The Best Daycare Centers in Sherrard, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sherrard. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sherrard
The Goddard School of Moline
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Moline offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with highly qualified teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress. The school is known for its comprehensive safety protocols and nutritious meal programs.
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Bright Horizons at Moline
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Moline provides research-based early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes language, literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills. The center features degreed teachers with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains NAEYC accreditation. Their secure facility includes developmentally appropriate learning environments, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. The center offers enhanced health and safety protocols, including comprehensive cleaning procedures and health screenings. Parents appreciate the strong communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy is a locally-owned childcare center serving the Quad Cities area with a comprehensive educational program that balances structured learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on kindergarten readiness through phonics, math concepts, science exploration, and social development. The center features experienced educators with ongoing professional development and maintains small class sizes for individualized attention. The facility includes secure access, age-specific classrooms, indoor gross motor areas, and safe outdoor playgrounds. They provide nutritious meals and snacks while emphasizing character development and community values. The center is praised for its family-like atmosphere and strong parent partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sherrard, IL
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in and around Sherrard, IL?
In Sherrard and the surrounding Mercer County area, parents typically have three main licensed options. First, licensed daycare centers, which are often part of larger facilities or chains, offering structured programs for multiple age groups. Second, licensed family childcare homes, which are smaller, home-based operations that can provide a more intimate setting, often with mixed-age groups. Third, licensed group homes, which are slightly larger than family homes. Given Sherrard's smaller, rural community, family childcare homes are a prevalent and popular choice. All licensed providers in Illinois must be registered with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), and you can verify a provider's license status through the DCFS website. For more specialized care, some parents may need to look toward the larger Quad Cities area (Moline/Rock Island).
What is the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare in Sherrard, and are there any financial assistance programs?
In Sherrard and rural Mercer County, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas but can vary significantly based on the type of care and the child's age. For an infant, you can expect to pay approximately $150-$225 per week at a licensed family home, while a center-based program might range from $175-$275 per week. Toddler care is typically slightly less. Financial assistance is primarily available through the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low-income families, working parents, or those in education/training programs. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care. Applications are processed through the local Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) office, with the nearest likely serving the Rock Island County region.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in Sherrard, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers in a smaller community like Sherrard, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care spots which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual for popular licensed family homes or the nearest center-based options to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months. We strongly recommend that expecting parents begin their search and make inquiries during the second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool-age openings, starting your search 4-6 months in advance is advisable. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask to be placed on their waitlist (sometimes with a small fee), and check back periodically.
What are the key state licensing requirements for daycare providers that I should verify as a parent in Illinois?
Illinois DCFS sets stringent rules for all licensed childcare. Key requirements you should confirm include: 1) **Staff-to-Child Ratios:** For infants (0-14 months), it's 1:4; for toddlers (15-23 months), it's 1:5. 2) **Background Checks:** All staff and adults in the home must pass fingerprint-based criminal background checks and be checked against the Statewide Sex Offender Database and Child Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database. 3) **Health and Safety:** Providers must have current CPR/First Aid certification, follow safe sleep practices for infants, and have emergency plans. 4) **Training:** Mandated reporter training and ongoing annual training in child development, safety, and neglect prevention are required. Don't hesitate to ask a provider in Sherrard to see their license and discuss how they meet these standards.
Are there part-time, drop-in, or evening/weekend childcare options available in Sherrard for parents with non-traditional schedules?
Options for non-traditional hours are very limited in Sherrard due to its size. Most licensed family homes and centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:00/7:00 AM to 5:30/6:00 PM schedule. Part-time care (e.g., 2-3 days a week) is sometimes offered by family homes if they have space, but it's less common than full-time contracts. Dedicated drop-in or evening/weekend care is exceptionally rare locally. Parents with shift work, weekend jobs, or irregular hours often need to arrange private, in-home babysitting networks with other local families or look for providers in the broader Quad Cities region that may offer more flexible scheduling, though this involves a longer commute.