The Best Daycare Centers in Lancaster, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lancaster. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lancaster
The Goddard School of O'Fallon
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of O'Fallon offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and spacious outdoor play areas. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, STEM, and character development through play-based learning. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provide daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a comprehensive early education program with a research-based curriculum that prepares children for elementary school success. Their program includes phonics-based literacy instruction, hands-on mathematics, science exploration, and character education. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different developmental stages. Teachers are certified in early childhood education and CPR/first aid. The academy emphasizes individualized learning plans and regular progress assessments to ensure each child reaches developmental milestones.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Shiloh
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare at Shiloh offers a nationally recognized curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. Their program includes early literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts, with additional enrichment opportunities in music and physical education. The center maintains strict safety protocols including secured entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Classrooms are designed to stimulate learning through learning centers and hands-on materials. Their qualified teaching staff receives ongoing training in child development best practices, and the center provides nutritious meals and snacks through their partnership with the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lancaster, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lancaster, IL?
In Lancaster and the surrounding Crawford County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $225 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare providers often have slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $120 to $180 per week. These costs are generally lower than in major Illinois metropolitan areas but are a significant consideration for local family budgets. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, which can help subsidize these costs.
How can I verify that a daycare provider in Lancaster is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed daycare centers and home providers in Illinois are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). To verify a provider's license and review their history, you can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. Simply enter the provider's name or location. This report will show their license status, capacity, and any serious licensing violations or complaints found "substantiated" within the last three years. For a more local perspective, you can also contact the Crawford County Health Department or ask the provider directly to see their current license certificate, which must be posted. Always choose a licensed provider to ensure basic health, safety, and training standards are met.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Lancaster that offer specialized programs, like preschool readiness or non-traditional hours?
Given Lancaster's smaller, rural community, specialized options are more limited than in larger cities. However, some providers integrate preschool readiness curricula into their daily schedules. The local school district may also offer a state-funded Preschool For All program, which is typically part-day. For non-traditional hours, options are scarce. Most licensed home providers and centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Parents needing evening, overnight, or weekend care often need to seek private, unlicensed arrangements or look for providers in nearby larger towns like Robinson or Olney. It's crucial to start your search early and inquire directly with each facility about their specific programs and hours.
What is the current waitlist situation for daycare in Lancaster, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to a limited number of licensed providers in a small town like Lancaster, waitlists are common, especially for infant care which has stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as possible, ideally 6 to 9 months before your needed start date, or even during pregnancy for infant care. Many popular in-home providers have very limited slots and may have waitlists a year long. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be on it, and how often they update families on their position. Being flexible with your start date can sometimes improve your chances of securing a spot sooner.
What local resources in Crawford County can help me find and evaluate childcare options in Lancaster?
Your primary resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency** that serves Crawford County, which is part of the statewide Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA). You can contact them via the statewide hotline at 1-877-202-4453 or visit their website for a customized referral list of licensed providers in your zip code. They offer free assistance and can provide information on quality indicators, costs, and availability. Additionally, the **Crawford County Health Department** can provide guidance on health and safety regulations, and local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Lancaster, IL Community") are often used by parents to share personal experiences and recommendations for local caregivers.