The Best Daycare Centers in Fairview Heights, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fairview Heights. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fairview Heights
KinderCare Learning Center at Fairview Heights
KinderCare Education
This highly-rated KinderCare center offers comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum including phonics, math, science, and social skills development. Features include secure entry systems, certified teachers with ongoing professional development, age-appropriate learning environments, and nutritious meal programs. The center emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Parents consistently praise the engaging curriculum, qualified staff, and strong communication about child development progress.
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La Petite Academy of Fairview Heights
La Petite Academy
La Petite Academy provides a well-rounded educational experience with their proprietary Links to Learning curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, creative arts, and social-emotional development. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, and webcam access for parents. Staff includes experienced early childhood educators with CPR and first aid certification. The program emphasizes school readiness while maintaining a nurturing environment for infant and toddler care.
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The Goddard School of O'Fallon
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Fairview Heights, The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Features include state-of-the-art security systems, highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in education, STEM curriculum integration, and extensive enrichment programs. The school maintains exceptional safety standards with comprehensive background checks and ongoing staff training. Parents consistently rate this facility highly for its educational quality, communication, and nurturing environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fairview Heights, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Fairview Heights, IL?
In Fairview Heights, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For center-based care, parents can expect to pay between $225 to $325 per week for an infant (under 2 years), and slightly less, around $200 to $275 per week, for a toddler. In-home daycare providers often charge $150 to $225 per week. These rates are generally in line with the Metro East area of Illinois. Costs can be higher for facilities with specialized curricula, extended hours, or newer facilities. It's important to note that Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, which can significantly offset these costs. Always inquire about what is included in the weekly rate (meals, snacks, supplies) and if there are any registration or annual fees.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Fairview Heights is properly licensed and what should I look for in inspection reports?
All licensed daycare providers in Illinois are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a facility's license and view its official monitoring reports through the DCFS "Child Care License Lookup" tool online. For a Fairview Heights provider, search by name or zip code (62208). When reviewing reports, look for the license type (Day Care Center, Group Day Care Home, or Day Care Home), its expiration date, and the capacity. Pay close attention to any "Type A" violations, which are the most serious and concern health and safety. Also, check for the history of complaints and how they were resolved. A clean record with regular, uneventful monitoring visits is a positive sign. You can also call the DCFS Licensing Representative for the Southern Region for additional context.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Fairview Heights, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common, especially for infant rooms and highly-rated centers in Fairview Heights. Popular centers near major employers like the medical facilities or Scott Air Force Base often have the longest lists, sometimes 6 to 12 months out. The best strategy is to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy or 4-6 months before your needed start date. Contact multiple centers (both chain and independent) to get on their lists, even if you're unsure. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is typical. Don't overlook licensed in-home providers, which may have more immediate availability. Follow up with centers every 4-8 weeks to confirm your spot on the list and express continued interest. Flexibility on your start date can also help.
What are some of the key enrichment programs or unique features offered by daycare centers in the Fairview Heights area?
Many daycare centers in Fairview Heights go beyond basic care to offer structured enrichment. Common programs include: **Early STEM learning** through hands-on activities, **language exposure** (some centers introduce Spanish), and **motor skill development** in dedicated indoor gyms or playgrounds. Given the city's proximity to Scott Air Force Base, several centers are familiar with military families and may participate in fee assistance programs like NACCRRA. You'll also find centers with **technology-integrated learning** (like interactive smart boards for pre-K), **faith-based curricula** (at centers affiliated with local churches), and **organic or locally-sourced meal programs**. The Fairview Heights School District 205's pre-K collaboration with some centers is also a notable feature for school readiness.
What local resources in Fairview Heights can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Fairview Heights parents have several valuable local resources. First, the **Illinois Action for Children (IAFC) Resource & Referral service** is a free, confidential helpline that provides customized lists of licensed providers in your zip code based on your specific needs (hours, age, etc.). You can reach them at (618) 398-1995. Secondly, the **City of Fairview Heights Parks & Recreation Department** often has information on preschool programs and seasonal camps that can supplement care. For networking, consider local Facebook groups like "Fairview Heights Community" or "Metro East Moms," where parents frequently share firsthand recommendations and availability alerts. Finally, the **St. Clair County Child Death Review Team** and local DCFS office provide community education on safe sleep and choosing quality care, often hosting informational events.
Nearby Cities
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