The Best Daycare Centers in Hillsdale, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hillsdale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hillsdale
The Goddard School of Davenport
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Davenport offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.E.X. (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-licensed facility features secure entry systems, CCTV monitoring, and rigorous safety protocols. Certified teachers implement age-appropriate STEAM learning, language development, and social skills programs. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, extensive outdoor play areas, and enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish. Serving the Quad Cities area including Hillsdale, they maintain low student-teacher ratios and offer flexible scheduling options for working families.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Moline
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Moline provides high-quality early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The center features purpose-built classrooms with natural lighting, secure indoor and outdoor environments, and advanced safety systems including electronic check-in. Highly qualified early childhood educators hold degrees and ongoing professional development certifications. The program focuses on social-emotional development, problem-solving skills, and kindergarten readiness. As part of a nationally recognized network, they offer comprehensive health and safety protocols and serve families throughout the Illinois-Iowa Quad Cities region including Hillsdale.
Daycare Services:
Rock Island Early Learning Center
Rock Island-Milan School District 41
Rock Island Early Learning Center offers comprehensive early childhood education programs through the public school district, serving children from birth to five years. Their research-based curriculum focuses on school readiness through literacy-rich environments, hands-on learning centers, and individualized instruction. The center maintains NAEYC accreditation and employs certified early childhood specialists with bachelor's and master's degrees. Facilities include developmentally appropriate playgrounds, sensory rooms, and technology-integrated classrooms. They provide inclusive programming for children with special needs, family engagement workshops, and community resource connections. Serving the broader Quad Cities area including Hillsdale, they offer sliding scale tuition and comprehensive support services for diverse families.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hillsdale, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hillsdale, Illinois, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Hillsdale, Illinois, all daycare centers and licensed home daycares must comply with regulations set by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Key requirements include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for 2-year-olds), background checks for all employees, health and safety inspections, and staff training in CPR, First Aid, and mandated reporter responsibilities. To verify a facility's compliance, you can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online, which shows licensing status, any recent violations, and inspection reports. You can also ask the provider directly for their license number and their most recent DCFS certificate of compliance.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hillsdale, IL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Hillsdale area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $1,100 to $1,400 per month. For toddlers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $950 to $1,200 per month. Home-based daycare is often more affordable, ranging from $700 to $1,000 monthly. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low-income families, working parents, and students. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care. You can apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) or seek guidance from local resources like the Hillsdale Community Services Office or the YMCA of the Rock River Valley, which may help with applications.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Hillsdale, and what can I do to secure a spot?
For popular, highly-rated daycare centers in and around Hillsdale, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It's common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). Follow up politely every 2-3 months to confirm your spot. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family child care homes in neighboring areas like Rock Falls or Sterling, which may have shorter wait times while still meeting high standards.
Are there any unique childcare options in Hillsdale for parents with non-traditional or shift work schedules?
While traditional daycare centers in Hillsdale typically operate Monday-Friday from around 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, options for evenings, overnight, or weekend care are limited. Your best bet is to seek out licensed family child care providers who may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers from local employers like Northwestern Steel and Wire (historically a major employer) or the healthcare sector in Sterling/Rock Falls. Additionally, you can explore in-home nanny shares with other local families or utilize occasional care services through networks like Sittercity or Care.com, filtering for providers in the 61250 zip code. Some centers may offer drop-in care, but it's rare; calling providers directly to discuss shift needs is crucial.
What resources are available in Hillsdale to help me evaluate and choose a quality daycare, beyond just online reviews?
Beyond online reviews, several local resources can help. First, utilize the free referral and counseling services from the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for our region, which is **SAFE Child Care** (Serving the Illinois counties of Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside). They maintain a database of licensed providers and can offer guidance on quality indicators. Second, schedule in-person tours and ask for references from current parents. Third, check with the Hillsdale Public Library or community center for bulletin boards with local provider information. Finally, connect with local parent groups on Facebook (e.g., "Hillsdale, IL Community" or "Rock River Valley Moms") for firsthand recommendations and experiences with area daycares.