Children at daycare

Best Headstart Programs in Sterling, IL

Compare 2 headstart programs in Sterling. Average rating: 4.03/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Sterling, Illinois at a glance

Programs
2
Avg rating
4.03/5
Parent reviews
13
Top rated (4.5+)
2

Sterling offers 2 licensed headstart programs, 4 of which have public ratings averaging 4.03/5.Browse all options below to find the right fit for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Sterling

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
    Woodlawn Preschool Academy Of The Arts
    4.48 score
    4.7(11)

    3807 Woodlawn Rd, Sterling, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 19 children

    Woodlawn Preschool Academy of the Arts receives consistently high ratings from parents. The facility is praised for its arts-focused programming, including dance, voice, theater, and cultural activities, as well as its welcoming atmosphere and professional staff. The center maintains health and safety protocols including temperature screening and mask requirements.

    Arts and cultural activitiesvariety of classesfriendly and knowledgeable instructorsbeautiful outdoor spaces

Rating Distribution

Based on 4 daycares with Google ratings in Sterling

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

Daycare Types Compared

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

Child Daycare & Preschools

4.03avg rating
5 daycares · 4 rated

Headstart Programs

No ratings yet
2 daycares

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Sterling zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
610817
4.03
2

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Sterling (16–198 children)

Small

up to 30 children

3

Medium

31–75 children

2

Large

76–150 children

1

Very Large

150+ children

1

Map

Daycare types in Sterling

Child Daycare & Preschools 5Headstart Programs 2

Headstart Programs in Sterling, Illinois

There are 2 headstart programs in Sterling, Illinois, making up 29% of the 7 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 Sterling have an average rating of 4.03 out of 5 across 4 rated facilities, with 50% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Child Daycare & Preschools facilities lead with an average of 4.03 stars. Our analysis covers 13 parent reviews.

When choosing a daycare in Sterling, 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 Sterling

Showing 2 results

Sterling - Wallace Center Head Start
Headstart Programs
Address
506 W 4th St, Sterling, IL
Phone
(815) 625-7830
Polo Head Start
Headstart Programs
Address
22027 Polo Rd, Sterling, IL
Phone
(815) 625-7830

Page 1 of 1· 2 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 2 headstart programs daycares in Sterling, Illinois, out of 7 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 Sterling have an average Google rating of 4.03 out of 5 across 4 rated facilities. About 50% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Sterling, 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
Sterling offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 5 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 Sterling for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Sterling 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.