The Best Daycare Centers in Moro, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Moro. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Moro
The Goddard School of Edwardsville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Edwardsville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development. Features state-certified teachers with bachelor's or master's degrees, secure keypad entry systems, live streaming cameras for parent viewing, and age-appropriate playgrounds. The facility maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and offers enrichment programs including yoga, Spanish, and music. Known for their comprehensive safety protocols and strong parent communication system.
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Kiddie Academy of Edwardsville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Edwardsville provides educational child care with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, technology, and hands-on learning. Features secure electronic entry, USDA-approved meal program, and age-specific learning centers. The academy employs degreed early childhood educators and maintains small class sizes. Their program includes daily progress reports, STEM activities, and character education. The facility has modern security systems, dedicated outdoor play areas, and focuses on school readiness with literacy and math foundations. Parents appreciate the consistent communication and development tracking.
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Learning Junction
Independent Childcare Center
Learning Junction is a locally-owned childcare center serving the Metro East area with a comprehensive educational program. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, social development, and academic preparation. Features include secure facility with coded entry, nutritious meal program, and structured daily schedules. The center employs experienced early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. Offers age-appropriate learning environments, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment activities. Known for their family-oriented approach, consistent staff retention, and strong emphasis on creating a nurturing, educational environment that prepares children for kindergarten success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Moro, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Moro, IL, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Moro, Illinois, all daycare centers and home daycare providers caring for more than three children must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Licensing ensures facilities meet strict standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), and program curriculum. To verify a provider's license and view any history of violations, you can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility and Foster Home Search" tool on their official website. For very small, license-exempt home care (3 or fewer children), it's crucial to conduct your own thorough vetting. You can also contact the DCFS Licensing Representative for Madison County for additional confirmation.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Moro, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Moro and surrounding Metro-East area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $225 to $275 per week. Toddler care is slightly less, often between $200 and $250 per week. Home-based daycare may offer lower rates, generally between $150 and $200 weekly. These costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and hours. For financial assistance, Illinois' Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible low-income families. Application is through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are daycare waitlists common in Moro, and how far in advance should I start looking for infant care?
Yes, waitlists for infant care, in particular, are very common in Moro and the broader region due to high demand and limited slots (driven by strict staff-to-infant ratios). It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and contacting daycare providers as early as the second trimester of pregnancy. For popular centers, securing a spot 6 to 12 months before your needed start date is not unusual. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often they update the list. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists is a standard strategy for parents in the area.
What types of childcare options are typically available in a smaller community like Moro, IL?
Moro offers a mix of childcare options common to smaller Illinois communities. Your primary choices will be licensed family/group home daycares (operated in a provider's residence) and larger daycare centers, which may be located in nearby towns like Edwardsville or Bethalto. Due to its size, Moro itself may have more home-based providers than large centers. Other options include faith-based preschool programs (often part-day) and seeking care from a licensed, in-home nanny or babysitter. For school-age children, the Triad Community Unit School District #2 offers before and after-school programs at its elementary schools, which is a key resource for local families.
What are some local resources for finding and evaluating daycare providers in the Moro area?
The best centralized resource is the **Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA)**, specifically their referral service "Child Care Aware." You can call their hotline or use their online search to find licensed providers in the 62061 zip code and surrounding areas. Locally, the **Madison County Community Development** department may have updated lists. For personal recommendations, connecting with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Moro, IL Community" or "Triad Moms"), or asking at the **Moro Township Library** or your pediatrician's office in Edwardsville can provide valuable, word-of-mouth insights into provider quality and reputation.