Children at daycare

Best Daycare Centers in Columbia, IL

Compare 7 daycare centers in Columbia. Average rating: 4.67/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Columbia, Illinois at a glance

Daycares
7
Avg rating
4.67/5
Parent reviews
63
Top rated (4.5+)
5

Columbia has 7 licensed daycares with 63 parent reviews averaging 4.67/5.5 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 71% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around the 62236 zip code, averaging 4.67 stars across 7 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Columbia

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1
    Creative Kids INC.
    4.62 score
    4.8(17)

    410 N Metter Ave, Columbia, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 59 children

    Creative Kids Inc. receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating the center 5/5 stars. Parents highlight the loving, educational environment, dedicated staff, creative curriculum, and strong preparation for kindergarten. Daily communication, homemade meals, and individual attention to each child are frequently mentioned as standout features.

    Loving and caring staffcreative curriculum with weekly themesstrong academic preparationdaily communication sheets
  2. 2
    The Lighthouse Learning Ctr. (INC. L.C.)
    4.56 score
    4.7(20)

    100 Southwoods Center, Columbia, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 150 children

    Parents consistently praise Children First Learning Center for exceptional care, attentive staff, and strong communication. Directors Grace and Carrie are noted as accessible and accommodating, while teachers like Ms. Rory are praised for patience and dedication. Children reportedly love attending and parents feel confident their kids are safe and happy.

    Convenient locationresponsive directorspatient and caring teachersdaily communication app with photos and activity logs
  3. 3
    St. Paul'S Lutheran Preschool
    4.55 score
    4.8(11)

    227 Goodhaven St, Columbia, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children

    St. Paul's Lutheran Preschool receives exceptional feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 4-5 stars. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, particularly Mrs. Shelly and Mrs. April, along with the well-planned curriculum, creative learning centers, and Christian-based environment that balances academic preparation with nurturing care.

    Dedicated and caring staffcreative and engaging learning activitiessmall class sizes allowing individualized attentionwell-planned curriculum aligned with kindergarten readiness
  4. 4
    Columbia Kinder College
    4.11 score
    4.2(6)

    114 W Cherry St, Columbia, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 105 children

    Columbia Kinder College receives highly positive reviews from most parents who praise the curriculum, staff care, and structured environment. However, two detailed negative reviews describe serious safety concerns, including a child's broken femur, recurring illnesses, biting incidents, and management issues regarding health policies and incident reporting.

    Caring and dedicated teachersstrong curriculum and structurewelcoming administrationkindergarten prep approach
  5. 5
    Columbia Kinder College New Beginnings
    4.11 score
    4.2(6)

    1550 N Main St, Ste B, Columbia, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 16 children

    Columbia Kinder College New Beginnings receives highly polarized reviews. Four parents praise the curriculum, caring staff, and structured environment, while two parents report serious safety concerns including frequent illnesses, inadequate supervision, a child's broken femur, and unresponsive management.

    Strong curriculum and kindergarten prep structurecaring and welcoming staffhelpful administrationgood community

Rating Distribution

Based on 7 daycares with Google ratings in Columbia

4.5 - 5.0
5
4.0 - 4.4
2
3.0 - 3.9
0
Below 3
0

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Columbia zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
622367
4.67
5

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Columbia (16–150 children)

Small

up to 30 children

2

Medium

31–75 children

1

Large

76–150 children

4

Very Large

150+ children

0

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Columbia based on parent reviews

Creative Kids INC.

4.8(17)

410 N Metter Ave, Columbia, IL

Creative Kids Inc. receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating the center 5/5 stars. Parents highlight the loving, educational environment, dedicated staff, creative curriculum, and strong preparation for kindergarten. Daily communication, homemade meals, and individual attention to each child are frequently mentioned as standout features.

Loving and caring staffcreative curriculum with weekly themesstrong academic preparation

The Lighthouse Learning Ctr. (INC. L.C.)

4.7(20)

100 Southwoods Center, Columbia, IL

Parents consistently praise Children First Learning Center for exceptional care, attentive staff, and strong communication. Directors Grace and Carrie are noted as accessible and accommodating, while teachers like Ms. Rory are praised for patience and dedication. Children reportedly love attending and parents feel confident their kids are safe and happy.

Convenient locationresponsive directorspatient and caring teachers

St. Paul'S Lutheran Preschool

4.8(11)

227 Goodhaven St, Columbia, IL

St. Paul's Lutheran Preschool receives exceptional feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 4-5 stars. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, particularly Mrs. Shelly and Mrs. April, along with the well-planned curriculum, creative learning centers, and Christian-based environment that balances academic preparation with nurturing care.

