The Best Daycare Centers in Milan, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Milan. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Milan
The Goddard School of Moline
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Moline offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. Features state-licensed teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, live streaming for parents, and age-appropriate playgrounds. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Serves families throughout the Quad Cities area including Milan residents.
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Rock Island Early Learning Center
Community Action of Eastern Iowa
Rock Island Early Learning Center provides comprehensive early childhood education through evidence-based curricula including Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment system. The center focuses on school readiness with emphasis on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. Features degreed teaching staff, family support services, nutritious meals through the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and inclusive environments for children with special needs. Maintains high safety standards with secured facilities, regular safety drills, and health protocols. Serves the broader Quad Cities region including Milan families.
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Discovery Child Care Center
Independent
Discovery Child Care Center offers a nurturing environment with a play-based learning approach that incorporates elements of Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on exploration, creative expression, and social development through learning centers and project-based activities. Features experienced early childhood educators, small class sizes, outdoor nature exploration areas, and comprehensive safety protocols including secured access and emergency preparedness plans. The center focuses on building foundational skills through structured play and individualized attention, serving families across the Quad Cities metro area including Milan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Milan, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Milan, IL?
In Milan and the surrounding Quad Cities area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $180 to $250 per week for infant care. For toddlers, the cost typically ranges from $160 to $220 per week. Home-based licensed daycare providers in Milan often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $140 to $190 per week. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Illinois does not have a statewide price cap, so rates are set by individual providers. Financial assistance may be available through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Milan is properly licensed and has a good record with the state?
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 compliance history, you should use the "Day Care Search" tool on the Illinois DCFS website. You can search by the provider's name, city (Milan), or zip code. This public database will show the license status, capacity, age ranges accepted, and any serious licensing violations or substantiated complaints from the past several years. For the most current and local insights, you can also contact the DCFS Licensing Representative for the Rock Island region, which oversees Milan. Additionally, asking providers directly for their license number and checking for current certifications in CPR/First Aid is a recommended step.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Milan, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists are common at many licensed daycare centers in the Milan and Quad Cities area. For highly sought-after centers, waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long for infant rooms. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. For toddler or preschool openings, a lead time of 3 to 6 months is more typical. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to be on the list? How often is it updated? Do they offer guaranteed enrollment for siblings of current students? Exploring a mix of centers and licensed home daycares can increase your options and potentially reduce wait times.
What resources are available in Milan to help me find and compare local childcare options?
The primary resource for Milan parents is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region, which is administered by the SAL Community Services (formerly known as Child Care Connection) in Moline. They maintain a comprehensive, updated database of all licensed and license-exempt providers in Rock Island County, including Milan. You can contact them for a free, personalized referral list based on your needs (location, hours, child's age). They can also provide guidance on quality indicators, the CCAP application process, and developmental screenings. Additionally, local parenting groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Quad Cities Moms") can be valuable for personal recommendations and experiences with specific Milan providers.
What are the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a licensed home daycare in Milan, and how do I choose?
In Milan, both options must be licensed by DCFS but offer different environments. **Licensed Centers** (like those in nearby Moline or Rock Island) are often larger facilities with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and multiple staff. They may have more resources and longer operating hours but can be more expensive and have longer waitlists. **Licensed Group Home Daycares** in Milan are run out of a provider's residence and are limited to 12 children (including the provider's own). They often offer a mixed-age, family-like setting with potentially more flexible hours and lower costs. The choice depends on your child's temperament and your family's needs. Consider your preference for a structured educational approach versus a home-like setting, the importance of a specific location in Milan, your budget, and the available openings. Always visit both types of settings, check their DCFS licensing reports, and trust your instincts about the caregiver's interaction with the children.