The Best Daycare Centers in Staunton, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Staunton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Staunton
The Goddard School of Edwardsville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Edwardsville 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 highly qualified teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, clean classrooms. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide regular parent communication through daily reports and mobile app updates. The center is known for its strong emphasis on safety protocols, nutritious meal programs, and comprehensive developmental tracking.
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Kiddie Academy of Edwardsville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Edwardsville provides educational child care with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring. Their degreed teachers implement age-appropriate learning activities focusing on literacy, math, science, and social skills. The facility includes multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, spacious classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated art and music areas. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through their mobile app and the center's commitment to health and safety protocols, including rigorous cleaning procedures and staff training.
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Glen Ed Children's Academy
Independent
Glen Ed Children's Academy is a locally owned and operated childcare center serving the Metro East area with a reputation for exceptional care and educational excellence. Their curriculum combines structured learning with creative exploration, focusing on whole-child development. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms equipped with educational technology, and expansive outdoor play areas. Their experienced teaching staff includes early childhood education specialists who provide individualized attention and maintain detailed progress reports. The academy is particularly noted for its family-oriented atmosphere, flexible scheduling options, and strong community connections, making it a trusted choice for families throughout the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Staunton, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Staunton, IL, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Staunton, IL, all daycare centers and home-based providers caring for more than three children must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Licensing ensures facilities meet standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), and program curriculum. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool on their official website. You can also contact the DCFS Licensing Representative for the Metro East region, which serves Madison County, to ask about any recent inspections or complaints. It's highly recommended to physically visit any potential daycare and ask to see their current license certificate, which should be posted.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Staunton, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Staunton and the surrounding Macoupin County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $150 to $225 per week, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $130 to $200 per week. These costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and whether it's a center or a licensed home daycare. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is administered locally through the Macoupin County Family Community Resource Center. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (e.g., employment, education). Additionally, some local daycare centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's important to ask directly.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Staunton, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare centers in a smaller community like Staunton, waitlists are common, especially for infant care. It is strongly advised to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and if you are expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. Popular local centers often have waitlists that can extend several months. Don't overlook licensed group and family home daycares, which may have more immediate openings. Being proactive, making multiple inquiries, and staying in regular contact with your preferred providers can significantly improve your chances of securing a spot.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Staunton beyond traditional daycare centers?
In addition to a few licensed daycare centers, Staunton parents often utilize licensed family child care homes, which provide care in a provider's residence for a smaller group of children. This can offer a more home-like environment. Another key option is preschool programs, often housed in local churches or community organizations, which typically serve children ages 3-5 for part-day sessions. For school-age children, the Staunton Community Unit School District #6 offers a before-and-after-school care program. For occasional or backup care, networking with other parents for babysitter recommendations is a common practice, as formal drop-in centers are not readily available in the immediate area.
How does the rural location of Staunton impact childcare logistics, such as hours of operation and transportation?
Staunton's rural setting means most childcare providers operate on schedules tailored to local workforce patterns, typically from around 6:00 AM to 5:30 or 6:00 PM. Evening, overnight, or weekend care is extremely rare. Very few, if any, providers offer transportation services to or from their facilities; parents are responsible for all drop-off and pick-up. This makes location a critical factor in your decision. When evaluating options, consider your commute to work in larger nearby cities like Edwardsville or Springfield, as a provider's closing time will need to accommodate your travel time. Planning for reliable transportation and having a backup plan for inclement weather or vehicle issues is essential.
Nearby Cities
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