The Best Daycare Centers in Marshall, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Marshall. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Marshall
Marshall Early Learning Center
Marshall Community Unit School District #C-2
Marshall Early Learning Center operates as part of the Marshall public school system, offering high-quality early childhood education with certified teachers and developmentally appropriate curriculum. The center focuses on school readiness through structured play, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Features include small class sizes, individualized learning plans, and comprehensive developmental assessments. The facility maintains strong safety protocols and benefits from integration with the school district's resources and facilities.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Terre Haute
KinderCare Education
This nationally accredited KinderCare location serves families from the Marshall area with comprehensive early childhood programs. The center features research-based curriculum including phonics, math, and science activities, with emphasis on social development and kindergarten readiness. Staff includes degreed early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The facility offers secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
Sunshine School Early Learning Center
Sunshine School Inc.
Sunshine School provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach that balances structured academics and creative exploration. The center features low student-teacher ratios, certified early childhood educators, and developmentally appropriate classrooms. Programs include literacy-rich environments, STEM activities, and character development. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. The center maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Marshall, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Marshall, IL?
In Marshall and the surrounding Clark 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 daycare providers often have slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $120 to $180 per week. These costs are generally lower than the state average for Illinois, reflecting the rural cost of living. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Some providers may also offer sibling discounts. Financial assistance may be available through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families.
How can I verify that a daycare provider in Marshall is properly licensed and has a good record?
All licensed daycare centers and home providers in Illinois are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license and review their official compliance history by using the "Child Care Facility Search" tool on the Illinois DCFS website. Simply enter the provider's name or Marshall's zip code (62441). This report will show the license status, capacity, and any serious licensing violations or complaints found valid. For the most local insight, we also recommend contacting the Clark County Health Department and asking other Marshall parents in community groups or forums for their firsthand experiences with specific providers.
Are there any preschool programs integrated into daycare options in Marshall, IL?
Yes, several options exist. Some licensed daycare centers and in-home providers in Marshall incorporate structured preschool curricula into their daily schedules for children ages 3-5. Additionally, Marshall Community Unit School District #C-2 offers a state-funded Preschool for All program, which is a part-day educational program. For full-day care that includes a preschool component, parents often use a combination of the district's preschool and wrap-around daycare services provided by a local provider. It's crucial to inquire directly with daycare providers about their educational philosophy, daily learning activities, and how they prepare children for kindergarten, as offerings can vary significantly.
What is the availability and waitlist situation for infant care in Marshall?
Infant care (for children under 2 years old) is often the most limited type of childcare due to stricter staff-to-child ratios. In a smaller community like Marshall, there may only be a handful of providers accepting infants at any given time. It is very common for these spots to have waitlists, sometimes several months long. We strongly recommend beginning your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their current infant capacity, anticipated openings, and the process for getting on a waitlist (e.g., if a deposit is required). Exploring providers in nearby towns like Casey or Martinsville may also be necessary to find timely availability.
What are some local resources for finding and evaluating childcare in Marshall, Clark County?
A key first step is the **Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (INCCRRA)**. You can call their referral line or use their online search to find licensed providers in the 62441 zip code. Locally, the **Clark County Health Department** can provide information on licensed home providers. For personal recommendations, the **"Marshall, IL Community" Facebook page** or other local social media groups are invaluable for getting parent-to-parent feedback. Finally, don't overlook your personal network—asking coworkers, neighbors, and your pediatrician (often based in nearby larger towns like Terre Haute or Paris) can lead to trusted referrals for caregivers in the area.