The Best Daycare Centers in Delavan, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Delavan. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Delavan
Little Lambs Learning Center
Independent
Little Lambs Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility serving Delavan with a comprehensive educational approach. They offer a structured curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development, using both play-based and structured learning activities. The center features qualified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. Their facility includes secure indoor classrooms and safe outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. The center emphasizes Christian values while welcoming children of all backgrounds, and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean environment, and strong communication about child development progress.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located in nearby Pekin (approximately 15 miles from Delavan), The Goddard School serves the broader Tazewell County area with a nationally recognized F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). This play-based curriculum focuses on seven learning domains: personal/social, language/literacy, math, science, social studies, creative expression, and physical development. The school features state-certified teachers, secure keypad entry systems, and modern classrooms with advanced learning materials. Their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) enrichment programs and daily yoga/mindfulness activities set them apart. The facility maintains excellent safety records and offers flexible scheduling options for working families commuting from Delavan.
Daycare Services:
Sunshine Early Learning Center
Independent
Serving the Morton area (approximately 12 miles from Delavan), Sunshine Early Learning Center has built a strong reputation for quality early childhood education. Their comprehensive curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum® with supplemental literacy and math programs, preparing children for kindergarten success. The center features degreed lead teachers with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Their facility includes secure, age-specific classrooms, indoor gross motor play space, and fenced outdoor playgrounds. The center emphasizes character development, social skills, and hands-on learning experiences. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the center's communication, safety protocols, and the visible developmental progress of their children.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Delavan, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Delavan, IL?
In Delavan and the surrounding Tazewell County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility and the age of your child. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $175 to $225 per week for infant care. For toddlers, the cost may drop slightly to around $150 to $200 per week. In-home licensed daycare providers often offer more competitive rates, typically ranging from $125 to $175 per week. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices can fluctuate. We recommend contacting providers directly for their most current rates and inquiring about what is included (meals, snacks, supplies). Financial assistance may be available through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Delavan is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed daycare homes and centers in Illinois are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can and should verify a provider's license status and review their official history online. Visit the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" website. You can search by the provider's name, facility name, or by city (Delavan). This public portal will show you the license status (active, expired, etc.), the facility's capacity, any serious licensing violations, and the dates of their last monitoring visits. For a complete file, including full inspection reports, you can submit a formal request to DCFS. Always ask the provider for their license number to cross-reference.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Delavan, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Delavan's smaller, rural community size, the number of daycare centers is limited compared to larger cities. This can sometimes lead to waitlists, especially for infant care slots, which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is highly advisable to begin your search during your pregnancy or at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date. Popular local centers may have waitlists of 3 to 6 months or longer. When you tour a facility, always ask about their current waitlist policy, estimated timeline, and if they require a deposit to hold a spot. Exploring licensed in-home daycare options can also provide more immediate availability.
What are some local resources or organizations in Delavan that can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
A key local resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for your region**, which is often your best starting point. For Tazewell County (which includes Delavan), this service is provided by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) through their referral line and website. They maintain a database of licensed providers, can help you understand state regulations, and provide guidance on quality indicators. Additionally, you can connect with other parents through local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Delavan, IL Community" pages) for personal recommendations and insights into home-based providers that may not be as widely advertised.
What should I look for during a tour of a potential daycare in Delavan, given Illinois state standards?
During a tour, go beyond the basics. First, confirm the provider's DCFS license is visibly posted. Observe the staff-to-child ratios: Illinois requires 1:4 for infants (0-14 months), 1:5 for toddlers (15-23 months), and 1:8 for 2-year-olds. Ask about staff qualifications and tenure; low turnover is a good sign. Check for safety features specific to the setting—secure entrances, covered electrical outlets, safe sleep practices for infants (cribs with firm mattresses, no loose bedding), and fenced outdoor play areas. Inquire about their daily schedule, philosophy on learning/play, and policies on sick children, communication (like daily reports), and emergency procedures. Trust your instincts on the cleanliness and overall feel of the environment.