Vernon Hills · Licensed center

The Goddard School-Vernon Hills

Large center, licensed for 168 children.
A Goddard School franchise. The brand is owned by Sycamore Partners, a private-equity firm.
Shortlist has found no website for it yet.

What the state has found

The state cited rules at 14 of its 21 licensing inspections since November 2011.

Of the 860 Chicago-area centers with 10 or more licensing inspections, 78% had rules cited at some but not all of them, as this center did. 22% had rules cited at all of them.

Licensing inspections

Nov 25, 2025No rules cited

Oct 9, 2025No rules cited

Nov 1, 2024No rules cited

Oct 6, 2023No rules cited

Feb 21, 2023No rules cited

Nov 23, 2022No rules cited

Jun 21, 2021No rules cited

Nov 16, 20183 citations

Personnel Records
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2)
Personnel Records
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(5)
General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(7)

Dec 15, 201613 citations

General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(7)
General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(f)
Personnel Records
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2)
Personnel Records
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(4)

9 more from this inspection

Health Requirements for Children
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(a)(4)
Physical Plant/Indoor Space
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(f)(2)
Physical Plant/Indoor Space
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(p)(2)
Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)
Daily Arrival and Departure of Children
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(f)
General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(5)
General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(6)
Diapering and Toileting Procedures
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.340(a)(5)
Physical Plant/Indoor Space
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(e)(3)

Nov 28, 201611 citations

General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(a)(8)
General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(a)(9)
Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(c)(3)
General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(a)(1)

7 more from this inspection

General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(a)(3)
General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(a)(5)
Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(c)(6)(e)
General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(a)(4)
General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(a)(10)
General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(a)(11)
Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(c)(6)

May 24, 20161 citation

Program Requirements for All Ages
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(p)

Nov 18, 20151 citation

Equipment and Materials
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.380(b)

Oct 23, 201512 citations

General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1)
General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(5)
General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(7)
Personnel Records
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3)

8 more from this inspection

Medications
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.360(e)
General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(8)
General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(d)
Personnel Records
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2)
Personnel Records
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(4)
Program Requirements for All Ages
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(m)
Physical Plant/Indoor Space
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(e)(2)
Equipment and Materials
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.380(g)

Oct 22, 20157 citations

Medications
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.360(f)
Physical Plant/Indoor Space
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(f)(2)
Physical Plant/Indoor Space
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(f)(3)
Physical Plant/Indoor Space
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(n)(1)

3 more from this inspection

Nutrition and Meal Service
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.330(g)
Equipment and Materials
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.380(j)(4)
Equipment and Materials
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.380(j)(5)

Feb 17, 20151 citation

Grouping and Staffing
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.190(a)

Nov 12, 201425 citations

Organization and Administration
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e)(2)
Organization and Administration
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e)(3)
Staffing Structure
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.90(a)(2)
Personnel Records
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(3)

21 more from this inspection

Personnel Records
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(4)
Daily Arrival and Departure of Children
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(f)(1)
Organization and Administration
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e)(1)
Personnel Records
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2)
Personnel Records
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120
Personnel Records
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(c)
Daily Arrival and Departure of Children
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(f)(4)
Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(3)
Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(4)
Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(5)
Health Requirements for Children
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(a)
Health Requirements for Children
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(a)(3)
Nutrition and Meal Service
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.330(j)(3)
Physical Plant/Indoor Space
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(e)(2)
General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(5)
Enrollment and Discharge Procedures
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(i)(4)
Daily Arrival and Departure of Children
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(f)(2)
Daily Arrival and Departure of Children
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(f)(3)
Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(1)
Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(2)
Physical Plant/Indoor Space
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(n)(2)

Aug 13, 20141 citation

Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(c)(2)

May 21, 20142 citations

Daily Arrival and Departure of Children
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(d)
Program Requirements for All Ages
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(r)

Dec 16, 201320 citations

Organization and Administration
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e)(2)
Organization and Administration
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e)(1)
Organization and Administration
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e)(3)
Personnel Records
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(4)

16 more from this inspection

Personnel Records
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(5)
Daily Arrival and Departure of Children
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(f)(2)
Daily Arrival and Departure of Children
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(f)(3)
Daily Arrival and Departure of Children
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(f)(4)
Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(5)
Physical Plant/Indoor Space
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(f)(2)
Physical Plant/Indoor Space
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(e)(3)
Physical Plant/Indoor Space
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(n)(2)
General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(5)
Personnel Records
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2)
Enrollment and Discharge Procedures
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(d)
Daily Arrival and Departure of Children
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(f)(1)
Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(1)
Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(2)
Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(3)
Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(4)

Feb 8, 20126 citations

General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(b)(1)
Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(c)(2)
General Requirements for Personnel
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(a)(10)
Program Requirements for All Ages
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(r)

2 more from this inspection

Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(c)
Guidance and Discipline
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(c)(6)

Nov 29, 20113 citations

Health Requirements for Children
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(a)(3)
Health Requirements for Children
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(a)(5)
Enrollment and Discharge Procedures
89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(i)(4)

Read every record and the state’s reports

State record — Illinois DCFS

Last visit: November 25, 2025
On file: 21 visits since November 2011 — 7 cited nothing
Fixed?: The latest correction deadline was November 30, 2018. Illinois DCFS does not publish whether it was made.
Most serious: Illinois DCFS does not publish a severity level for a citation, so there is no most-serious to name.

