The Best Preschools in Forrest, IL
Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Forrest. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.
The Goddard School of Champaign
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Champaign is a highly-rated early childhood education center serving families throughout Central Illinois, including the Forrest area. With a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), the school focuses on play-based learning while developing academic and social-emotional skills. Features include state-licensed teachers, secure facilities with keypad entry, age-appropriate playgrounds, and a STEM-focused curriculum. The school maintains excellent safety records and high parent satisfaction ratings.
Programs Offered:
Small World Early Learning & Child Care Center
Independent
Small World Early Learning Center in nearby Kankakee serves families throughout the region with a comprehensive early childhood program. The center features a structured curriculum that includes literacy development, mathematics readiness, science exploration, and creative arts. With experienced early childhood educators and low student-to-teacher ratios, the facility emphasizes individualized attention and developmental appropriateness. The center maintains excellent state licensing compliance and has built a strong reputation for quality care and education.
Programs Offered:
Little Jewels Learning Center
Independent
Little Jewels Learning Center provides quality early childhood education services to families in Kankakee County and surrounding areas, including Forrest. The center offers a balanced curriculum that combines academic preparation with social development and creative expression. Features include qualified teaching staff, safe and nurturing environments, age-appropriate learning materials, and structured daily routines that support child development. The facility has maintained consistent positive reviews from parents and strong educational outcomes for enrolled children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preschools in Forrest, IL:
What is the typical cost of preschool in Forrest, IL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Forrest, monthly preschool tuition typically ranges from $150 to $300, depending on the program's schedule and type (e.g., church-based, private, or district-run). For financial assistance, check with the Forrest-Strawn-Wing School District about their early childhood program's sliding scale and inquire at local centers about Illinois' Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which many accept.
What types of preschool programs are available in Forrest, IL?
Forrest primarily offers programs through the Forrest-Strawn-Wing School District's early childhood classroom and home-based or center-based private options, often affiliated with local churches. Given the rural setting, many programs are part-day (2-3 hours), so it's important to ask about extended care if you need full-day coverage for work.
How do I verify the quality and licensing of a preschool in Forrest?
All licensed preschools and daycares in Illinois must be listed on the DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) website, where you can check their licensing status and any history of violations. For the school district program, you can review their Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) early learning standards compliance directly through the district office.
When should I apply, and what is the enrollment process for preschools in Forrest?
Due to limited slots, especially in the district program, you should begin inquiries and applications in the winter or early spring for a fall start. The Forrest-Strawn-Wing School District typically has a specific registration period, so contact them directly. For private options, enrollment is often rolling, but spaces fill quickly.
What are the transportation options for preschool in Forrest, IL?
The Forrest-Strawn-Wing School District may provide bus transportation for its district-run preschool program, which is a significant benefit in this rural area. Private preschools typically do not provide transportation, so parents should plan for drop-off and pick-up, considering the distances involved between farms and town.
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