Parenting & Childcare Blog | Children's Land

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Teacher reading a picture book with a small group of young children

Toddler

Early Intervention in Illinois: Toddler Speech Delay Help

If your toddler is not talking as much as other children their age, Illinois Early Intervention offers a free evaluation for children under 3. Here is when to ask, who qualifies, how the process works step by step, and how your daycare teachers can help.

Young children playing on a colorful outdoor playground

Toddler

Things to Do With Kids in Glenview, IL: A Local Guide

Glenview is one of the easiest Chicago suburbs to explore with little kids. Here are our favorite spots for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, from Kohl Children's Museum and Historic Wagner Farm to The Grove, Gallery Park and cold-weather ideas.

Two young siblings running together in a park

Pre-school

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit 2026: What Parents Get

Starting with 2026 taxes, the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit can cover up to 50% of daycare costs for lower incomes and at least 20% for everyone else who qualifies. Here are the new rates by income, worked examples, and how to combine the credit with an FSA.

Parents sitting on a couch with their young children

Infants

Dependent Care FSA Limit 2026: $7,500 for Daycare

Starting in 2026, families can set aside up to $7,500 a year in a dependent care FSA to pay for daycare with pre-tax money. Here is how the account works, what it can save an Illinois family, which expenses count, and when the tax credit is the better choice.

Bright daycare classroom with a reading tent and play areas

Infants

How to Check a Daycare License and Violations in Illinois

Every licensed daycare in Illinois has public inspection reports you can read for free. Here is how to look up a center's license and violation history, how to read what you find, and who to contact with a concern now that IDEC oversees licensing.