The Best Daycare Centers in New Douglas, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in New Douglas. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in New Douglas
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 focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. They emphasize STEAM learning, literacy development, and character building through structured play and hands-on activities. The center maintains rigorous health and safety protocols with regular sanitization and comprehensive staff training.
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Kiddie Academy of Edwardsville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Edwardsville provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The program focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through project-based learning and hands-on activities. Their security features include electronic keypad entry, monitored surveillance, and strict pickup procedures. The center features bright, well-organized classrooms, dedicated nap areas, and age-appropriate outdoor play spaces. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development in early childhood education. They offer nutritious meals and snacks and maintain detailed communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Highland Early Childhood Center
Highland Community Unit School District 5
Highland Early Childhood Center operates as part of the public school district, providing high-quality preschool education with a strong focus on school readiness and developmental milestones. Their research-based curriculum emphasizes literacy development, social-emotional learning, and cognitive skills through structured play and hands-on activities. The facility features purpose-built classrooms with learning centers, gross motor play areas, and secure outdoor playgrounds. Certified early childhood educators and specialists provide individualized instruction and developmental screenings. The center maintains excellent safety standards with secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive health protocols. They offer inclusive programming and strong parent partnership through regular communication and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in New Douglas, IL
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in New Douglas, IL?
In New Douglas and the surrounding Madison County area, your primary licensed options are licensed home daycares and daycare centers. New Douglas itself is a small village, so most licensed home providers operate out of residences and are licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) for a specific number of children. For larger centers, parents often look to nearby towns like Staunton, Highland, or Edwardsville. Illinois DCFS licensing ensures providers meet standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and training. You can search for all licensed providers in the area using the DCFS "Child Care Lookup" tool on their website.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the New Douglas area?
Costs in the New Douglas region are generally more affordable than in major metro areas like St. Louis, but can vary. For a licensed home daycare in the village, you might expect to pay between $120 to $160 per week for full-time infant care. Daycare centers in nearby larger towns typically range from $150 to $220 per week. These rates are influenced by the provider's credentials, hours, and whether meals are included. It's important to ask what the weekly fee covers (diapers, wipes, formula, meals). Financial assistance may be available through the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families.
Are waitlists common for daycare providers in New Douglas, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small community like New Douglas, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care slots which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly recommended to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care. Many reputable home providers and centers in the area have a small, consistent clientele, and openings may only occur a few times a year. Contacting providers directly to inquire about their current availability and waitlist process is a crucial first step.
What are some local resources or networks to help me find and vet childcare providers near New Douglas?
A key local resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Southern Illinois**, which serves Madison County. They maintain databases of licensed providers and can offer personalized referrals. You can also connect with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "New Douglas Community" or parent groups for nearby school districts) for personal recommendations. Additionally, checking with your local public school district (e.g., Highland Community Unit School District #5) can sometimes yield information about before/after-school care programs for older children that providers may also offer.
What specific questions should I ask a potential in-home daycare provider in New Douglas regarding safety and licensing?
Beyond verifying their active DCFS license number, ask specific local and safety-focused questions: "What is your emergency plan for severe weather common to our area, like tornadoes?" "Are you trained in pediatric CPR and First Aid, and can I see certification?" "What is your policy on outdoor play given the rural setting?" Also inquire about their transportation policies if school-age children are present, their sick child policy, and their backup plan if they, as a sole provider, are ill. For a small community, understanding their network with other local providers for emergencies is also insightful. Always request to see the licensed areas of the home during a visit.