Dedicated and caring staffcreative and engaging learning activitiessmall class sizes allowing individualized attention

Hilltop Kid'S Learning Center

5(2)

1 Christchurch Road, Columbia, IL

Parents highlight the center's engaging environment and professional staff, noting that teachers provide excellent care with love and affection. Reviewers express high satisfaction with the curriculum and the director's dedication to the children.

engaging teachersterrific curriculumpositive environment

Carrot Patch Day Care Center Columbia

5(1)

252 Veterans Pkwy, Columbia, IL

One parent describes Carrot Patch Day Care Center as a wonderful experience with a warm, nurturing environment that encourages learning and growth. The reviewer highlights clear communication and genuinely caring staff, noting they feel comfortable leaving their son in capable hands while working.

warm and nurturing environmentclear communicationcaring staff

Columbia Kinder College

4.2(6)

114 W Cherry St, Columbia, IL

Columbia Kinder College receives highly positive reviews from most parents who praise the curriculum, staff care, and structured environment. However, two detailed negative reviews describe serious safety concerns, including a child's broken femur, recurring illnesses, biting incidents, and management issues regarding health policies and incident reporting.

Caring and dedicated teachersstrong curriculum and structurewelcoming administration

Map

Daycare Centers in Columbia, Illinois

There are 7 daycare centers in Columbia, Illinois. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Columbia have an average rating of 4.67 out of 5 across 7 rated facilities, with 71% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Child Daycare & Preschools facilities lead with an average of 4.67 stars. Our analysis covers 63 parent reviews.

When choosing a daycare in Columbia, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Daycare Centers in Columbia

Showing 7 results

Carrot Patch Day Care Center Columbia
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent describes Carrot Patch Day Care Center as a wonderful experience with a warm, nurturing environment that encourages learning and growth. The reviewer highlights clear communication and genuinely caring staff, noting they feel comfortable leaving their son in capable hands while working.

warm and nurturing environmentclear communicationcaring staff
Address
252 Veterans Pkwy, Columbia, IL
Phone
(618) 281-4161
Hilltop Kid'S Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents highlight the center's engaging environment and professional staff, noting that teachers provide excellent care with love and affection. Reviewers express high satisfaction with the curriculum and the director's dedication to the children.

engaging teachersterrific curriculumpositive environment
Address
1 Christchurch Road, Columbia, IL
Phone
(618) 281-9095
Creative Kids INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Creative Kids Inc. receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating the center 5/5 stars. Parents highlight the loving, educational environment, dedicated staff, creative curriculum, and strong preparation for kindergarten. Daily communication, homemade meals, and individual attention to each child are frequently mentioned as standout features.

Loving and caring staffcreative curriculum with weekly themesstrong academic preparation
Address
410 N Metter Ave, Columbia, IL
Phone
(618) 281-7711
St. Paul'S Lutheran Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

St. Paul's Lutheran Preschool receives exceptional feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 4-5 stars. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, particularly Mrs. Shelly and Mrs. April, along with the well-planned curriculum, creative learning centers, and Christian-based environment that balances academic preparation with nurturing care.

Dedicated and caring staffcreative and engaging learning activitiessmall class sizes allowing individualized attention
Address
227 Goodhaven St, Columbia, IL
Phone
(618) 281-4190
The Lighthouse Learning Ctr. (INC. L.C.)
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Parents consistently praise Children First Learning Center for exceptional care, attentive staff, and strong communication. Directors Grace and Carrie are noted as accessible and accommodating, while teachers like Ms. Rory are praised for patience and dedication. Children reportedly love attending and parents feel confident their kids are safe and happy.

Convenient locationresponsive directorspatient and caring teachers
Address
100 Southwoods Center, Columbia, IL
Phone
(618) 281-8181
Columbia Kinder College
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2

Columbia Kinder College receives highly positive reviews from most parents who praise the curriculum, staff care, and structured environment. However, two detailed negative reviews describe serious safety concerns, including a child's broken femur, recurring illnesses, biting incidents, and management issues regarding health policies and incident reporting.

Caring and dedicated teachersstrong curriculum and structurewelcoming administration
Address
114 W Cherry St, Columbia, IL
Phone
(618) 281-5115
Columbia Kinder College New Beginnings
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2

Columbia Kinder College New Beginnings receives highly polarized reviews. Four parents praise the curriculum, caring staff, and structured environment, while two parents report serious safety concerns including frequent illnesses, inadequate supervision, a child's broken femur, and unresponsive management.

Strong curriculum and kindergarten prep structurecaring and welcoming staffhelpful administration
Address
1550 N Main St, Ste B, Columbia, IL
Phone
(618) 281-4769

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Frequently asked questions

There are 7 all daycares in Columbia, Illinois. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Columbia have an average Google rating of 4.67 out of 5 across 7 rated facilities. About 71% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Columbia, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with Illinois's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Illinois)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Daycare costs in Illinois typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Columbia for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Columbia must be licensed by Illinois's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.