The Best Daycare Centers in Anna, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Anna. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Anna
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Carbondale offers a premier early childhood education program serving families throughout Southern Illinois, including Anna. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on developmental objectives while encouraging play-based learning. The school features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and social-emotional development in purpose-built classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play areas with modern equipment and maintains small teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention.
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Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy provides comprehensive childcare services to families throughout Southern Illinois, including Anna residents. Their developmentally appropriate curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts through hands-on learning experiences. The center maintains state-exceeding staff-to-child ratios and employs educators with early childhood credentials. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular emergency drills. The facility offers nutritious meal programs, spacious indoor learning environments, and safe outdoor playgrounds. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences tracking developmental milestones.
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SIU Child Development Laboratories
Southern Illinois University
Operated by Southern Illinois University's School of Education, this NAEYC-accredited facility serves as both a childcare center and teaching laboratory for early childhood education students. The program implements research-based curriculum emphasizing inquiry-based learning, social development, and school readiness. Highly qualified lead teachers hold advanced degrees in early childhood education and maintain low child-to-staff ratios. The facility features observation rooms for parent viewing, specialized learning centers, and natural outdoor play spaces. As a university program, they incorporate the latest educational research and maintain exceptional safety standards with comprehensive health protocols and secure campus facilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Anna, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Anna, Illinois, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Anna, Illinois, all daycare centers and home-based providers caring for more than three children unrelated to them must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Licensing ensures facilities meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications, and program activities. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool on their official website. You can search by facility name, city (Anna), or zip code. It's crucial to check for any recent violations or conditional licenses. For very small in-home care (3 or fewer children), providers may be legally exempt from licensing but can choose to become licensed. Always ask for references and visit in person, even for licensed facilities.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Anna, IL, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Anna and the surrounding Southern Illinois region, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $150 to $225 per week. For toddlers, costs may be slightly lower, around $135 to $200 per week. Home-based daycare is often more affordable, ranging from $100 to $175 weekly. These rates can vary based on the facility's amenities, hours, and curriculum. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low-income families, working parents, and students pay for care. You apply through the local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region, which for Anna is the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) Head Start/CCR&R. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Anna, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Waitlists in Anna can vary significantly. For highly sought-after centers or infant rooms (which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios), waitlists of 3 to 9 months are not uncommon. For toddler and preschool rooms, waits may be shorter, often 1 to 4 months. To improve your chances, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). Follow up with centers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Jonesboro, Cobden, or Murphysboro, and explore licensed home daycare options, which often have more immediate availability.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in Anna, and how does it typically work?
For school-age children attending Anna-Jonesboro Community School District 81, the primary option is the district's own "Tiger Club" program, which provides before and after-school care at the elementary school. This program usually operates from around 6:30 AM until school starts and from dismissal until 6:00 PM. It includes supervised activities, homework help, and snacks. Some local daycare centers and licensed home providers in Anna also offer school-age care, which may include transportation to and from school. It's important to inquire about registration deadlines, daily rates (often $15-$25 per session), and whether care is offered on school holidays and teacher institute days. Availability can be limited, so early registration is key.
Are there any unique local resources or programs in Anna for finding and evaluating childcare options?
Yes, a key local resource is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) service provided by Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). They serve Union County, including Anna. This free service helps parents find licensed and license-exempt providers that match their needs (location, hours, child's age). They can also provide guidance on what to look for during a visit, questions to ask providers, and information on state regulations. Additionally, connecting with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Anna, IL Community" or "Anna-Jonesboro Area Parents") can provide personal recommendations and insights into the reputation and day-to-day operations of local daycares. The Anna Public Library may also have community bulletin boards with information on local home-based providers.