The Best Daycare Centers in Irvington, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Irvington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Irvington
Kid's World Learning Center
Kid's World Learning Center
Kid's World Learning Center serves the Irvington area with a comprehensive educational program focused on early childhood development. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum with hands-on learning activities, literacy development, and STEM concepts. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate playgrounds. They emphasize social-emotional learning and provide nutritious meals through their in-house food program. The facility maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and offers flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Tiny Treasures Childcare & Learning Center
Tiny Treasures Childcare
Tiny Treasures provides quality early childhood education with a play-based learning approach that serves Irvington families. Their program includes literacy-rich environments, mathematical thinking activities, and creative arts. The center features certified early childhood educators, secure video monitoring, and modern learning materials. They focus on individualized learning plans and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. The facility includes separate age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and follows strict health and safety protocols with registered nurses on consultation.
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Centralia Early Childhood Center
Centralia School District 135
As part of the Centralia School District, this early childhood center serves Irvington area children with a research-based educational program. They employ certified teachers with specialized training in early childhood development and offer comprehensive curriculum aligned with Illinois Early Learning Standards. The program emphasizes school readiness skills, social development, and cognitive growth through structured learning centers. The facility includes modern classrooms, specialized learning materials, and integrated technology. They provide individualized attention and maintain strong partnerships with families through regular communication and parent education opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Irvington, IL
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Irvington, IL, and how do I find them?
In Irvington, IL, parents typically have access to licensed home daycares (also known as family child care homes) and may need to look to nearby larger towns for licensed child care centers. Due to Irvington's small size, local options are often limited to in-home providers. To find licensed providers, you should use the official Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Child Care Search tool online. This database allows you to search by zip code (62848) and filter by provider type, hours, and accepted subsidies. Additionally, checking with the Irvington Village Hall or local community boards can sometimes yield information on trusted home-based providers who are licensed and meet Illinois standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and health requirements.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare in Irvington, and are there any financial assistance programs for local families?
In the Irvington area, costs for full-time childcare can vary significantly. For a licensed home daycare, you might expect to pay between $120 to $180 per week for an infant or toddler, which is generally lower than urban centers in Illinois but can still be a substantial portion of a household budget. For center-based care, families often commute to nearby towns like Mt. Vernon or Centralia, where weekly rates can range from $180 to $250. Financial assistance is available through the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low-income families pay for care. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply through the Jefferson County or Washington County offices (serving the region) or online via the Illinois DHS website.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Irvington, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Given the limited number of providers in Irvington itself, waitlists for the most sought-after licensed home daycares can form quickly, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended that parents begin their search at least 3-6 months before their needed start date, and even earlier if you require care for an infant under 2 years old. For families considering centers in neighboring communities, waitlists can also be common. Proactive steps include contacting multiple providers, getting on their interest lists, and following up periodically. Networking with other parents in the area through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Irvington, IL Community") can also provide leads on upcoming openings.
What specific state licensing regulations and safety standards should I verify when choosing a daycare in Irvington?
All licensed childcare providers in Illinois, including those in Irvington, must comply with DCFS regulations. Key standards to verify include: 1) **Staff-to-Child Ratios:** For home daycares, one caregiver to no more than 8 children, with no more than 3 under age 2. 2) **Background Checks:** All staff must have cleared fingerprint-based criminal background checks and checks of the Statewide Child Abuse and Neglect Registry. 3) **Health and Safety:** The facility must have passed fire, health, and sanitation inspections; have safe sleep practices for infants; and maintain immunization records. 4) **Training:** Providers must complete training in CPR, First Aid, and Mandated Reporter recognition of child abuse. You can ask to see the provider's current license and any recent inspection reports, which are also public record through DCFS.
Besides traditional daycare, are there any part-time, drop-in, or preschool programs available for children in Irvington?
Traditional full-time daycare is the most common need, but part-time and preschool options in Irvington itself are very limited. Some licensed home daycares may offer flexible or part-time schedules based on availability. For structured preschool programs, families often look to surrounding communities. For example, the nearby Centralia School District or Mt. Vernon schools may offer early childhood programs, and there are often private preschools in those towns. For true drop-in care, it is extremely rare in this rural area; planning ahead is essential. Local churches in Irvington or nearby towns may occasionally host mother's day out programs, which can be a resource for occasional part-time care. Checking community bulletins and regional parenting groups is the best way to discover these opportunities.