The Best Daycare Centers in Troy, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Troy. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Troy
The Goddard School of Troy
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Troy offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education with age-appropriate activities. All teachers are qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms with advanced learning materials. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide regular progress reports to parents.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Edwardsville
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Edwardsville serves families throughout the Troy area with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and discovery. The center features state-of-the-art security including keypad entry and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their Emergent Curriculum adapts to children's interests while meeting developmental milestones. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, multiple outdoor play spaces with age-appropriate equipment, and classrooms equipped with interactive technology. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their partnership with a registered dietitian.
Daycare Services:
Little Explorers Early Learning Center
Independent
Little Explorers Early Learning Center is a locally-owned facility in downtown Troy that provides a nurturing, home-like environment with structured educational programming. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired independent learning with traditional preschool activities, focusing on social-emotional development and kindergarten readiness. The center features secure facilities with camera monitoring, fenced outdoor play areas, and developmentally appropriate learning centers in each classroom. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in continuous training. They emphasize parent communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences, building strong community relationships.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Troy, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Troy, IL?
In Troy, IL, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants (under 2 years), you can expect to pay between $180 to $250 per week at a licensed daycare center. For toddlers (ages 2-3), weekly rates typically range from $160 to $220. In-home licensed daycare providers in the Troy area often charge slightly less, averaging $150 to $200 per week for full-time care. These costs are generally lower than the metro-east St. Louis average but can vary based on specific programs, meal inclusions, and curriculum offerings. It's important to note that costs have risen in recent years, and many facilities require a registration fee. Financial assistance may be available through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Troy is properly licensed and what should I look for during a visit?
All licensed daycare providers in Troy, Illinois, 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 serious violations by using the DCFS "Child Care Facility and Day Care Home Search" tool on their official website. During an in-person visit to a facility in Troy, look for: a current license posted visibly, evidence of structured daily activities, clean and safe indoor/outdoor play areas, secure entry/exit procedures, and a low child-to-staff ratio (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers). Also, ask about staff qualifications, emergency plans for severe weather common in Madison County, and their sick child policy. Observing how staff interact with children is crucial.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Troy, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many reputable daycare centers and in-home providers in Troy do have waitlists. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search and get on waitlists **6 to 12 months** before their needed start date, particularly for infant care. For toddler or preschool-age children, a 3-6 month lead time is more common but not guaranteed. Popular centers affiliated with local school districts or with strong educational programs often have the longest waits. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, the deposit required to hold a spot (if any), and how often they update families on their status.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in Troy, IL?
Full-time programs are most common, but part-time and occasional care options do exist in Troy. Some licensed daycare centers offer 2-3 day per week schedules, though these spots are limited and may cost more per day than a full-time weekly rate. For true drop-in or hourly care, your best local options are typically licensed family child care homes that have flexible openings, or regional chains with drop-in centers located in nearby cities like Edwardsville or O'Fallon. Additionally, the Tri-Township Park District and the Troy Public Library occasionally offer parent's day out programs or supervised play sessions that can provide short-term respite. It's essential to call individual providers to inquire about their flexibility, as policies vary widely.
What resources are available in Troy to help me find and compare local childcare providers?
The primary resource for Troy parents is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Southern Illinois**, which is administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA). They maintain a comprehensive, searchable database of all licensed providers in the Troy (Madison County) area. You can contact them online or by phone for a personalized referral list based on your needs (hours, age, location). Locally, the **Troy Chamber of Commerce** website may list member childcare businesses. Many parents also rely on the "Troy, IL Community" Facebook group and other local social media groups for personal recommendations and reviews, though you should always follow up with official licensing checks through DCFS.