The Best Daycare Centers in South Roxana, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in South Roxana. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in South Roxana
Bright Horizons at Wood River
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Wood River offers a comprehensive educational program with research-based curriculum focusing on early literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and modern learning materials. The center emphasizes safety with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and rigorous health protocols. Parents appreciate the regular communication through daily reports and the center's focus on individualized learning plans.
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Kiddie Academy of Alton
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Alton provides a structured educational environment with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic learning with character development. The center features state-certified teachers, modern security systems including keypad entry, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their program includes technology integration, hands-on learning activities, and nutritious meal programs. The facility offers spacious classrooms, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and enrichment programs in music and physical education. Parents consistently praise the attentive staff and the center's focus on preparing children for kindergarten success.
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The Goddard School of Edwardsville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Edwardsville offers a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). The center employs degreed teachers with specialized early childhood training and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Features include secure facilities with surveillance systems, allergy-aware environments, and comprehensive emergency preparedness plans. The curriculum emphasizes STEAM education, language development, and social skills through hands-on activities. Parents highlight the excellent communication, well-maintained facilities, and the school's ability to nurture each child's individual development while preparing them for academic success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in South Roxana, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in South Roxana, IL?
In South Roxana and the surrounding Metro East area, daycare costs are generally more affordable than in larger Illinois cities like Chicago, but have been rising. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately $175 to $250 per week for a toddler in a licensed home daycare or a smaller center. Infant care is typically more expensive, ranging from $200 to $300 per week due to higher staff-to-child ratios required by state law. It's important to note that prices can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and whether meals are provided. Several providers in the area may offer sibling discounts. For the most accurate and current pricing, always contact providers directly, as these figures are estimates.
How can I verify if a daycare or preschool in South Roxana is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All licensed daycare providers in South Roxana, IL, are regulated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The most reliable way to verify a provider's license and review its history is to use the DCFS "Child Care License Lookup" tool available on their official website. You can search by the provider's name, city, or license number. This public portal will show you the license status (active, expired, etc.), the facility's capacity, age ranges served, and any serious licensing violations or corrective plans. For an even more thorough check, you can contact the DCFS Licensing Representative for Madison County. It is highly recommended to complete this check before enrolling your child.
Are there any state or local programs in South Roxana that help low-income families afford childcare?
Yes, the primary program is the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). CCAP provides subsidies to eligible low-income families, working parents, and those in education or training programs to help pay for care at licensed or license-exempt providers. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care. Applications are processed through the IDHS local office serving Madison County. Additionally, some local nonprofit organizations and community action agencies in the Metro East region may offer supplemental assistance or sliding scale fees. The "Illinois Action for Children" website is a great resource to start the application process and determine preliminary eligibility.
What is the average waitlist time for popular daycare centers in the South Roxana area, and how should I plan ahead?
Waitlist times in South Roxana and nearby communities like Wood River or Alton can vary significantly. For highly sought-after centers, especially those offering infant care, waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long. For toddler and preschool slots, 3 to 6 months is common. To plan effectively, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be on the list, how often they update families, and if they offer priority for siblings of current enrollees. Considering a mix of daycare centers and licensed home-based providers can increase your options and potentially reduce wait times.
What are some key questions to ask during a tour of a potential daycare in South Roxana, specific to Illinois regulations and local practices?
Beyond general questions about daily routines, you should ask Illinois-specific and local questions. Key inquiries include: 1) "What is your staff's current DCFS-required training in topics like First Aid/CPR, Mandated Reporter, and Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?" 2) "Can you explain your sick child policy and how it aligns with Illinois Department of Public Health exclusion guidelines?" 3) "What is your procedure for severe weather, given our region's risk for tornadoes?" 4) "How do you handle outdoor play during periods of high air pollution alerts from nearby industrial areas?" 5) "What is your staff turnover rate?" High turnover can be a red flag. Also, ask for references from current South Roxana-area parents to get firsthand accounts of their experiences.