The Best Daycare Centers in Peoria, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Peoria. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Peoria
Bright Horizons at OSF HealthCare
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at OSF HealthCare is a premium childcare center located on the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center campus, serving primarily healthcare employees but also accepting community families. The center follows the Bright Horizons World-Class Curriculum, which emphasizes language and literacy, math and science, social-emotional development, and creative expression. Highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees provide individualized attention in state-of-the-art classrooms. The facility features secure access, comprehensive safety protocols, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's educational quality, experienced staff, and excellent communication.
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The Goddard School of Peoria
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Peoria offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social development through hands-on activities. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains low student-teacher ratios. The modern facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its structured curriculum, qualified staff, and safe, nurturing environment that promotes both academic and social growth.
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Peoria Academy Early Childhood Center
Peoria Academy
Peoria Academy Early Childhood Center provides a comprehensive Montessori-inspired education program that fosters independence, curiosity, and lifelong learning. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, individualized instruction, and multi-age classrooms that allow children to learn at their own pace. Certified teachers with specialized Montessori training create engaging learning environments with carefully designed materials. The campus features secure facilities, extensive outdoor learning spaces, and dedicated art and music rooms. Parents consistently praise the school's strong academic foundation, experienced faculty, and the way it nurtures each child's unique talents and interests while building confidence and social skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Peoria, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Peoria, IL?
In Peoria, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the type of facility and the age of the child. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $225 and $350 per week for infant care. For toddlers, the range is typically $200 to $300 per week. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, ranging from $150 to $250 per week. These costs are generally lower than the state average for Illinois, reflecting Peoria's cost of living. It's important to note that many facilities have a weekly rate that may include meals and snacks, but always confirm what is included. Financial assistance is available through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, and some local centers may offer sliding scale fees.
How can I verify the licensing and complaint history of a daycare provider in Peoria?
All licensed daycare providers in Illinois are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). To verify a provider's license and review any history of complaints or violations, you should use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool available on their official website. You can search by the provider's name, city (Peoria), or license number. This public database will show the facility's current license status, capacity, ages served, and any serious licensing violations or substantiated complaints from the past several years. For an additional layer of local insight, you can contact the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region, which is **Illinois Action for Children**. They serve Peoria County and can provide referrals and information about local providers' reputations and quality.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Peoria, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for high-quality and well-regarded daycare centers in Peoria, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infants. For toddler and preschool spots, waitlists may be shorter, around 3 to 6 months. We strongly recommend starting your search during your second trimester of pregnancy if you need infant care. For other ages, begin your search at least 4-6 months before your needed start date. When contacting centers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to be placed on the list, how often you need to check in to remain active, and their estimated timeline.
What are some of the key quality indicators I should look for when touring a daycare in Peoria?
Beyond basic licensing, look for these quality indicators specific to Illinois and Peoria: 1. **Accreditation:** Look for centers accredited by national bodies like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or a Gold Circle of Quality rating from Illinois' own **ExceleRate Illinois** quality rating system. 2. **Staff Qualifications:** Ask about director and teacher credentials. Illinois requires lead teachers to have at least an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for licensed centers. 3. **Curriculum & Engagement:** Observe if there is a structured, play-based learning curriculum and if children are actively engaged, not just watching screens. 4. **Safety & Cleanliness:** Check for secure entrances, clean facilities, and safe outdoor play areas. In Peoria, also inquire about their severe weather and tornado drill procedures. 5. **Communication:** A quality center will have an open-door policy for parents and use daily communication apps or sheets to update you on your child's activities, meals, and naps.
What resources are available in Peoria to help me find and choose the right childcare option?
Peoria parents have several excellent local resources: 1. **Illinois Action for Children (CCR&R):** This is your primary free resource. Their referral specialists can provide a customized list of licensed providers in your zip code that meet your needs (hours, cost, location). They also offer guidance on what to look for and information on financial assistance. You can reach them via their website or by phone. 2. **Peoria Public Library:** The library branches often have community bulletin boards with information on local home daycares and preschools. 3. **Local School Districts:** For preschool-aged children, contact **Peoria Public Schools District 150** about their state-funded Preschool for All program, which is free for eligible children. 4. **Word of Mouth & Online Groups:** Local Facebook groups like "Peoria Area Moms" or "Peoria, IL Community" are invaluable for getting honest, unfiltered reviews and recommendations from other parents in your neighborhood. 5. **Local Organizations:** Check with major employers like OSF HealthCare or Caterpillar Inc., as they may have partnerships with or recommendations for local childcare providers.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Peoria: