The Best Daycare Centers in Benson, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Benson. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Benson
The Goddard School of Bloomington
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Bloomington offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their highly qualified teachers implement age-appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, social-emotional development, and creative arts. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with observation windows, and age-appropriate playgrounds. All teachers are degreed or certified in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and emphasizes individualized learning plans with regular progress updates for parents.
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Bright Horizons at Bloomington
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Bloomington provides comprehensive early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum, emphasizing hands-on learning and development across all domains. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their Emergent Curriculum adapts to children's interests while ensuring kindergarten readiness. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, spacious preschool classrooms with learning centers, and outdoor exploration spaces. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing training in child development, safety protocols, and inclusive teaching practices.
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Little Jewels Learning Center
Little Jewels Learning Center
Little Jewels Learning Center serves the McLean County area with a comprehensive Christian-based early childhood program that balances academic preparation with character development. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on math and science activities, and creative arts. The center maintains small class sizes with low student-to-teacher ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive emergency protocols, and regular safety drills. The facility offers age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated nap rooms, and nutritious meal programs. Parents receive daily communication and regular developmental assessments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Benson, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Benson, Illinois?
In Benson and the surrounding Woodford County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $180 to $250 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $140 to $200 per week. These costs are generally lower than the state average for Illinois, reflecting the rural nature of the community. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Limited local options can sometimes mean fewer price variations, so early inquiry is recommended.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Benson is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed daycare providers in Illinois are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). To verify a provider's license and review their history, you can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. Simply enter "Benson, IL" or the provider's name. This report will show the license status, capacity, and any serious licensing violations or complaints found valid within the last three years. For Benson specifically, you can also contact the Woodford County Health Department or ask providers directly for their license number and certification. Given the small number of providers in the area, many parents also rely on word-of-mouth recommendations from local community groups or churches.
Are there any state or local programs in Benson that help with childcare costs for low to middle-income families?
Yes, the primary program is the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is administered locally through the Woodford County office of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care (such as employment or education). Benson residents can apply online via the State of Illinois Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) website or seek assistance from the IDHS office in nearby Eureka. Additionally, some local daycare providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking with employers in the area, such as agricultural cooperatives or manufacturing plants, as some may offer dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
What is the availability and typical waitlist situation for daycare centers in Benson, especially for infants?
Due to Benson's small population, there are a limited number of licensed daycare options, which often leads to limited availability, particularly for infants who require a lower staff-to-child ratio. It is very common for the established daycare centers and popular in-home providers in Benson to have waitlists, sometimes several months long. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search and get on waitlists during pregnancy or as early as possible. Exploring providers in nearby towns like Minonk, Roanoke, or El Paso may increase options, but they often serve their own communities first. Persistence and networking through local Facebook community pages (e.g., "Benson, IL Community") can sometimes uncover openings.
What are the common types of childcare settings available in Benson, and how do I choose between them?
Benson primarily offers two types of licensed childcare: licensed family child care homes (operated in a provider's residence) and licensed child care centers. Family homes often provide a smaller, home-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. Centers typically offer a more structured preschool curriculum and have multiple staff. Given the rural setting, there are also a number of legally license-exempt providers, such as relatives or small in-home caregivers watching three or fewer children. When choosing, consider your child's needs, the provider's daily schedule, meal plans, outdoor play space, and emergency plans for severe weather common in Central Illinois. Visiting the location, asking for references from other Benson parents, and ensuring you feel comfortable with the caregiver's philosophy are crucial steps.