Illinois DCFS cites each subsection of a rule separately, so one audit of a filing cabinet can produce ten citations. It publishes the rule’s title and a correction deadline, but no description of what was observed.

Nov 2025 Compliance monitoring visit nothing cited

Oct 2025 Compliance monitoring visit nothing cited

Nov 2024 Compliance monitoring visit nothing cited

Oct 2023 Compliance monitoring visit nothing cited

Feb 2023 Compliance monitoring visit nothing cited

Nov 2022 Compliance monitoring visit nothing cited

Jun 2021 Compliance monitoring visit nothing cited

Nov 2018 Monitoring visit 3 findings

Monitoring visit · November 16, 2018

Personnel Records

2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2) through (5) · Rule cited again

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2) · 407.120(a)(5)

General Requirements for Personnel

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(7) · Rule cited again

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 489565 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Dec 2016 Monitoring visit 13 findings

Monitoring visit · December 15, 2016

General Requirements for Personnel

4 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(5) through (f) · Rule cited again · Violation corrected

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(5) · 407.100(c)(6) · 407.100(c)(7) · 407.100(f)

Physical Plant/Indoor Space

3 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(e)(3) through (p)(2) · Violation corrected

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(e)(3) · 407.370(f)(2) · 407.370(p)(2)

Personnel Records

2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2) through (4) · Rule cited again

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2) · 407.120(a)(4)

Daily Arrival and Departure of Children

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(f) · Violation corrected

Guidance and Discipline

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a) · Violation corrected

Health Requirements for Children

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(a)(4) · Violation corrected

Diapering and Toileting Procedures

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.340(a)(5) · Violation corrected

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 489565 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Nov 2016 Monitoring visit 11 findings

Monitoring visit · November 28, 2016

General Requirements for Personnel

8 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(a)(1) through (11) · Violation corrected · Rule cited again

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(a)(1) · 407.100(a)(3) · 407.100(a)(4) · 407.100(a)(5) · 407.100(a)(8) · 407.100(a)(9) · 407.100(a)(10) · 407.100(a)(11)

Guidance and Discipline

3 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(c)(3) through (6)(e) · Violation corrected

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(c)(3) · 407.270(c)(6) · 407.270(c)(6)(e)

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 489565 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

May 2016 Monitoring visit 1 finding

Monitoring visit · May 24, 2016

Program Requirements for All Ages

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(p) · Violation corrected

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 489565 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Nov 2015 Monitoring visit 1 finding

Monitoring visit · November 18, 2015

Equipment and Materials

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.380(b) · Violation corrected on site

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 489565 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Oct 2015 Monitoring visit 12 findings

Monitoring visit · October 23, 2015

General Requirements for Personnel

5 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1) through (d) · Rule cited again · Violation corrected

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(1) · 407.100(c)(5) · 407.100(c)(7) · 407.100(c)(8) · 407.100(d)

Personnel Records

3 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2) through (4) · Rule cited again

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2) · 407.120(a)(3) · 407.120(a)(4)

Program Requirements for All Ages

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(m) · Violation corrected

Medications

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.360(e) · Rule cited again

Physical Plant/Indoor Space

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(e)(2) · Violation corrected

Equipment and Materials

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.380(g) · Violation corrected

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 489565 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Oct 2015 Monitoring visit 7 findings

Monitoring visit · October 22, 2015

Physical Plant/Indoor Space

3 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(f)(2) through (n)(1) · Rule cited again · Violation corrected on site

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(f)(2) · 407.370(f)(3) · 407.370(n)(1)

Equipment and Materials

2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.380(j)(4) through (5) · Violation corrected on site

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.380(j)(4) · 407.380(j)(5)

Nutrition and Meal Service

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.330(g) · Violation corrected on site

Medications

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.360(f) · Violation corrected on site

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 489565 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Feb 2015 Monitoring visit 1 finding

Monitoring visit · February 17, 2015

Grouping and Staffing

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.190(a) · Violation corrected on site

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 489565 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Nov 2014 Monitoring visit 25 findings

Monitoring visit · November 12, 2014

Personnel Records

5 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120 through (c) · Violation corrected · Rule cited again

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120 · 407.120(a)(2) · 407.120(a)(3) · 407.120(a)(4) · 407.120(c)

Guidance and Discipline

5 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(1) through (5) · Rule cited again

