How do I choose the right daycare in Columbia?

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

Child Daycare & Preschools in Columbia, Illinois (7 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in Illinois?

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Child Daycare & Preschools in Columbia, Illinois

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

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.

Frequently asked questions

There are 7 child daycare & preschools daycares in Columbia, Illinois. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.

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.

7 Child Daycare & Preschools in Columbia, Illinois

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Columbia

Top Rated

Creative Kids INC.

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

St. Paul'S Lutheran Preschool

Hilltop Kid'S Learning Center

Carrot Patch Day Care Center Columbia

Columbia Kinder College

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