The Best Daycare Centers in Taylor Springs, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Taylor Springs. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Taylor Springs
The Learning Tree
Independent
The Learning Tree offers a comprehensive educational program with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes early literacy, math readiness, and social-emotional development. Their experienced staff includes certified early childhood educators who create individualized learning plans for each child. The facility features secure classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor play areas with modern safety equipment. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provide nutritious meals and snacks. Parents consistently praise their strong communication and the nurturing environment that helps children build confidence and foundational skills.
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Little Explorers Learning Center
Independent
Little Explorers Learning Center focuses on hands-on, experiential learning through their STEAM-based curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Their qualified teaching staff holds degrees in early childhood education and receives ongoing professional development. The center features secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and well-equipped classrooms with modern learning materials. They emphasize character development and social skills while providing structured academic preparation. The center is known for its inclusive environment and strong parent partnerships, with regular progress updates and family engagement events.
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Kiddie Academy of Edwardsville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Edwardsville provides a nationally recognized Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic learning with character development and physical activity. Their highly qualified staff includes teachers with bachelor's degrees in education and specialized early childhood training. The state-of-the-art facility features secure electronic access, monitored classrooms, and age-appropriate learning environments with interactive technology. Their program includes foreign language exposure, music education, and structured physical activities. Parents consistently rate them highly for their comprehensive communication system, including daily activity reports and regular parent-teacher conferences, ensuring families stay connected to their child's development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Taylor Springs, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Taylor Springs, IL?
In Taylor Springs and the surrounding Montgomery County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $180 to $250 per week for an infant or toddler. Licensed home-based daycares in the community often range from $130 to $180 per week. These rates are generally lower than those in larger Illinois metro areas like Springfield or Chicago suburbs. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, Illinois offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How can I verify that a daycare provider in Taylor Springs is properly licensed and has a good record?
All licensed daycare centers and home providers in Illinois are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license and review their official inspection history, including any violations, by using the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. For a local perspective, we recommend contacting the Montgomery County Health Department or asking the provider directly for their license number and most recent inspection report. It's also a good practice to ask for references from current or past parents in the Taylor Springs community to get firsthand accounts of their experiences.
Are there many daycare options with immediate openings in Taylor Springs, or should I expect a waitlist?
Due to Taylor Springs being a smaller village, the number of licensed providers is limited. It is very common to encounter waitlists, especially for infant care and at the more well-established centers or highly recommended home daycares. We strongly recommend beginning your search at least 3-6 months before you need care. While some family home providers may have occasional immediate openings, planning ahead is crucial. Expanding your search to nearby towns like Hillsboro, Litchfield, or Nokomis can increase your options, though this will involve a longer commute.
What are the main types of childcare available to parents in Taylor Springs?
Parents in Taylor Springs typically have three main options. First, **licensed daycare centers**, which are often located in nearby larger towns but may serve the area, offering structured programs in a commercial setting. Second, **licensed family child care homes**, which are operated out of a provider's residence in the neighborhood, offering a smaller, home-like environment. Third, **license-exempt care**, which can include care by relatives, nannies, or smaller in-home operations caring for three or fewer children. For regulated care with health and safety standards, focusing on DCFS-licensed providers is recommended.
Do any daycare providers in the area offer flexible or part-time schedules for parents with non-traditional work hours?
Finding flexible or non-traditional hour care (evenings, weekends, overnight) in Taylor Springs itself can be challenging due to the small market. Most licensed home-based and center-based programs operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best bet for flexible care is to seek out licensed family child care providers who may be willing to accommodate an irregular schedule on a case-by-case basis, or to explore arranging a nanny share with other local families. For reliable part-time care (e.g., 2-3 days a week), some home providers may offer this, but it is less common and often depends on their current enrollment. Be sure to discuss your specific schedule needs very early in your conversations with any provider.