The Best Daycare Centers in Freeburg, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Freeburg. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Freeburg
Kiddie Academy of O'Fallon
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of O'Fallon is a highly-regarded educational childcare center serving the Freeburg area with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and creative arts. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their spacious classrooms include age-appropriate learning centers, and they maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility offers nutritious meals prepared on-site and features both indoor and outdoor play areas designed for developmental activities. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, structured learning environment, and the genuine care shown by staff.
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The Goddard School of O'Fallon
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in O'Fallon provides a premier early childhood education program serving Freeburg families with their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. The center employs degreed teachers who receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certification. Features include secure keypad entry, live streaming for parents, and daily health screenings. The play-based learning environment includes STEM labs, art studios, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and regular progress reports, with parents noting exceptional teacher engagement and comprehensive preparation for kindergarten.
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Children's Learning Place - Belleville
Children's Learning Place
Children's Learning Place in Belleville is a well-established childcare center serving the Freeburg community with a comprehensive curriculum that incorporates Creative Curriculum® alongside specialized programs in literacy, mathematics, and social studies. The center maintains small class sizes with experienced early childhood educators who participate in continuous training. Safety features include secured perimeters, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, and preschool classrooms with hands-on learning materials. Parents appreciate the center's structured daily routine, focus on developmental milestones, and the warm, nurturing environment that promotes both learning and social development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Freeburg, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Freeburg, IL?
In Freeburg and the surrounding St. Clair County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $180 to $250 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare providers often have slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $140 to $200 per week. These costs are generally lower than in larger metro areas like St. Louis, but it's important to note that prices have been rising. Many providers include meals and basic supplies in their weekly rate. We recommend contacting providers directly for their most current pricing and to inquire about any potential registration or annual fees.
How can I verify that a daycare provider in Freeburg is properly licensed and has a good record?
All licensed daycare providers in Illinois, including those in Freeburg, are regulated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can and should verify a provider's license and review their inspection history online through the DCFS "Child Care Facility and Day Care Home Search" tool on their official website. This public database shows the license status, capacity, and any recent licensing violations or complaints. Additionally, you can contact the DCFS Licensing Representative for Region 5, which covers St. Clair County, for further information. Always ask the provider for their license number during your tour.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Freeburg, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlist times in Freeburg can vary. For the most sought-after centers and for infant care (which has stricter staff-to-child ratios), waitlists of 3 to 9 months are not uncommon. Smaller in-home providers may have more immediate openings but often fill spots quickly due to limited capacity. It is highly advisable to begin your search and schedule tours at least 6-12 months before your needed start date, especially if you require care for an infant. When touring, ask specifically about their waitlist process, any deposit required to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position.
What local resources or programs in Freeburg can help me find and afford quality childcare?
Parents in Freeburg have several key local resources. The Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for this region is **Illinois Action for Children**. They offer a free referral service to help you find licensed providers that match your needs and can provide detailed information on financial assistance programs. For help with costs, you may qualify for the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides subsidies based on family income, work, or school attendance. You can apply for CCAP through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Additionally, checking with local organizations like the Freeburg Community Consolidated School District 70 or the Freeburg Public Library may provide leads on preschool programs or community bulletin boards with childcare listings.
What are some key questions to ask during a tour of a daycare or preschool in Freeburg?
Beyond general questions about curriculum and daily routines, ask specific questions relevant to local operations. Inquire about their emergency preparedness for severe weather common to Southern Illinois, such as tornado drills and shelter locations. Ask how they handle transportation or field trips given Freeburg's more rural setting. Clarify their policies for school closure days (e.g., snow days) for programs attached to District 70. It's also crucial to ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, and their specific plan for communication with parents. Finally, request contact information for two or three current parents who are willing to provide a reference about their experience with the provider in the Freeburg community.