The Best Daycare Centers in Summerfield, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Summerfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Summerfield
The Goddard School of O'Fallon
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in O'Fallon 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, social-emotional development, and creative arts. Features state-certified teachers with bachelor's or master's degrees, secure keypad entry systems, live streaming for parents, and USDA-approved meal programs. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and specialized learning centers. Serves families throughout the Metro East area including Summerfield residents.
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Chesterfield Day School & Early Childhood Center
Chesterfield Day School
Chesterfield Day School provides a comprehensive early childhood program with a balanced approach to education that combines structured learning with child-directed exploration. Their curriculum emphasizes language development, mathematical thinking, scientific exploration, and social skills. Features low student-teacher ratios, degreed early childhood educators, secure facility with surveillance systems, and nutritious meal programs. The center includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, preschool classrooms, and expansive outdoor play areas. Serves the broader O'Fallon area including Summerfield families seeking quality childcare with educational foundation.
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Small Wonders Learning Center
Small Wonders Learning Center
Small Wonders Learning Center offers a nurturing environment with a play-based curriculum that incorporates Creative Curriculum and Illinois Early Learning Standards. Specializes in individualized learning plans, developmental milestone tracking, and hands-on activities that promote cognitive, physical, and social development. Features experienced early childhood professionals, secure facility with coded entry, daily communication with parents through Brightwheel app, and allergy-conscious meal planning. The center includes separate age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gross motor area, and fenced playgrounds. Conveniently located to serve Summerfield and surrounding communities with flexible scheduling options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Summerfield, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Summerfield, IL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Summerfield, IL, full-time daycare for infants typically ranges from $225 to $300 per week, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $200 to $275 per week. These costs can vary based on the type of facility (home-based vs. center-based) and the specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is administered locally through the St. Clair County Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) office. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care (employment, education, etc.). Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth inquiring directly.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Summerfield is properly licensed and what are the key state regulations I should know about?
All licensed daycare providers in Illinois, including those in Summerfield, are regulated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool on their official website. Key regulations for Illinois include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers), mandatory background checks for all staff, and required health and safety training. Licensed providers must also meet specific standards for facility safety, nutrition, and programming. Always choose a licensed provider to ensure these minimum standards are met.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Summerfield, and what strategies can I use to secure a spot for my child?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler rooms at many licensed daycare centers in and around Summerfield, especially for highly-rated facilities. Wait times can range from a few months to over a year. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or at least 6-12 months before you need care. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). Follow up with centers every 2-3 months to confirm your spot remains active. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed home daycares in neighboring communities like Belleville or O'Fallon, which may have shorter wait times.
What types of daycare options are most commonly available in Summerfield, and how do I choose between a home daycare and a center?
Summerfield primarily offers two types of licensed options: family child care homes (caring for up to 8 children in a provider's residence) and child care centers. Home daycares often provide a more intimate, family-like setting with mixed-age groups and potentially more flexible hours. Centers typically offer structured curricula, multiple classrooms by age, and larger facilities with more resources. Your choice should depend on your child's temperament, your schedule, and your priorities. Visit both types, ask about daily routines, staff qualifications, and safety protocols. Given Summerfield's smaller size, you may need to look at providers in nearby St. Clair County towns for a wider selection of centers.
What are the typical operating hours for daycare providers in Summerfield, and is there availability for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Most licensed daycare centers in the Summerfield area operate on a standard schedule, typically from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Licensed home daycares may offer slightly more flexible start and end times but generally follow similar weekday hours. Care for evenings, overnight, weekends, or irregular shifts is extremely limited in Summerfield itself. Parents with non-traditional schedules often need to seek specialized providers in larger nearby cities like Belleville or consider arranging a nanny share with other local families. It's crucial to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront during tours and interviews, as few providers in this immediate area accommodate hours outside the standard workday.