trust with adults.

What should I look for in toddler daycare?

Toddler daycare should include movement, music, sensory play, story time, simple routines, emotional support, and safe opportunities for independence.

How is a two-year-old program different from toddler care?

Two-year-olds are often more independent and expressive, but they still need structure and patience. A strong two-year-old program supports language, social interaction, emotional regulation, routines, and potty training readiness.

What should preschool teach children ages 3 to 5?

Preschool should support early literacy, early math, creativity, science exploration, problem-solving, social skills, independence, listening, communication, and kindergarten readiness.

How do I know if a childcare center is the right fit?

Visit the center, meet the teachers, observe the classrooms, ask about safety and routines, and trust your instincts. The right center should feel safe, warm, organized, and supportive of your child’s age and personality.

Looking for Childcare in Park Forest, IL?

First Years University provides infant care, toddler care, two-year-old care, and preschool programs for children through age 5. Our goal is to give families dependable care and children a safe, nurturing place to learn and grow.

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Sources used for developmental guidance: CDC Developmental Milestones, including age-specific milestone guidance for infants, 1-year-olds, 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, and 5-year-olds.

Sources used for childcare context: Child Care Aware of America 2025 Price & Supply.

Program information: First Years University Programs, Infant Daycare, Toddler Daycare, Two-Year-Old Daycare, and Preschool Program.

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