Parenting & Childcare Blog | Children's Land

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Kindergarten

Illinois Kindergarten Age Cutoff: The September 1 Rule

To start kindergarten in an Illinois public school, your child must turn 5 on or before September 1. Here is what that rule means for fall and summer birthdays, how early entrance works, whether kindergarten is mandatory, and what changes in 2027.

Pre-school

Daycare vs Preschool vs Pre-K: What Is the Difference?

Daycare, preschool and pre-K overlap more than most parents expect. Here is how they differ in age, hours, cost and learning, what free pre-K options exist in Illinois and Chicago, and how to pick the right setup for your child and your work schedule.

Infant room at a daycare center with cribs and soft play area

Infants

Daycare Tour Questions to Ask: A Parent Checklist

A daycare tour is short, and it is easy to leave without the answers you need. This checklist covers safety, teachers, the daily routine, health rules, food, communication and costs, plus what to watch for in the room while you are there.

Toddler

Illinois Daycare Ratios by Age: 2026 Licensing Rules Explained

In Illinois, a licensed daycare center needs one adult for every four infants, five toddlers, eight two-year-olds and ten preschoolers. Here is the full state table, what changed when licensing moved to IDEC in 2026, and what to check on a tour.

Bright daycare classroom with small tables and chairs

Infants

How Much Does Daycare Cost in Illinois? 2026 Guide

Full-time infant care at an Illinois daycare center now averages about $1,650 a month, and the north and northwest suburbs run higher. Here are the latest local numbers by age, what drives the price and how families bring the cost down.