The Best Daycare Centers in Metamora, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Metamora. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Metamora
The Goddard School of Washington
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Washington offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. All teachers are qualified early childhood professionals with ongoing training requirements. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What sets this center apart is their focus on individualized learning plans and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
The Children's Courtyard of Peoria
Children's Courtyard
The Children's Courtyard provides a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning experiences. Their proprietary LINKS to Literacy® program helps build early reading skills, while their STEM-focused activities encourage problem-solving and critical thinking. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility offers multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups and provides nutritious meals prepared on-site.
Daycare Services:
The Gardner School of Peoria
The Gardner School
The Gardner School offers an advanced academic curriculum that prepares children for elementary school success through their proprietary learning approach. Their program includes foreign language exposure, technology integration, and specialized enrichment classes in music, art, and physical education. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, surveillance cameras, and strict pickup authorization protocols. Classrooms are designed with learning centers that promote exploration and independence. What distinguishes this center is their focus on school readiness with formal assessments and individualized learning goals tracked throughout the year.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Metamora, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Metamora, IL?
In Metamora and the surrounding Woodford 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 $180 to $250 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family daycare providers often range from $150 to $200 per week. These rates are generally lower than those in larger metropolitan areas like Peoria but are consistent with the regional market. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, formula, and educational curriculum. Some providers may offer a slight discount for a second child. Given the limited number of providers in a smaller community like Metamora, securing a spot at these rates can be competitive.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Metamora?
All licensed daycare providers in Illinois, including those in Metamora, are regulated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license and view their official monitoring reports (which include any violations) through the DCFS "Child Care Facility and Day Care Home Search" tool on their website. Simply enter the provider's name or zip code (61548). We strongly recommend reviewing these reports, as they detail the findings from unannounced visits, including compliance with staff-to-child ratios, safety standards, and health protocols. You can also contact the DCFS Licensing Representative for the North-Central region for additional context. Always ask a provider for their license number upfront.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Metamora that offer part-time or flexible schedules?
Yes, but options for part-time care in a smaller town like Metamora are more limited than full-time. Some licensed in-home family daycares may offer more flexibility with daily or part-week schedules. For preschool-aged children (3-5 years), Metamora Grade School and local churches often offer structured preschool programs that operate on a part-day, part-week basis (e.g., mornings, 2-3 days a week). For true flexible or drop-in daycare, your closest options may be in nearby Washington or Peoria. When touring facilities, be very clear about your scheduling needs. Some centers in the area may have a minimum number of required days per week, so it's crucial to ask about their policy before applying.
What is the waitlist situation like for infant care in Metamora, and when should I start looking?
Due to the high demand for infant care and strict staff-to-child ratios (1:4), waitlists for infant spots at reputable daycare centers and licensed homes in Metamora can be long. It is not uncommon for families to be placed on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months. We recommend beginning your search and putting your name on lists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. Be proactive: contact providers directly, schedule tours, and ask detailed questions about their waitlist process, including any fees to hold a spot and how often they update families on their position. Exploring providers in neighboring communities like Germantown Hills or Washington can expand your options.
What local resources or organizations in Metamora can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
A key local resource is the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region, which is administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (INCCRRA). They maintain a database of licensed providers in the 61548 area and can offer personalized referrals based on your needs. Additionally, the Metamora Public Library and the Metamora Township office may have community bulletin boards with information on local in-home providers. For evaluation, beyond checking DCFS reports, we recommend connecting with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Metamora, IL Community") to get firsthand reviews and recommendations, which are invaluable in a close-knit community.