The Best Daycare Centers in De Land, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in De Land. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in De Land
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 curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional learning with highly qualified teachers who hold degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents through their mobile app. The school is known for its comprehensive safety protocols and nurturing environment that encourages children's natural curiosity.
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Bright Horizons at State Farm Bloomington
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at State Farm Bloomington provides high-quality early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes emergent learning and project-based activities. The center features state-licensed teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. Their secure facility includes dedicated infant rooms, STEM labs, art studios, and outdoor learning environments. The program focuses on developing critical thinking skills, creativity, and social competence through hands-on learning experiences. They maintain rigorous health and safety standards with comprehensive background checks for all staff and emergency preparedness training.
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Children's Discovery Center
Children's Discovery Center
Children's Discovery Center offers a comprehensive early childhood program with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum standards. Their experienced teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators who create individualized learning plans for each child. The center features modern classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and specialized learning centers for literacy, mathematics, and creative arts. They emphasize character development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness through structured activities and free play. The facility maintains strict safety protocols including coded entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive health and cleanliness procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in De Land, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in De Land, Illinois, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In De Land, Illinois, all daycare centers and home-based providers caring for more than three children must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Licensing ensures facilities meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), and program curriculum. To verify a provider's license and view any history of violations, you can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool on their official website. For very small, license-exempt home care (3 or fewer children), it's crucial to conduct your own thorough vetting. You can also contact the local DCFS office serving Piatt County for additional guidance.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in De Land, and are there financial assistance programs available locally?
In the De Land area and surrounding Piatt County, full-time daycare for an infant can average between $175 to $250 per week, while toddler care may range from $150 to $220 per week. Costs vary based on the provider's type (center vs. home-based), amenities, and curriculum. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low-income families pay for care. Applications are processed through the Piatt County 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 the De Land area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like De Land, waitlists for infant and toddler spots at licensed centers can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months, especially for popular providers. To improve your chances, it's advisable to begin your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. Be proactive: contact centers directly, schedule tours, ask about their specific list process (some require a deposit), and follow up periodically. Also, consider expanding your search to licensed family child care homes in De Land and nearby towns like Cerro Gordo or Monticello, which may have shorter wait times.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in De Land that offer specialized programs, such as for children with special needs or faith-based curricula?
As a small village, De Land itself has a limited number of providers, so specialized programs may require looking at neighboring communities. For faith-based options, churches in nearby Monticello or Bement may offer preschool programs with a religious component. For children with special needs, all licensed providers in Illinois are required to make reasonable accommodations. However, for more specialized support, you would likely connect with the Early Intervention program for children under 3 (through the state) or the local school district's early childhood program for ages 3-5. The Piatt County Special Education Cooperative can be a key resource for evaluations and referrals to inclusive childcare settings.
What should I look for during a tour of a potential daycare home or center in De Land, given the rural setting?
When touring in De Land, pay attention to factors unique to a rural setting. Inquire about their emergency preparedness plans for severe weather common to Central Illinois (tornadoes, winter storms) and their protocol for transportation or field trips on country roads. Check the outdoor play area for safety and fencing, considering the potential proximity to agricultural fields or machinery. Ask about their policy on well water testing if the home uses a private well. Also, assess their communication plans for potential internet/cell service variability. Always verify the provider's license, check for cleanliness and safety (covered outlets, secure gates), observe caregiver-child interactions, and ask for references from other local parents.