How do I choose the right daycare in Decatur?

When choosing a daycare in Decatur, 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

What types of daycare are available in Decatur?

Decatur offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 16 facilities Headstart Programs — 2 facilities Church Daycare — 1 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Child Daycare & Preschools in Decatur, Illinois (16 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 Decatur for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Decatur

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.

Central Christian Pre-School

4.5 score

5(5)

650 W William St, Decatur, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 56 children

Central Christian Pre-School receives consistently high ratings from parents and staff. Parents praise the loving, kind staff, strong parent involvement in activities and events, and effective kindergarten preparation. The facility is noted for its Christian environment and welcoming community atmosphere.

Loving and kind staffparent involvement in activities and field tripskindergarten preparationfriendly and caring environment

Decatur Day Care Center

4.5 score

5(5)

2075 East Lake Shore Drive, Decatur, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 169 children

Decatur Day Care Center receives universal praise from parents, with reviewers highlighting exceptional cleanliness, caring staff, and family-like atmosphere. Parents report long-term satisfaction with the facility's overall quality of care and management.

Cleanlinesscaring stafffamily-like environmentprofessional management

New Horizon Family & Child Dev Center

4.48 score

4.7(11)

275 East Condit, Decatur, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 158 children

New Horizon Family & Child Dev Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with particular emphasis on its exceptional staff and specialized services for children with special needs and disabilities. Parents highlight the welcoming atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and quality facility.

Excellent staff and teacherswelcoming and friendly environmentspecialized services for special needs and disabilitieshigh-quality facility

Macon Resources INC.

4.32 score

4.4(20)

1811 S Taylor Rd, Decatur, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 33 children

This facility receives consistently high ratings from reviewers who praise the caring staff and community contributions. Reviewers highlight the organization's helpful approach and engaging programs, with clients reportedly very enthusiastic about their experience.

caring and friendly staffcommunity involvementhelpful servicesengaging programs

Decatur Family Ymca

4.16 score

4.2(20)

220 W Mckinley Ave, Decatur, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 56 children

The Decatur Family YMCA receives consistently positive feedback for its clean facilities, friendly staff, and diverse amenities. Parents praise the affordability, quality instruction (particularly swim lessons), and community atmosphere. The facility is well-maintained with strong safety protocols.

Clean and well-maintained facilitiesfriendly and helpful staffaffordable membership options including low-income plansdiverse amenities (pools

Kid'S Castle Learing Center

2.73 score

2.4(19)

4445 E Maynor, Decatur, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 243 children

Kid's Castle Learning Center has highly polarized reviews. Most parents praise the caring staff, clean facility, and positive child experiences, with several families enrolled for multiple years. However, a small number of parents report serious concerns including neglect incidents, safety issues, and a disconnect between marketing and actual care quality.

Caring and family-like staffclean facilitychildren enjoy attendinglong-term enrollment

Child Daycare & Preschools in Decatur, Illinois

There are 16 child daycare & preschools in Decatur, Illinois, making up 84% of the 19 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Decatur, 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 16 child daycare & preschools daycares in Decatur, Illinois, out of 19 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Decatur, 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

Decatur offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 16 facilities
Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
Church Daycare — 1 facilities

Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

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 Decatur for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Decatur 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.

16 Child Daycare & Preschools in Decatur, Illinois

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Decatur

Top Rated

Central Christian Pre-School

Decatur Day Care Center

New Horizon Family & Child Dev Center

Discovery Depot Child Care Center

Macon Resources INC.

Decatur Family Ymca

Map

Daycare types in Decatur