The Best Daycare Centers in Armstrong, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Armstrong. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Armstrong
Kiddie Academy of Danville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Danville is a highly-rated educational childcare center serving the Armstrong area with a comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and modern learning environments with age-appropriate classrooms. Their program includes nutritious meals, regular parent communication through mobile apps, and developmentally appropriate play spaces. The academy maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and has built a strong reputation for preparing children for kindergarten success through structured learning activities and hands-on experiences.
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Discovery Tree Academy
Discovery Tree Learning Centers
Discovery Tree Academy provides quality early childhood education with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Montessori-inspired activities and structured academic preparation. The center features certified early childhood educators, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and social skills through hands-on activities and creative play. The academy offers extended hours to accommodate working families, provides healthy snacks and meals, and maintains small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios. Parents consistently praise the caring staff and the center's clean, safe environment.
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Children's Learning World
Children's Learning World
Children's Learning World has served the Danville area and surrounding communities including Armstrong for nearly two decades with a balanced curriculum that combines academic readiness with social development. The center features experienced early childhood educators, secure facilities with controlled access, and comprehensive learning programs that include music, art, and physical education. Their approach focuses on individualized learning plans, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent partnerships. The center maintains DCFS licensing compliance with excellent safety records and offers flexible scheduling options including full-time, part-time, and drop-in care. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Armstrong, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Armstrong, Illinois, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Armstrong, Illinois, all daycare centers and licensed home daycares must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). DCFS sets strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and ongoing training), facility safety, and health protocols. To verify a provider's license status, complaint history, and inspection reports, you can use the DCFS "Child Care License Lookup" tool on their official website. This is a crucial first step for any parent in Armstrong to ensure the provider operates legally and meets state-mandated safety standards.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Armstrong, IL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Armstrong and the surrounding rural areas of Champaign County, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $250 per week, while toddler care is slightly lower, around $150 to $225 per week. These costs can vary based on the type of facility (center-based vs. home-based) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low-income families. Applications are processed through the local Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Armstrong, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare centers in a small community like Armstrong, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It's not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long. To secure a spot, parents are advised to begin their search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. Be proactive: contact providers directly, schedule tours, complete all preliminary paperwork, and check in periodically (every 2-3 months) to express continued interest. Exploring licensed home daycares in the area can also provide more immediate availability.
Are there any daycare options in Armstrong that offer flexible hours for parents with non-traditional or agricultural work schedules?
Given Armstrong's location in a rural, agricultural region, some local licensed home daycare providers may offer more flexible hours than traditional centers, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekend care to accommodate farming and shift work. However, these spots are highly sought after. It's essential to communicate your specific scheduling needs upfront when interviewing providers. There are very few, if any, 24-hour daycare centers in the immediate area, so building a relationship with a flexible in-home provider or considering a nanny share with other local families might be necessary alternatives.
What resources are available in Armstrong to help me find and evaluate local childcare options?
The primary resource for Armstrong parents is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Region 8**, which serves Champaign County. They maintain a comprehensive, updated database of all licensed providers in the area. You can contact them for free, personalized referrals based on your child's age, your location, and your schedule. They can also guide you through the CCAP application process. Additionally, local community hubs like the Armstrong Township Library or the Armstrong-Ellis Grade School may have bulletin boards with information, and connecting with other parents through community Facebook groups (e.g., "Armstrong, IL Community") can provide valuable firsthand recommendations and insights.