The Best Daycare Centers in Elizabethtown, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Elizabethtown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Elizabethtown
Shawnee Development Council Head Start - Hardin County
Shawnee Development Council
Shawnee Development Council operates a comprehensive Head Start program in Hardin County focusing on school readiness and child development. The center provides evidence-based early childhood education with qualified teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development through structured play and learning activities. The facility maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and follows strict safety protocols. Services include health screenings, nutritional meals, and family support services. As a federally-funded program, they serve income-eligible families with comprehensive early childhood services.
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Kiddie Kampus Learning Center
Independent
Located in nearby Harrisburg (serving the broader Southern Illinois region including Hardin County), Kiddie Kampus Learning Center provides high-quality childcare with a strong educational foundation. The center features a comprehensive curriculum that includes STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. All teachers are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor play areas. They emphasize individualized learning plans and maintain open communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences. Their nutrition program provides balanced meals meeting USDA guidelines.
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Little Learners Academy
Independent
Serving Southern Illinois families including Hardin County residents, Little Learners Academy offers a nurturing environment with a play-based learning approach. The center's curriculum is designed to promote cognitive, social, and physical development through hands-on activities and structured learning centers. Qualified early childhood educators implement developmentally appropriate practices with small class sizes. Safety features include secured entrances, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The academy provides nutritious meals and snacks, and maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family engagement events. Their program includes kindergarten readiness assessment and transition support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Elizabethtown, IL
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Elizabethtown, IL, and how do I find them?
In Elizabethtown, a small village in Hardin County, your primary licensed childcare options are typically licensed family childcare homes and possibly a licensed childcare center. Due to the rural nature of the area, home-based providers are more common than large centers. To find licensed providers, you should use the official Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Child Care Search tool online. You can filter by zip code (62931) and view inspection reports and licensing status. Additionally, contacting the Hardin County Health Department or asking for local recommendations in community Facebook groups or at the Elizabethtown Community Center can be very helpful.
Are there any state-funded childcare assistance programs available for families in Elizabethtown, and how do I qualify?
Yes, the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is available to eligible families in Elizabethtown. This program helps low-income families, those in education or training programs, and parents working at least 25 hours a week pay for childcare. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care. You apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Given the county's economic profile, many families may qualify. The local IDHS office for Hardin County is a key resource, and you can also get application assistance from the Shawnee Development Council, which serves the region.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Elizabethtown, and are waitlists common?
In Elizabethtown and surrounding Hardin County, costs for full-time daycare are generally lower than state urban averages but can vary. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $120 to $180 per week for an infant or toddler. Due to the limited number of providers in a small community, waitlists are very common and can be lengthy, sometimes several months. It's crucial to begin your search and make inquiries as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. Some families may need to consider providers in nearby towns like Rosiclare or Cave-In-Rock if local options are full.
What specific state licensing requirements and safety standards should I verify for a daycare provider in Illinois?
All licensed providers in Illinois must meet DCFS standards. Key requirements to verify include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers), background checks for all employees, annual health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), safe sleep practices for infants, and regular facility inspections. You can view a provider's full licensing history, including any violations, on the DCFS website. In a small town like Elizabethtown, it's also wise to ask about their emergency plans for severe weather common to Southern Illinois and their policy on transporting children, given the rural location.
Are there part-time, drop-in, or preschool-focused programs available for children in Elizabethtown?
Traditional part-time or drop-in daycare options are extremely limited in Elizabethtown due to the scale of local providers. Most family childcare homes require a set, full-time schedule to maintain stability. For preschool-focused education, your main local option is likely the Hardin County Pre-K program, which is part of the local school district (Hardin County Community Unit School District #1). This state-funded program has income and age eligibility requirements. For more flexible or supplemental care, parents often look to neighboring communities or rely on informal networks of family and trusted friends within the village.