The Best Daycare Centers in Goodfield, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Goodfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Goodfield
Little Jewels Learning Center
Independent
Little Jewels Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility located just minutes from Goodfield in neighboring Eureka. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social, emotional, and academic development. The center features state-certified teachers, low student-to-teacher ratios, and a secure facility with monitored access. Their curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, creative arts, and outdoor play in their fenced playground. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean environment, and excellent communication. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks and maintains strict health and safety protocols.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Bloomington serves families throughout McLean County, including Goodfield residents. This nationally recognized early childhood education provider offers a research-based F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The facility features bright, modern classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, and secure entry systems. All teachers are early childhood education professionals who receive ongoing training. The curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and character development. Parents appreciate the daily communication through their proprietary app, regular progress reports, and the school's commitment to individualized attention for each child.
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Eastland Early Childhood Center
Unit 5 School District
Eastland Early Childhood Center is part of the highly-regarded Unit 5 School District and serves children from throughout McLean County, including Goodfield. This public early childhood program offers a comprehensive preschool experience with certified early childhood educators and specialists. The center provides both general education and specialized programs for children with diverse learning needs. Their developmentally appropriate curriculum emphasizes school readiness skills, social-emotional development, and early literacy. The facility includes specialized learning environments, sensory rooms, and accessible playgrounds. Parents value the professional teaching staff, structured learning environment, and seamless transition to kindergarten. The center maintains excellent safety standards and offers various program options to meet family needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Goodfield, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Goodfield, IL?
In Goodfield and the surrounding Woodford County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $180 and $250 per week for infant care. For home-based licensed daycare providers in Goodfield, rates are often slightly lower, typically ranging from $150 to $200 per week. These costs are generally more affordable than in larger metropolitan areas like Peoria or Bloomington-Normal, but availability can be limited due to the smaller number of providers. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Goodfield is properly licensed and what are Illinois state requirements?
All licensed daycare providers in Illinois are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license status and view any history of licensing violations by using the "Child Care License Lookup" tool on the Illinois DCFS website. For Goodfield specifically, you can also contact the Woodford County Health Department for local referrals and information. Illinois requirements include background checks for all staff, specific child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), annual health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your visit.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Goodfield that offer part-time or drop-in care options?
Given Goodfield's size as a village, dedicated daycare centers are limited, and most operate on a full-time schedule to maintain enrollment and staffing. However, several licensed home daycare providers in the community may offer more flexible part-time arrangements, such as 2-3 days a week, depending on their current openings. For true drop-in or occasional care, your best bet is to look at larger centers in nearby communities like Eureka or Morton, which may have such programs. It's crucial to inquire about flexibility directly with each Goodfield provider, as policies vary widely. Planning ahead is essential due to limited slots.
What is the average waitlist time for enrolling an infant in a daycare in Goodfield, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited infant care slots in Goodfield, waitlists can be significant. It is common for parents to be placed on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months, especially for the most sought-after licensed home providers or the few center-based options. We strongly recommend beginning your search and putting your name on waitlists as soon as you know you are expecting, or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask about their waitlist process (e.g., if a deposit is required to hold a spot), and check in periodically for updates.
Are there local resources or programs in Goodfield to help parents find and pay for childcare?
Yes, there are several key resources. For finding providers, the **Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (INCCRRA)** offers a free referral service through their website or hotline, which can filter for Goodfield and Woodford County options. For financial assistance, the **Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)** provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). Applications are processed through the Woodford County office of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Additionally, local organizations like the **Woodford County Health Department** can provide guidance on available community supports.