Children at daycare

Best Headstart Programs in Mattoon, IL

Compare 2 headstart programs in Mattoon. Average rating: 4.2/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Mattoon, Illinois at a glance

Programs
2
Avg rating
4.2/5
Parent reviews
22
Top rated (4.5+)
2

Mattoon has 2 licensed headstart programs with 22 parent reviews averaging 4.2/5.Browse all options below to find the right fit for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Mattoon

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
    The Learning Zone
    4.12 score
    4.2(8)

    61 Dewitt Ave, Mattoon, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 81 children

    The Learning Zone receives mixed reviews. Most parents praise the staff, director Angie, and quality care, reporting their children thrived there. However, two parents reported sudden dismissals of their children, citing inadequate handling of behavioral issues and unprofessional communication from management.

    Caring and kind staffstrong director leadershipaccommodating to allergiescommunity events
  2. 2
    The Little School House
    3.4 score
    3.1(10)

    616 Broadway Ave, Mattoon, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 51 children

    THE LITTLE SCHOOL HOUSE receives mixed reviews with strong praise from most parents but serious concerns from others. Positive reviews highlight caring staff, good communication, and a welcoming environment. Negative reviews cite director unavailability, inadequate supervision, and reported incidents of unprofessional conduct.

    Kind and professional staffdaily communication with parentsloving environmentresponsive ownership

Rating Distribution

Based on 5 daycares with Google ratings in Mattoon

4.5 - 5.0
2
4.0 - 4.4
1
3.0 - 3.9
2
Below 3
0

Daycare Types Compared

Average ratings by facility type in Mattoon, based on parent reviews

Child Daycare & Preschools

4.33avg rating
4 daycares · 4 rated

Headstart Programs

3.7avg rating
2 daycares · 1 rated

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Mattoon zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
619386
4.2
2

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Mattoon (17–82 children)

Small

up to 30 children

1

Medium

31–75 children

3

Large

76–150 children

2

Very Large

150+ children

0

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Mattoon based on parent reviews

E.R.B.A -Mattoon Head Start

3.7(2)

100 Moultrie, Mattoon, IL

Feedback for E.R.B.A -MATTOON HEAD START is mixed, with one parent recalling a positive personal experience from their own preschool years, while another criticizes the program's current operations. A recent reviewer describes the environment as chaotic and unprofessional, citing a lack of structure and schedule.

positive early childhood memories

Map

Daycare types in Mattoon

Child Daycare & Preschools 4Headstart Programs 2

Headstart Programs in Mattoon, Illinois

There are 2 headstart programs in Mattoon, Illinois, making up 33% of the 6 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.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Mattoon have an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 across 5 rated facilities, with 40% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Child Daycare & Preschools facilities lead with an average of 4.33 stars. Our analysis covers 22 parent reviews.

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

All Headstart Programs in Mattoon

Showing 2 results

E.R.B.A -Mattoon Head Start
Headstart Programs
3.7

Feedback for E.R.B.A -MATTOON HEAD START is mixed, with one parent recalling a positive personal experience from their own preschool years, while another criticizes the program's current operations. A recent reviewer describes the environment as chaotic and unprofessional, citing a lack of structure and schedule.

positive early childhood memories
Address
100 Moultrie, Mattoon, IL
Phone
(217) 923-3113
Erba Mattoon II Head Start
Headstart Programs

One parent recalls a positive preschool experience from their childhood, while another criticizes the current environment as chaotic and unprofessional. The latter review specifically highlights a lack of structure and schedules, advising against attendance for African American children.

positive childhood preschool experience
Address
1201 S 6th St, Mattoon, IL
Phone
(217) 235-4141

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Frequently asked questions

There are 2 headstart programs daycares in Mattoon, Illinois, out of 6 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Mattoon have an average Google rating of 4.2 out of 5 across 5 rated facilities. About 40% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Mattoon, 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
Mattoon offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 4 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 2 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 Mattoon for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Mattoon 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.