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(1) · 407.270(a)(2) · 407.270(a)(3) · 407.270(a)(4) · 407.270(a)(5)

Daily Arrival and Departure of Children

4 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(f)(1) through (4) · Rule cited again

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(f)(1) · 407.260(f)(2) · 407.260(f)(3) · 407.260(f)(4)

Organization and Administration

3 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e)(1) through (3) · Violation corrected

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e)(1) · 407.70(e)(2) · 407.70(e)(3)

Health Requirements for Children

2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(a) through (3) · Rule cited again

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(a) · 407.310(a)(3)

Physical Plant/Indoor Space

2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(e)(2) through (n)(2) · Violation corrected · Rule cited again

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(e)(2) · 407.370(n)(2)

Staffing Structure

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.90(a)(2) · Violation corrected

General Requirements for Personnel

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(5) · Violation corrected

Enrollment and Discharge Procedures

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(i)(4) · Rule cited again

Nutrition and Meal Service

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.330(j)(3) · Violation corrected

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 489565 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Aug 2014 Monitoring visit 1 finding

Monitoring visit · August 13, 2014

Guidance and Discipline

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(c)(2) · Violation corrected

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 489565 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

May 2014 Monitoring visit 2 findings

Monitoring visit · May 21, 2014

Program Requirements for All Ages

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(r) · Violation corrected

Daily Arrival and Departure of Children

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(d) · Violation corrected

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 489565 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Dec 2013 Monitoring visit 20 findings

Monitoring visit · December 16, 2013

Guidance and Discipline

5 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(1) through (5) · Violation corrected

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(a)(1) · 407.270(a)(2) · 407.270(a)(3) · 407.270(a)(4) · 407.270(a)(5)

Daily Arrival and Departure of Children

4 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(f)(1) through (4) · Violation corrected

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.260(f)(1) · 407.260(f)(2) · 407.260(f)(3) · 407.260(f)(4)

Organization and Administration

3 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e)(1) through (3) · Violation corrected

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.70(e)(1) · 407.70(e)(2) · 407.70(e)(3)

Personnel Records

3 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2) through (5) · Violation corrected

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.120(a)(2) · 407.120(a)(4) · 407.120(a)(5)

Physical Plant/Indoor Space

3 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(e)(3) through (n)(2) · Violation corrected

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.370(e)(3) · 407.370(f)(2) · 407.370(n)(2)

General Requirements for Personnel

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(c)(5) · Violation corrected

Enrollment and Discharge Procedures

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(d) · Violation corrected

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 489565 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Feb 2012 Monitoring visit 6 findings

Monitoring visit · February 8, 2012

Guidance and Discipline

3 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(c) through (6) · Violation corrected

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.270(c) · 407.270(c)(2) · 407.270(c)(6)

General Requirements for Personnel

2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(a)(10) through (b)(1) · Violation corrected

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.100(a)(10) · 407.100(b)(1)

Program Requirements for All Ages

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.200(r) · Violation corrected

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 489565 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Nov 2011 Monitoring visit 3 findings

Monitoring visit · November 29, 2011

Health Requirements for Children

2 citations · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(a)(3) through (5) · Violation corrected

89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310(a)(3) · 407.310(a)(5)

Enrollment and Discharge Procedures

1 citation · 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250(i)(4) · Violation corrected

DCFS compliance lookup On that page, enter provider number 489565 in the Provider box and choose Search; the compliance report downloads from the button on the result row.

Openings, child care subsidies, cost, hours and late pickup, teaching approach, ratios and staff, a typical day, and sick and biting policies aren’t on this page.

Details

8476801886

Address: 461 Townline Rd
License: license issued (il)

Run The Goddard School-Vernon Hills? Correct or add anything here, free.

Add what is missing

Sources and dates

Where every fact on this page came from, and when Shortlist last checked it against that source. Anything Shortlist could not source is named here rather than left blank.

State record

From Illinois DCFS’s published reports, last checked October 10, 2026.

Details

Phone, Address, License — Checked August 2026 sunshine.dcfs.illinois.gov/…/ProviderLookup.aspx. To check it, open sunshine.dcfs.illinois.gov's Licensed Provider Lookup, enter "THE GODDARD SCHOOL-VERNON HILLS" under Provider Name and 60061 under Zip, and press Search (DCFS provider 489565).
Who runs it — Checked October 2026 goddardschool.com/…/vernon-hills/vernon-hills
Who runs it — Checked October 2026 sycamorepartners.com
Who runs it — Checked September 2026 goddardschool.com/about

The private-equity firm Sycamore Partners lists Goddard Systems as a current investment. sycamorepartners.com

Goddard’s own site says “All Goddard Schools are independently owned and operated.” goddardschool.com

Large means the biggest quarter of Chicago-area’s 1,949 licensed centers by state-licensed capacity: 119 to 487 children. Small is 8 to 48; medium is 49 to 118.