The Best Daycare Centers in Westville, IL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Westville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Westville
The Goddard School of Danville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Danville 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 state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. They emphasize STEAM learning, character development, and provide daily communication updates to parents through their proprietary app. The center is known for its comprehensive safety protocols, nutritious meal programs, and extensive enrichment activities including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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Little Learners Academy
Little Learners Academy, LLC
Little Learners Academy provides a nurturing educational environment with a research-based curriculum that focuses on the whole child's development. Their program includes Creative Curriculum for infants and toddlers and HighScope for preschool ages, emphasizing active participatory learning. The center features certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, secure facilities with camera monitoring, and age-appropriate learning environments. They offer structured daily schedules that balance academic instruction with creative play, outdoor time, and social-emotional learning. The academy is particularly noted for its strong parent-teacher communication, developmental progress tracking, and inclusive approach to diverse learning needs.
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Imagination Station Learning Center
Imagination Station, Inc.
Imagination Station Learning Center offers a comprehensive early childhood program with a play-based learning approach that incorporates academic readiness skills. Their curriculum focuses on literacy development, mathematical thinking, and social skills through hands-on activities and center-based learning. The facility includes secure entry systems, modern classrooms with dedicated learning centers, and large outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with backgrounds in early childhood education, and the center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. They provide family-style meals and snacks, regular developmental assessments, and strong community connections. The center is recognized for its warm, family-oriented atmosphere and consistent quality care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Westville, IL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Westville, IL?
In Westville, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $700 to $950 per month for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family daycares are often more affordable, typically ranging from $550 to $750 per month. These rates are generally lower than those in larger Illinois metropolitan areas like Chicago or Champaign, but it's important to note that costs have been rising. Always ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and curriculum materials. 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 provider in Westville is properly licensed and has a good standing with the state?
All licensed daycare centers and home providers in Westville must be regulated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). You can verify a provider's license and review their official history by using the "Child Care Facility Search" tool on the DCFS website. This tool allows you to see the license status, capacity, any serious licensing violations, and the results of their most recent monitoring visit. It's also highly recommended to visit the facility in person, ask for references from current parents, and check with the local Regional Office of Education for any additional community feedback. This due diligence is crucial for your child's safety.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Westville, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlists for daycare, especially for infants, are common in Westville due to limited slots and high demand relative to the number of providers. For popular centers or in-home providers with excellent reputations, waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if you are expecting. Don't hesitate to get on multiple lists, as spots can open unpredictably. For toddler or preschool-age care, a lead time of 3-6 months is more typical but starting early is still beneficial.
What are the main options for childcare in Westville besides traditional daycare centers?
Westville offers several childcare alternatives. Licensed family child care homes are a popular option, providing a smaller, home-like setting often with mixed-age groups. For preschool-aged children (3-5 years), part-day preschool programs may be available through the Westville School District 2 or local churches and community organizations. Another growing option is hiring a nanny or sharing a nanny with another family, though this is typically the most expensive route. Additionally, some employers in the area may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and local networks or Facebook groups for parents can be valuable resources for finding trusted in-home babysitters for occasional care.
What are the state-mandated staff-to-child ratios I should expect at a daycare in Westville, and why are they important?
Illinois DCFS sets strict staff-to-child ratios to ensure safety and quality of care. For daycare centers in Westville, the required ratios are: 1:4 for infants (0-15 months), 1:5 for toddlers (15-24 months), 1:8 for 2-year-olds, 1:10 for 3-year-olds, and 1:20 for 4-5 year-olds. For licensed family homes, the ratio is 1:8 for all children under 12, with no more than 3 under age 2. These ratios are critical because they directly impact the amount of individual attention, supervision, and quality of interaction your child receives. A center that consistently operates at or better than these minimum ratios is often a sign of a higher-quality program. Always ask about ratios during your tours.