The Best Daycare Centers in Colona, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Colona. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Colona
Colona Daycare & Learning Center
Independent
A locally-owned childcare center serving Colona and surrounding communities since 2009. Offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. Features certified early childhood educators, low student-to-teacher ratios, and a secure facility with monitored access. The curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, creative arts, and outdoor play in their fenced playground. Known for their family-oriented atmosphere and personalized attention to each child's developmental needs. Provides nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program.
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The Goddard School of Moline
Goddard Systems, Inc.
A premier early childhood education center located approximately 15 minutes from Colona. Features the Goddard School's F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. The facility includes state-of-the-art classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, and secure indoor and outdoor play areas. Staff includes degreed teachers with early childhood certifications, and the program emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and creative expression. Offers extended hours and comprehensive safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular safety drills. Highly rated for their communication with parents and individualized learning plans.
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Bright Horizons at Moline
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
A nationally recognized childcare provider located approximately 20 minutes from Colona. Offers the World at Their Fingertips® curriculum that combines hands-on learning with developmentally appropriate activities. Features purpose-built classrooms, dedicated outdoor learning environments, and enhanced safety measures including keypad entry and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Employs early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees and specialized training in child development. The program focuses on building foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, and social studies while promoting creativity and physical development. Known for their strong parent partnership approach and regular developmental progress reporting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Colona, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Colona, IL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Colona and the surrounding Henry County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $150 to $200 per week. Preschool programs often cost between $120 and $180 per week. These rates are generally more affordable than in larger Illinois metro areas but can vary based on the facility's amenities and curriculum. For financial assistance, Illinois' Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is the primary resource for eligible families. You can apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Additionally, local organizations like the United Way of the Quad Cities may offer guidance or supplemental support. It's recommended to contact providers directly, as some may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Colona?
All licensed daycare providers in Illinois, including those in Colona, are regulated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license and view their official compliance history, including any violations, through the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool available on their website. Simply enter the provider's name or location. It's crucial to check this for both daycare centers and licensed home providers. You can also call the DCFS licensing representative for the Northern Region, which covers Henry County, for additional information. Always ask any potential provider for their license number and confirm it matches the state database to ensure they are operating legally and meeting health, safety, and staff qualification standards.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Colona, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to Colona's smaller size and limited number of dedicated daycare centers, waitlists for infant care, in particular, can be common and may range from several months to over a year. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as you know you will need care, ideally during pregnancy or at least 6-12 months before your desired start date. For preschool slots for older toddlers, waitlists tend to be shorter but still exist. Don't limit your search to Colona alone; many families also consider licensed home daycares in Colona or centers in neighboring communities like Carbon Cliff, Silvis, or Moline, which may have different availability. Being proactive and placing non-refundable deposits on multiple lists is a common strategy.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Colona, IL?
Colona primarily offers two types of licensed childcare options. The first is licensed family child care homes, which are smaller, home-based settings often caring for a mixed-age group of up to 8-12 children. These can offer a more flexible, family-like environment. The second option is daycare centers, though there are fewer physical centers within Colona's city limits. Many families also utilize providers in nearby towns that are within a short commute. Additionally, you may find part-time preschool programs, often affiliated with local churches or community organizations. For school-age children, the Colona Elementary School district may offer before-and-after-school programs. Due to the limited in-town options, exploring the broader Quad Cities region is a practical approach for many parents.
What are some key local factors or resources for finding and evaluating daycare in Colona?
A key local resource is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region, which is administered by SAL Community Services for the Illinois Quad Cities area. They maintain a database of licensed providers in Henry County and can offer personalized referrals. When evaluating options, consider Colona's semi-rural setting: inquire about outdoor play areas and policies for inclement weather. Also, ask about transportation or partnerships with local school districts for school-age children. Given the community's size, word-of-mouth and local Facebook groups (e.g., "Colona, IL Community") are invaluable for getting parent recommendations and insights into a provider's reputation. Finally, always schedule an in-person visit to observe the environment, ask about staff turnover (which can impact consistency in a small market), and understand their emergency procedures for the area.