The Best Daycare Centers in Scott Air Force Base, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Scott Air Force Base. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Scott Air Force Base
The Goddard School of O'Fallon
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of O'Fallon 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 play-based learning approach is enhanced by STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum components. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in education or related fields, and the school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, and their proximity to Scott AFB makes them popular with military families seeking structured, high-quality childcare with flexible scheduling options.
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Kiddie Academy of O'Fallon
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of O'Fallon provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The academy focuses on STEM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills through structured play and hands-on activities. The facility includes secure keypad entry, sanitization protocols, and monitored classrooms. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and many hold early childhood credentials. The program offers flexible scheduling to accommodate military families' needs, with extended hours and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Their communication system keeps parents informed about daily activities and developmental milestones.
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Little Saints Learning Center
Independent
Little Saints Learning Center offers a nurturing Christian-based educational environment with a comprehensive curriculum that includes phonics, mathematics, science, and social studies. The center emphasizes character development alongside academic readiness, with age-appropriate learning centers and hands-on activities. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The experienced teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and participates in continuous professional development. Located just minutes from Scott AFB, they understand the unique needs of military families and offer flexible scheduling, nutritious meals, and a supportive community atmosphere that helps children thrive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Scott Air Force Base, IL
What childcare options are available specifically for military families stationed at Scott Air Force Base?
Scott Air Force Base offers several dedicated options for military families. The primary resource is the **Scott Child Development Center (CDC)**, located on base, which provides full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. It is accredited and follows Department of Defense (DoD) standards, with fees based on your Total Family Income (TFI). For school-age children (grades K-5), the **School Age Care (SAC) program** offers before/after-school care and summer camps. Additionally, the **MilitaryChildCare.com** website is the centralized portal to search for and request care at the CDC, SAC, or in the network of approved **Family Child Care (FCC) homes** operated by licensed military spouses on base. These on-base options often have waitlists, so early registration is crucial.
How do I navigate the waitlists for on-base childcare at Scott AFB, and what are my off-base alternatives in the surrounding area?
Waitlists for the Scott AFB CDC and SAC can be lengthy, especially for infants and toddlers. You should register on **MilitaryChildCare.com** as soon as you have orders to the base. While waiting, explore off-base alternatives in nearby communities like O'Fallon, Shiloh, Belleville, and Mascoutah. Many state-licensed daycare centers and home-based providers in these towns are familiar with military family needs. You can search for licensed providers through the **Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Child Care Finder** website. Some off-base centers may also participate in the **DoD Fee Assistance program**, which can help subsidize costs if on-base care is unavailable. Contact the **Scott AFB Child & Youth Services (CYS) office** for a referral list.
What are the typical costs for childcare in the Scott Air Force Base area, and what financial assistance programs are available?
Costs vary significantly. **On-base** at the CDC/SAC, you pay a weekly fee based on your DoD-calculated Total Family Income (TFI), which is often more affordable than comparable off-base care. **Off-base** in the Metro-East Illinois area, full-time infant care can range from $225 to $350+ per week, with rates decreasing slightly for older children. Financial assistance is available through several avenues: 1) The **DoD Fee Assistance program** for off-base care if on-base is full, 2) The Illinois **Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)** for state-based income eligibility, and 3) The **Air Force Aid Society** may offer grants or loans for emergency childcare needs. Always confirm a provider's license and CCAP acceptance status.
What are the licensing and safety regulations for childcare providers in Illinois, and how can I verify a provider near Scott AFB?
All legal childcare providers in Illinois (both centers and homes) must be licensed by the **Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)**. DCFS sets standards for staff-to-child ratios, background checks, health and safety training, facility safety, and curriculum. You can verify a provider's license status, view any licensing history, and check for complaints or violations by using the **DCFS Child Care Facility Lookup** tool online. For on-base FCC homes, they are certified and inspected to meet even more stringent DoD standards. When touring any facility, ask to see their license, their emergency plans, and their sick child policy. The Scott AFB CYS office can also provide guidance on what to look for.
Are there any childcare programs or resources at Scott AFB that support parents with non-traditional or shift work schedules?
Yes, Scott AFB recognizes the demands of military duty schedules. The **Child Development Center (CDC) offers hourly care** (subject to availability) which can be crucial for parents needing drop-in care for appointments, shifts, or emergencies. The network of **Family Child Care (FCC) homes** on base often provides greater scheduling flexibility, including evening, weekend, and overnight care, as these are small, in-home operations. For last-minute or emergency needs, the base also promotes a **Parents’ Night Out** program periodically. It is essential to communicate your schedule needs clearly when interviewing any provider, whether on or off-base. Many local off-base centers have standard hours (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM), so FCC homes may be the most flexible option for shift workers.
Nearby Cities
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