The Best Daycare Centers in Shirley, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Shirley. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Shirley
Kiddie Academy of Bourbonnais
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Bourbonnais offers a comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. The academy emphasizes hands-on learning experiences and provides daily communication to parents about their child's development and activities. Their nutrition program includes healthy meals and snacks, and they maintain rigorous safety and cleanliness protocols.
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The Goddard School of Bourbonnais
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Bourbonnais provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.E.X.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which balances academic readiness with social development. The school employs degreed teachers who receive ongoing professional development in early childhood education. Features include secure facilities with keypad entry, age-specific learning centers, and structured play areas. The curriculum incorporates literacy, mathematics, science, and arts, with regular progress reports shared with parents. The school maintains excellent health and safety standards with comprehensive emergency procedures and daily sanitation protocols.
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Kankakee Early Learning Center
Independent Nonprofit
Kankakee Early Learning Center is a high-quality nonprofit childcare facility serving the broader Kankakee County area, including Shirley families. The center follows research-based early childhood education practices with a focus on school readiness and whole-child development. Staff includes certified early childhood educators and specialists in child development. The facility features modern classrooms, secure environments, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. They offer comprehensive services including health screenings, family support services, and nutritious meals. The center maintains NAEYC-aligned standards and focuses on creating inclusive, diverse learning environments that support children's cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Shirley, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Shirley, Illinois, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Shirley, Illinois, all daycare centers and home daycare providers caring for more than three children unrelated to them must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). These licenses require providers to meet strict standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, and ongoing training. To verify the license status and review any history of complaints or violations for a specific provider in the Shirley area, you can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool on their official website. It's highly recommended to cross-reference this with a physical visit to the facility to ensure ongoing compliance and a safe environment for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Shirley, IL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Shirley and the surrounding rural areas of Illinois, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $175 to $250 per week. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, often between $150 and $225 per week. Home-based daycare may be more affordable. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low-income families, working parents, and students pay for care. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care. You can apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Additionally, some local providers in Shirley may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Shirley, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare facilities in a smaller community like Shirley, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular local centers or highly-regarded home providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move to Shirley begin researching and contacting providers as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before you need care. Be prepared to get on multiple lists and check in periodically to maintain your spot.
Are there any unique childcare options in Shirley that cater to agricultural or shift-work families common in the area?
Yes, given Shirley's location in a rural part of Illinois, some childcare providers understand the non-traditional schedules of agricultural and shift-work families. While formal 24-hour centers are rare, many licensed home daycare providers in the area may offer more flexible hours, including early morning drop-offs (before 6 AM) or later evening pick-ups to accommodate parents working in manufacturing, healthcare, or farming. It's crucial to communicate your specific schedule needs upfront. Additionally, seeking out providers through local networks, such as community boards or Facebook groups for Shirley/Edgar County, can help you find individuals willing to accommodate atypical hours.
What resources are available in Shirley for finding and evaluating in-home daycare providers versus larger centers?
For finding providers in Shirley, start with the official DCFS search tool to get a list of all licensed options. Beyond that, local word-of-mouth is incredibly valuable in a small community. Check the "Shirley, IL Community" Facebook page or similar local social media groups where parents often share recommendations. The Edgar County Health Department may also have referrals. When evaluating, consider the differences: Centers often have structured curricula and multiple staff, while home providers offer a family-like setting with potentially more flexibility. For any option, always schedule an in-person visit, ask for references from current parents, and ensure the provider's philosophy on discipline, nutrition, and play aligns with your family's values.