The Best Daycare Centers in Groveland, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Groveland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Groveland
KinderCare Learning Center at Peoria North
KinderCare Education
KinderCare at Peoria North is a highly-rated childcare center known for its balanced educational approach that combines play-based learning with structured curriculum aligned with early childhood development standards. The center features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and employs state-licensed teachers with specialized training in early childhood education. Safety is prioritized with keypad entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. The curriculum includes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning activities, with daily communication to parents about their child's progress. Nutritious meals and snacks are provided, and the center offers flexible scheduling to accommodate working families in the Groveland area.
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The Goddard School of Peoria
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Peoria offers a premier early childhood education program with its proprietary FLEX Learning Program, which balances academic readiness and play-based exploration. The facility features modern classrooms, indoor gyms, and enclosed playgrounds designed for safe, active play. All teachers hold degrees in education or related fields and participate in ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities, language development, and social skills, with low teacher-to-child ratios to ensure individualized attention. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular updates, events, and an app-based communication system. The center maintains rigorous health and safety protocols, including secure access and sanitization procedures.
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Peoria Academy Child Development Center
Peoria Academy
Peoria Academy Child Development Center is an independent, highly-regarded facility offering a progressive educational approach that integrates Montessori-inspired methods with project-based learning. The center focuses on holistic child development, emphasizing creativity, critical thinking, and community values in a nurturing environment. Classrooms are equipped with hands-on learning materials, and the campus includes expansive outdoor spaces for nature exploration and physical activity. Teachers are certified and trained in differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs. Safety is ensured through controlled access, surveillance systems, and adherence to strict licensing standards. The center promotes cultural diversity and inclusion, with regular parent-teacher conferences and workshops to support family engagement. It serves families in Groveland and the greater Peoria area with flexible programs tailored to various schedules.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Groveland, IL
What are the typical costs for infant daycare in Groveland, IL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Groveland and the surrounding Tazewell County area, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $180 to $250 per week. Costs can vary based on the type of provider (in-home vs. center-based), the specific curriculum offered, and included amenities like meals. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is administered locally. Eligible families in Groveland can apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify the license and complaint history of a daycare provider in Groveland?
All licensed daycare providers in Illinois, including those in Groveland, are regulated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license status and review any formal licensing history or complaints by using the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool on their official website. Simply enter the provider's name or location. For in-home providers caring for three or fewer children (known as license-exempt), they are not listed in this database, so parents should conduct thorough reference checks and interviews.
Are there many daycare centers with immediate openings in Groveland, or should I expect to join a waitlist?
Given that Groveland is a smaller community, the number of dedicated daycare centers within the city limits is limited. Many families utilize providers in nearby larger towns like Morton or Pekin. It is very common to encounter waitlists, especially for infant care and at highly-rated centers. We recommend starting your search at least 6-9 months before you need care. Be prepared to get on multiple waitlists and consider expanding your search radius to include neighboring communities. In-home family daycares may sometimes have more immediate availability.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in the Groveland area?
Structured part-time or drop-in daycare options are scarce within Groveland itself. Your best bets are to inquire with licensed family child care homes, as they may offer more flexible schedules than centers. For occasional drop-in care, you may need to look to facilities in nearby Pekin or Morton, which sometimes offer parent's day out programs or have partnerships with local gyms. Another valuable local resource for occasional care is often found through trusted networks like local church communities or parent groups on social media platforms specific to Tazewell County.
What are the key differences between a DCFS-licensed daycare center and a license-exempt home provider in Illinois, and how do I choose?
In Illinois, a DCFS-licensed center or home must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, staff background checks, and ongoing training. They are subject to regular unannounced visits. A license-exempt provider (caring for three or fewer children unrelated to them) is not bound by these same regulations, though they can still provide excellent care in a more intimate setting. For Groveland parents, the choice often comes down to preference, schedule, and availability. Licensed care offers more regulatory oversight, while a trusted license-exempt home can offer greater flexibility and a family-like environment. Always conduct in-person visits and ask for multiple references regardless of the type.