The Best Daycare Centers in Nashville, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Nashville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Nashville
Nashville Elementary School Pre-K Program
Nashville Community Unit School District 49
The Nashville Elementary School Pre-K Program offers a comprehensive early childhood education focused on school readiness. Using developmentally appropriate practices and play-based learning, the program emphasizes literacy development, social skills, and cognitive growth. Certified early childhood educators provide individualized instruction in a safe, nurturing environment. The program follows Illinois Early Learning Standards and includes structured activities, creative play, and hands-on learning experiences. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular communication and classroom participation opportunities.
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Little Angels Learning Center
Independent
Little Angels Learning Center provides quality childcare with a focus on whole-child development. The center offers age-appropriate curricula including Creative Curriculum for infants and toddlers and a structured preschool program preparing children for kindergarten. Features include secure facilities with keypad entry, certified teachers with early childhood credentials, nutritious meal programs, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. The center emphasizes character development, social-emotional learning, and academic readiness through hands-on activities and individualized attention.
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Hoyleton Children's Home Early Childhood Center
Hoyleton Youth and Family Services
Located just 15 minutes from Nashville in Hoyleton, this accredited early childhood center provides high-quality care with a therapeutic approach. The center serves children from 6 weeks to 5 years with developmentally appropriate curricula and specialized early intervention services. Features include low teacher-child ratios, trauma-informed care practices, licensed clinical staff, and comprehensive developmental assessments. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, cognitive growth, and family support services in a nurturing, inclusive environment with modern facilities and outdoor learning spaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Nashville, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Nashville, Illinois, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Nashville, Illinois, all daycare centers and licensed home daycares must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). These licenses require providers to meet strict standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, and ongoing training. To verify the license status and view any history of violations for a specific provider, you can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool on their official website. It's highly recommended to check this database and even request a copy of the facility's most recent licensing report before enrolling your child. The Nashville Police Department or City Hall may also be able to direct you to local resources.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Nashville, IL area?
Childcare costs in Nashville, IL, are generally more affordable than in larger metropolitan areas but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay an average of $150 to $225 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Licensed home-based daycares often range from $120 to $180 per week. These rates are estimates, and specific costs depend on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and meal provisions. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., diapers, wipes, formula, meals). For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, which can be applied for through the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Nashville, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of licensed providers in a rural community like Nashville, IL, waitlists for preferred daycare centers, especially for infants, can be common and may span several months. It is strongly advised to begin your search and make inquiries as early as possible—ideally during your pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, the deposit required to hold a spot (if any), and how often they update families on their position. Exploring multiple options, including licensed home daycares in the surrounding Washington County area, can increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What types of childcare options are typically available in Nashville, IL, besides traditional daycare centers?
Parents in Nashville have several options beyond formal daycare centers. These include: 1) **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** Smaller, home-based settings often offering more flexible hours and mixed-age groups. 2) **License-Exempt Providers:** Relatives, nannies, or in-home caregivers who care for children from a single family. 3) **Part-Day Preschool Programs:** Often offered by churches, such as Nashville's United Methodist Church or St. Paul United Church of Christ, which may provide educational programs for 3-5 year olds for a few hours a day. 4) **School-Age Care:** The Nashville Community School District may offer before-and-after-school programs for elementary students. For younger children, licensed homes are a very common and valued option in this community.
How can I find and evaluate in-home daycare providers or nannies serving the Nashville area?
Finding in-home care in Nashville often relies on local networks. Start by asking for recommendations from your pediatrician (e.g., at Washington County Hospital), local churches, and other parents at community spots like the Nashville City Park. The Illinois DCFS website also lists licensed home providers. For evaluating a provider, always verify their DCFS license if they are caring for children from more than one family. Conduct a thorough interview in their home, checking for safety measures (outlet covers, secure chemicals, fenced yard), asking for references from current/former parents, and confirming their policies on illness, discipline, and daily activities. For nannies, consider using a platform like Care.com with a local search filter and ensure you understand your responsibilities as a household employer regarding taxes and insurance.