The Best Daycare Centers in Roxana, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Roxana. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Roxana
Little Angels Learning Center
Independent
Little Angels Learning Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum focuses on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features secure entry systems, certified early childhood educators, and age-appropriate learning environments with both indoor and outdoor play spaces. They maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and offer nutritious meals and snacks. The center is known for its warm, family-oriented atmosphere and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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The Goddard School of Edwardsville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play. Their curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and creative arts, delivered by degreed teachers. The facility features secure entry, modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and enrichment programs including yoga and foreign language exposure. The school emphasizes safety with comprehensive background checks, ongoing staff training, and strict health protocols. Parents appreciate the detailed progress reports and interactive parent portal.
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YMCA Early Childhood Center at Alton
YMCA of the USA
The YMCA Early Childhood Center provides a values-based educational program focusing on child development, character building, and academic readiness. Their curriculum incorporates the Creative Curriculum system with emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and social skills. The center features secure facilities, experienced early childhood educators, and comprehensive safety protocols including emergency preparedness training. Programs include swimming lessons for older children, physical activity programs, and character development activities. The YMCA's sliding fee scale and financial assistance options make quality childcare accessible to diverse families in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Roxana, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Roxana, IL, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Roxana, Illinois, all daycare centers and licensed home daycares must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). DCFS sets strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR, First Aid, and Early Childhood Education), facility safety, health practices, and program curriculum. To verify a provider's license and view any history of licensing violations, you can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool on their official website. You can search by the provider's name or by zip code (62084 for Roxana). It's highly recommended to check this before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Roxana, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Roxana area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $180 to $250 per week. For toddlers, costs may be slightly lower, around $160 to $220 per week. Licensed home daycares can sometimes be 10-20% less expensive. These rates are generally lower than in larger metro areas like St. Louis, but can still be a significant portion of a family's budget. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is administered locally through Madison County Community Development. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) website or your local IDHS office.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Roxana, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Waitlist times can vary significantly in Roxana. For the most popular and highly-rated centers, especially those affiliated with larger employers or offering specific educational philosophies, waitlists for infant rooms can be 6 to 12 months long. For toddler and preschool rooms, waitlists may be shorter, around 2-6 months. It is strongly advised to begin your search and schedule tours at least 6-9 months before your needed start date, particularly for infant care. Many parents in the area start researching during pregnancy. Don't hesitate to get on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee) to increase your options.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Roxana besides large daycare centers?
Roxana offers a mix of childcare options to fit different family needs. Besides traditional daycare centers, you will find: * **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** Smaller, home-based settings often with mixed-age groups, which can offer a more family-like atmosphere. * **Faith-Based Preschools/Childcare:** Several local churches offer preschool programs, and some may provide extended daycare hours. * **In-Home Nannies or Sitters:** While less formal, some families in the area opt for private in-home care, often found through local networks or online caregiver platforms. It's important to note that for regular, paid in-home care, Illinois law requires the provider to be licensed if they care for children from more than one family. * **Part-Day Preschool Programs:** These are common for children ages 3-5 and are often a more affordable option if you only need care for a few hours.
How does the proximity to the Wood River Refinery and other industries impact daycare hours and availability in Roxana?
Roxana's location within the Metro East area, with major employers like the Wood River Refinery (Phillips 66), means several daycare providers cater to shift workers and non-traditional hours. It's not uncommon to find centers or home providers offering extended hours, early openings (as early as 5:30 or 6:00 AM), or even limited overnight care to accommodate parents working 12-hour shifts or rotating schedules. When touring facilities, be sure to explicitly ask about their hours of operation, flexibility for early drop-off or late pick-up, and whether they accommodate parents who work weekends. Some providers may charge an additional fee for care outside standard 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM windows.