As a parent, there are so many decisions you will have to make throughout the earliest years of your child’s life. Midwife or OB? Cloth diapers or disposable? Bottle or breast? Your days are consumed by researching car seat brands and nursery styles and onesie materials and food brands and so on and so forth. While all these decisions might feel pretty major at the time, they don’t even come close to the biggest one of all: what the heck are you going to do about childcare? Not only do you need a space where your child will be safe, but you also need an environment where you know they can thrive. While I can’t help you find the perfect fit for your child, I can tell you all about some of my clients’ favorite daycares in Bloomington, IL, so you can decide from there!
As a newborn photographer near Bloomington, IL, I love working with parents to help them find the best resources through the early years. If you are on the search for daycares in Bloomington, Illinois, here are the ones I always recommend!

802 E. Emerson St, Bloomington, Illinois 61701
Chanelle’s Childcare is a family-owned daycare center dedicated to raising the next generation of happy, confident Bloomington, IL kids! This center uses a play-to-learn structure, encouraging kids to tap into their imaginations to make each day a little more magical. Throughout the school year, your child will have a routine built around letting them explore. They will have more structured moments like circle time and craft activities. Once it’s time to learn, the teachers will use the Mother Goose Time curriculum. This trusted resource allows teachers to spend more time working with your child to help them find the joy in discovery.
Chanelle’s Childcare uses mixed-age classrooms to encourage socio-emotional development. As a result of this method, older children will learn how to become a leader while growing in confidence in their own growth. Meanwhile, younger kids are going to get the chance to explore new skills while improving their language. Outside, your child will have two playgrounds where they can garden, bike, and explore the great outdoors!
1415 Woodbine Road, Bloomington, Illinois 61704
Scribbles is a center dedicated to providing an excellent daycare while giving Bloomington, IL parents the options they actually need in our modern world. This center uses flexible scheduling so you can get care when you need it. Whether you are the type of person working a typical 9-5 or you just need backup care in case your everyday option is not available, they have just the thing for you.
No matter what your calendar looks like, Scribbles is going to create a space where your child will feel both loved and supported. The classrooms have all been developed to be a safe space where your child will have the chance to learn, explore, and make some friends. Outside, your child will have access to several playgrounds, including their mixed-age playground that blends natural elements with exciting equipment for the best experience! Scribbles offers options for kids from infancy all the way through the school age.

3 Yount Dr, Bloomington, Illinois 61704
If you have ever wondered whether Montessori might be the daycare for your child, Montessori Children’s Centre might just be the Bloomington, IL spot for you! This center has been around since 1997, nurturing children all across the area. Founded by long-time Montessori teacher Barbara Broach, as well as her daughter and daughter-in-law, this space prides itself on offering the authentic experience by prioritizing the Practical Life area. Through this method, your child will learn how to solve problems, develop their language, understand the world, and build up confidence in their own learning ability. The teachers let children learn at their own pace while using self-correcting materials to help them out with more difficult tasks. Not only will your child graduate feeling ready for elementary school, but they will also be prepared for a lifetime full of learning! The school offers full-day programs for kids ages 3-5.
1730 Evergreen Blvd, Normal, Illinois 61761
Little Jewels Learning Center is an award-winning daycare that offers programs for Bloomington, IL kids ages six weeks through school age. Their teachers are some of the best around, bringing both experience and passion with them every day to create an environment where your child will positively thrive. They do everything it takes to help your child build cognitive development that will help them out for the rest of their lives. During free time, your child is going to love the play areas where they will feel free to explore. Throughout the summer, the center has a splash pad where your child can cool down. On days with inclement weather, students have access to the large indoor playplace where they can run out all that energy. Additionally, this center offers resources like music classes and community programs.

409 North Kays Drive, Normal, Illinois 61761
Cadence Academy Preschool has two locations across Normal where your child can receive exceptional care. This school system has over 300 centers across the country while still taking an individualized approach to all of their care. Your child is going to have access to an education that uses a carefully researched and curated curriculum to stimulate their cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. Meanwhile, the teachers make the environment so engaging that your child is barely going to realize they’re learning!
Cadence offers programs for kids ages 6 weeks through 12 years, with school-age and summer programs available. They offer tours where you can walk around the school, ask questions, meet the teachers, and feel confident that this is the place for your child!

If you are looking for the perfect space for your child, I think you are about to fall deeply in love with these daycares in Bloomington, IL! With all of these spots, your little one will have a space where they can thrive.
Do you need more ways to create lasting memories throughout this stage? Then I would love to connect! I am a newborn photographer near Bloomington, IL, and I love working with parents to plan sessions so they can cherish every single milestone. If you have been considering booking portraits for your family, I would love to chat so you can see if my style is a match for yours. Send me a message today to find out more!