The Best Daycare Centers in New Berlin, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in New Berlin. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in New Berlin
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Springfield serves the New Berlin area with a comprehensive 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 implemented by qualified teachers with degrees in education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They emphasize STEAM learning, language development, and social skills through structured activities and free play. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents about their child's progress and activities.
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Chesterbrook Academy
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a balanced educational approach combining academic preparation with social-emotional development. Their proprietary curriculum includes phonics-based literacy, hands-on mathematics, and science exploration. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and outdoor playgrounds. Qualified early childhood educators implement developmentally appropriate practices with small class sizes. The program includes enrichment activities like music, Spanish, and physical education. Parents receive regular progress reports and have access to a parent portal for daily updates and communication.
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Little Discoveries Preschool & Childcare
Independent
Little Discoveries offers a research-based curriculum that balances structured learning with child-directed exploration. Their program emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and social skills through thematic units and hands-on activities. The facility includes secure access controls, age-appropriate learning centers, and natural outdoor play spaces. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and focuses on creating a nurturing environment that supports individual development. They provide nutritious meals and snacks and offer flexible scheduling options to meet family needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in New Berlin, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in New Berlin, IL, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In New Berlin, Illinois, all daycare centers and home-based providers caring for more than three children unrelated to them 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 a facility's license status, you can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool on their official website. You can also contact the DCFS licensing office for the region directly. It's highly recommended to check this before enrolling your child, as it ensures the provider meets the minimum state-mandated safety and quality standards.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in New Berlin, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the New Berlin and surrounding Sangamon County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $250 per week, while toddler care may range from $150 to $225 per week. Costs can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based), specific programs offered, and whether meals are included. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low-income families pay for care. Applications are processed through the Sangamon County Department of Human Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in New Berlin, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like New Berlin, waitlists for preferred daycare centers, especially for infant care, can be significant. It's not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, or even longer for highly sought-after providers. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before care is needed. Many local providers maintain a rolling list, so contacting them early is the best strategy to secure a spot.
Are there any licensed home-based daycare providers in New Berlin, and what are the benefits of choosing a home daycare?
Yes, there are several licensed family child care homes operating in New Berlin. These smaller, home-based settings often provide a more intimate, family-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They may also offer more flexible hours compared to larger centers. You can find licensed home providers through the same DCFS search tool used for centers. When considering a home daycare, visit the home, verify their license, check their maximum capacity, and ask about their daily schedule, emergency plans, and philosophy on care. Their smaller size can mean fewer spots available, so inquire about availability promptly.
What resources are available in New Berlin for finding and evaluating quality childcare options?
The primary resource for parents in New Berlin is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region, which is **Sparks** (formerly Child Care Connection). They maintain a comprehensive, updated database of all licensed providers in Sangamon County, including New Berlin. You can contact them for free, personalized referrals based on your needs. They also offer guidance on what to look for during a visit and can explain quality indicators beyond licensing, such as program curriculum and caregiver interactions. Additionally, local community Facebook groups for New Berlin parents are often used to share personal experiences and recommendations for local providers.