The Best Daycare Centers in Freeman Spur, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Freeman Spur. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Freeman Spur
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Marion 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 highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development with daily progress reports and parent communication. Their comprehensive safety protocols and nutritious meal programs make them a top choice for families in the Freeman Spur area.
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Little Scholars Learning Academy
Little Scholars Management
Little Scholars Learning Academy provides a structured educational environment with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes early literacy, mathematics, and social skills development. Their certified early childhood educators implement individualized learning plans and maintain detailed developmental tracking. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, age-specific learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds. They offer extended hours and flexible scheduling to accommodate working families. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular conferences, classroom observations, and family events. Their comprehensive approach includes nutritionally balanced meals and transportation services for school-age children.
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Little Lambs Christian Daycare
Independent Christian Center
Little Lambs Christian Daycare offers a faith-based educational program that integrates Christian values with comprehensive early childhood development. Their experienced staff provides nurturing care with age-appropriate curriculum that includes Bible stories, prayer, and character development alongside academic preparation. The facility includes secure classrooms, modern playground equipment, and dedicated infant care areas. They maintain excellent staff-to-child ratios and employ state-certified early childhood educators. The program emphasizes social skills, emotional development, and kindergarten readiness through hands-on learning activities. Their extended hours and summer enrichment programs serve working families throughout the Freeman Spur region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Freeman Spur, IL
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Freeman Spur, IL?
In Freeman Spur, Illinois, parents primarily have access to two types of licensed childcare: licensed home daycares and center-based programs. Due to the village's small size, there are no large commercial childcare chains within the village limits. Most options are home-based providers licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). For center-based care, families often look to nearby larger communities like Marion or Herrin, which are within a 15-20 minute drive. These centers offer structured preschool curricula and extended hours. It's crucial to verify a provider's license status through the DCFS website, as Illinois has strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, and provider training.
How much does daycare typically cost in Freeman Spur, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
Childcare costs in the Freeman Spur area are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas of Illinois, but they vary by type. Licensed home daycares in the village may charge between $120-$180 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Center-based care in nearby Marion typically ranges from $150-$220 per week. Financial assistance is available through the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which uses a sliding scale based on family income, household size, and reason for care (e.g., employment, education). Eligibility and application are managed through the Southern Illinois Regional Office. Additionally, some local employers and the John A. Logan College in Carterville may have resources or referrals for subsidized care.
Are waitlists common for daycare providers in Freeman Spur, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common, especially for the most sought-after licensed home providers in Freeman Spur and for infant spots at centers in the surrounding region. Due to the limited number of providers serving the immediate area, availability can be tight. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search at least 3-6 months before their needed start date, and if expecting a child, to get on lists during the second trimester. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and policy. Being flexible with your start date can improve your chances. Don't hesitate to expand your search to the broader Williamson County area to increase options.
What are the key questions to ask a potential home daycare provider in Freeman Spur during a tour or interview?
Beyond general questions about daily routines and philosophy, parents in Freeman Spur should ask specific, location-relevant questions. These include: "Are you licensed by Illinois DCFS, and may I see your license?"; "What is your emergency plan for severe weather common in Southern Illinois, like tornadoes?"; "Do you have a safe, enclosed outdoor play space, and how do you handle outdoor time in hot/humid weather?"; "What is your policy for school closure days (e.g., for District 309) if you care for school-aged siblings?"; and "Can you provide references from other local families?" Also, inquire about transportation policies if the provider does school pick-ups from local districts.
What resources are available in Freeman Spur to help me find and evaluate licensed childcare providers?
The primary resource for finding licensed providers is the Illinois DCFS "Child Care Lookup" tool online, which allows you to search by zip code (62843) and view licensing history and any violations. For personalized referral help, contact the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Southern Illinois, which is operated by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA). They can provide lists of licensed providers in Freeman Spur and the surrounding area. Locally, you can also check community bulletin boards at the Freeman Spur Village Hall or the post office, and ask for recommendations through local Facebook community groups or from your pediatrician's office in Marion or Herrin.