The Best Daycare Centers in Urbana, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Urbana. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Urbana
The Goddard School of Urbana
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Urbana offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention.
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Sunshine Daycare & Learning Center
Independent
Sunshine Daycare provides a nurturing, home-like environment with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Montessori and Reggio Emilia principles. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones through hands-on activities, creative arts, and sensory exploration. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, nutritious meal programs, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with extensive early childhood training. Parents consistently praise the center's warm atmosphere and strong communication about child development progress.
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University of Illinois Child Development Laboratory
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The UI Child Development Laboratory is a nationally recognized early childhood program that combines high-quality care with cutting-edge research in child development. Their research-based curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, cognitive growth, and school readiness through evidence-based practices. The facility includes observation rooms, specialized learning centers, and extensive outdoor learning environments. Teachers hold advanced degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing research. The program maintains exceptional staff-to-child ratios and serves as a training ground for future early childhood professionals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Urbana, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Urbana, IL?
In Urbana, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the type of center and the age of the child. For licensed daycare centers, infant care (6 weeks to 15 months) typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. Toddler care (15 months to 3 years) is slightly less, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based licensed daycare providers often offer more affordable rates, generally between $800 and $1,200 per month for full-time care. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. Urbana parents should also explore financial assistance options like the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which can help eligible families subsidize these costs.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Urbana is properly licensed and what should I look for during a visit?
All licensed childcare providers in Urbana must be registered with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations by using the DCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. During an in-person visit to a center or home in Urbana, look for key indicators of quality: a valid license posted visibly, clean and safe environments with secured exits, age-appropriate toys and learning materials, and engaged, friendly staff. Ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, and their emergency procedures for severe weather common in Central Illinois. Observe how caregivers interact with children to ensure it's warm and responsive.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Urbana, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Urbana, especially for infant spots. Popular centers affiliated with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) or those with strong educational curricula often have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move to Urbana begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before their needed start date. For toddler or preschool-age openings, a 3-6 month lead time is advisable. Don't hesitate to get on multiple lists and check in periodically for updates.
What unique childcare resources or programs are available for University of Illinois (UIUC) employees and students in Urbana?
UIUC offers several valuable resources for its community. The University's flagship is the **Child Development Laboratory (CDL)**, a highly sought-after, accredited program serving children from infancy through preschool, though waitlists are extensive. The **Faculty/Staff Assistance Program (FSAP)** and the **Graduate College** provide childcare referral services. Additionally, the **UIUC Student Parent Resource Center** offers support, including a resource library and connections to subsidized care options. Many student parents utilize the **Illinois CCAP program**, and some may qualify for subsidies through student-specific grants. Exploring home-based providers in the campus-adjacent neighborhoods can also be a practical solution for the university community.
What are the options for drop-in, part-time, or emergency childcare in Urbana, IL?
Urbana has limited but valuable options for non-traditional childcare schedules. Some local daycare centers may offer part-time slots (e.g., 2-3 days a week), but these are less common and often have specific schedules. For true drop-in or emergency care, your best bets are licensed family childcare homes that have flexible capacity or national backup care networks if offered through your employer (like Bright Horizons). The **Urbana Park District** and the **Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation** program offer seasonal day camps, parents' night out events, and preschool programs that can fill part-time needs. For occasional emergencies, building a network with other local parents for nanny-sharing or using vetted babysitting services like those affiliated with UIUC's human development programs is a common strategy. Always plan ahead, as last-minute care is challenging to secure.