The Best Daycare Centers in Smithton, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Smithton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Smithton
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 balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character education. They provide nutritious meals and snacks and maintain rigorous health and safety protocols.
Daycare Services:
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 focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features secure keypad entry, certified teachers with early childhood credentials, and modern learning environments. Their program includes technology integration, music and movement, and hands-on learning activities. They maintain strict safety protocols including background-checked staff, regular safety drills, and comprehensive cleaning procedures. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular progress updates.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Belleville
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Belleville offers research-based early education with their World at Their Fingertips® curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The center features highly qualified educators with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, secure facilities with monitored access, and developmentally appropriate learning spaces. Their program includes emergent curriculum approaches, outdoor learning environments, and family engagement opportunities. They maintain enhanced health and safety standards including comprehensive wellness policies and emergency preparedness protocols.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Smithton, IL
What are the typical costs for daycare or preschool in Smithton, IL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Smithton, IL, daycare costs vary based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants and toddlers, full-time care at a licensed center typically ranges from $180 to $250 per week. Preschool-age children (3-5 years) often cost between $150 and $200 per week. In-home daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices can differ between providers. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low-income families. You can apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Smithton is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed daycare providers in Illinois, including those in Smithton, are regulated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license and view their official monitoring reports, including any violations, through the DCFS Child Care Facility Search tool online. Simply enter the provider's name or location. It's highly recommended to review these reports for details on compliance with state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and training. You can also contact the DCFS Licensing Representative for the Southern Region, which covers Smithton, for additional information. Always choose a licensed provider to ensure minimum health and safety standards are met.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Smithton, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many daycare centers in and around Smithton do maintain waitlists. It is very common for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To secure a spot, parents are advised to start researching and contacting providers as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. Be prepared to put your name on multiple waitlists and pay a non-refundable deposit to hold a spot. In-home family daycare providers may have more immediate availability, but it's still wise to inquire several months in advance.
What are the main differences between a licensed daycare center and a licensed family child care home in Smithton?
In Smithton, you'll primarily find two types of licensed care: Centers and Family Child Care Homes. **Centers** are larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms and staff. They may offer structured preschool curricula, more peer interaction, and typically have stricter staff qualification requirements. They operate in commercial buildings. **Family Child Care Homes** are run out of a provider's residence, caring for a smaller group of children (up to 8 children, with no more than 3 under 24 months). They often offer a more home-like, flexible environment and may have mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. Both are licensed by DCFS, but their environments, group sizes, and daily rhythms differ significantly. Your choice will depend on your child's temperament and your family's schedule and philosophy.
Beyond basic care, what types of early learning or enrichment programs are commonly offered by Smithton daycares and preschools?
Many daycare centers and preschools in the Smithton area incorporate structured early learning programs aligned with Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. Common offerings include literacy and math readiness activities, science exploration, and arts and crafts. Some providers may offer specific enrichment such as basic Spanish, music and movement classes, or outdoor/nature-based learning. Given Smithton's community-focused atmosphere, some programs may also incorporate local field trips (when age-appropriate) to places like the Smithton Public Library or community parks. When touring facilities, ask about their daily curriculum, philosophy (e.g., play-based, Montessori-inspired), and how they prepare children for kindergarten in local school districts like Freeburg Community High School District 77.