How many child daycare & preschools daycares are in Waterloo, Illinois?

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

How do I choose the right daycare in Waterloo?

When choosing a daycare in Waterloo, 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 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 Waterloo for current pricing.

Are daycares in Waterloo licensed and regulated?

Yes, daycare centers in Waterloo 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.

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

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Waterloo

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
Children First Learning Center
4.39 score
4.6(9)
409 Lakeview Dr, Waterloo, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 143 children
Children First Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, knowledgeable staff and engaging, hands-on learning activities. Parents consistently highlight the clean facility, regular photo updates, outdoor play opportunities, and their children's academic and social progress. One parent left a negative review with no explanation.
Friendly and knowledgeable staffhands-on learning activitiesclean facilityregular photo/video updates
2
The Lighthouse Learning Center
3.94 score
3.9(7)
303 Covington Drive, Waterloo, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 50 children
The Lighthouse Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring and dedicated teachers who go above and beyond for the children. Parents report their kids thrive in the program, feel safe and loved, and appreciate the center's patience with children of varying needs. One negative review references a personal conflict unrelated to childcare quality.
Caring and encouraging teacherschildren thrive academically and emotionallysafe environmentpatient with special needs
3
The Lighthouse Learning Ctr
3.94 score
3.9(7)
303 Covington Drive, Waterloo, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children
The Lighthouse Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with six 5-star reviews praising the caring and dedicated staff who work above and beyond for children. Parents report their kids thrive, feel safe and loved, and benefit from quality programs that prepare them for school. One 1-star review from a former long-term customer expresses frustration over a personal relationship issue with ownership unrelated to childcare quality.
Caring and encouraging teacherschildren thrive academically and emotionallysafe environmentpatient with children with special needs

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Waterloo based on parent reviews

Children First Learning Center

4.6(9)

409 Lakeview Dr, Waterloo, IL

Children First Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, knowledgeable staff and engaging, hands-on learning activities. Parents consistently highlight the clean facility, regular photo updates, outdoor play opportunities, and their children's academic and social progress. One parent left a negative review with no explanation.

Friendly and knowledgeable staffhands-on learning activitiesclean facility

Bumblebeez

5

706 N Rogers St, Waterloo, IL

The Lighthouse Learning Center

3.9(7)

303 Covington Drive, Waterloo, IL

The Lighthouse Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring and dedicated teachers who go above and beyond for the children. Parents report their kids thrive in the program, feel safe and loved, and appreciate the center's patience with children of varying needs. One negative review references a personal conflict unrelated to childcare quality.

Caring and encouraging teacherschildren thrive academically and emotionallysafe environment

The Lighthouse Learning Ctr

3.9(7)

303 Covington Drive, Waterloo, IL

The Lighthouse Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with six 5-star reviews praising the caring and dedicated staff who work above and beyond for children. Parents report their kids thrive, feel safe and loved, and benefit from quality programs that prepare them for school. One 1-star review from a former long-term customer expresses frustration over a personal relationship issue with ownership unrelated to childcare quality.

Caring and encouraging teacherschildren thrive academically and emotionallysafe environment

Map