The Best Daycare Centers in Venice, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Venice. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Venice
Columbia Early Childhood Center
Columbia Community Unit School District 4
Columbia Early Childhood Center operates as part of the Columbia School District, offering high-quality early childhood education with certified teachers and developmentally appropriate curriculum. The center focuses on school readiness through structured play-based learning, social-emotional development, and early literacy skills. Features include small class sizes, state-licensed facilities, and experienced early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees. The program emphasizes creating a nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten success through hands-on learning activities and individualized attention.
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Waterloo KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Waterloo KinderCare provides comprehensive early childhood education through the nationally recognized KinderCare curriculum, focusing on cognitive, social, and physical development. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry, certified teachers with early childhood credentials, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their Balanced Learning® approach combines play-based and structured activities, including phonics, math readiness, and STEM exploration. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and offers nutritious meals as part of their program. Parents praise the consistent communication and professional staff.
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Millstadt Elementary School Early Childhood Program
Millstadt Consolidated School District 160
Millstadt Elementary's Early Childhood Program offers a structured preschool environment within a public school setting, providing children with exposure to elementary school resources and facilities. The program employs state-certified early childhood teachers who implement research-based curriculum focusing on literacy development, number concepts, and social skills. Features include purpose-built classrooms, outdoor play areas, and integration with school-wide resources like the library and gymnasium. The program emphasizes parent involvement and regular progress reporting, with many families noting the smooth transition to kindergarten and strong community feel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Venice, IL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Venice, IL, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Venice, 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 background checks, health and sanitation, and program curriculum. To verify a provider's license and view any history of violations, you can use the DCFS "Child Care Facility and Foster Home Search" tool on their official website. For very small, license-exempt home care (3 or fewer children), it's crucial to conduct your own thorough vetting, including checking references and visiting the home.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Venice, IL?
The cost of childcare in Venice and the surrounding Metro East area is generally more affordable than in larger Illinois cities like Chicago, but prices vary. For a licensed daycare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from $175 to $250 per week. Toddler care may be slightly less, around $160 to $225 per week. Home-based daycare is often a more budget-friendly option, averaging $125 to $185 per week. Costs depend on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff qualifications. We recommend contacting several providers directly for their current rates and inquiring about any available financial assistance programs, such as the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Venice, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of dedicated daycare facilities within Venice itself, many families utilize providers in neighboring communities like Madison, Granite City, or Fairmont City. This can lead to high demand and waitlists, especially for infant spots. It is strongly advised to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care. When contacting centers, always ask about their current waitlist status, estimated timeline, and any deposit required to hold a spot. Being flexible with your start date and considering registered home daycares can significantly improve your chances of securing a spot more quickly.
What resources are available to help me find and compare childcare options in the Venice area?
The primary resource for parents in Venice is the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (INCCRRA). You can contact their referral service online or by phone to get a customized list of licensed providers in Venice and the 620xx zip code area. Additionally, the "Child Care Aware" website allows you to search by location. For local insights, consider joining community Facebook groups for Venice or Madison County parents, where you can ask for personal recommendations and experiences with specific providers, which is invaluable for gauging quality and reliability.
What should I look for during a tour of a potential daycare in Venice, and what local-specific questions should I ask?
During a tour, observe cleanliness, safety (outlet covers, secure gates), child engagement, and staff-child interactions. Ask about staff turnover, their emergency procedures for severe weather common to the region, and their policy on school closure days (as they may follow local districts like Venice School District 3). Specifically for Venice, ask about their outdoor play policy given the urban setting—is the playground fenced and secure? Also, inquire about their plan for pick-up/drop-up given that some facilities may be on busier streets. Always verify their Illinois DCFS license is current and ask for references from current families.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Venice: