About St. Thomas Child Care
Established in 2002, we provide a nurturing environment where children grow, learn, and thrive through play-based education.
Our Mission
St. Thomas Episcopal Child Care and Preschool strives to provide a stress-free atmosphere filled with stimulating experiences to promote the growth and well-being of the whole child.
We use positive, proactive behavior management techniques and age-appropriate activities to meet the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and creative needs of each child.
Our program emphasizes developmentally appropriate learning experiences which encourage a child's natural curiosity, allowing them to develop self-help skills, social competence, and positive self-esteem.
Get to Know Us
State Licensed
Our facility is state licensed and inspected by the State of Illinois, Department of Children and Family Services, ensuring we provide a safe, healthy and engaging environment according to the developmental needs of each child.
CACFP Enrolled
Our facility is enrolled in The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This federal program plays a vital role in ensuring that nutritious meals and snacks are provided to every child while they are in our care.
ExceleRate Illinois
To ensure we provide the highest quality of care, our program is actively working towards achieving the Bronze Circle of Quality through ExceleRate Illinois, with comprehensive training for staff and administrators.
Safety and Quality
At St. Thomas, your child's safety and well-being are our highest priorities. We are committed to providing a secure environment and the highest standard of care every single day.
Qualified and Caring Teachers
All of our teachers undergo thorough background checks and meet state requirements for education and training. They also participate in ongoing professional development and are CPR-certified to ensure they are fully prepared to care for children safely.
Low Teacher-to-Child Ratios
Smaller group sizes allow our teachers to give each child more individualized attention, fostering stronger connections and a more nurturing learning environment.
Safe and Secure Facility
Our center is licensed, routinely inspected, and maintained to high standards through DCFS, Madison County Health Department, the Fire Department/State Fire Marshal, and our fire monitoring and pest management companies. Routine fire and tornado drills are conducted monthly to ensure staff and children are familiar with emergency procedures. All doors remain locked at all times, and external security cameras and an intercom system provide an additional layer of security for families' peace of mind.
Cleanliness Standards
We hold our center to a high standard of cleanliness through strict cleaning routines, consistent hygiene practices, and regular sanitization of classrooms, common areas, and high-touch surfaces to support a healthy environment for children and staff.
Safe Outdoor Play
Our outdoor spaces are designed to encourage safe exploration and physical development for children of all ages.
Toddler Playground
The toddler playground invites our one- and two-year-old program to safely explore the outdoors using age-appropriate equipment. Children are provided with opportunities for sensory exploration, including sand and water play, as well as additional materials such as chalk, bubbles, ride-on toys, shovels, pails and balls.
Preschool Playground
The preschool playground invites our preschoolers to safely explore the outdoors using age-appropriate equipment. Children are provided with opportunities for sensory exploration, including sand and water play, as well as additional materials such as chalk, bubbles, balls, Frisbees, jump ropes, shovels, pails and more.
Ready to Learn More?
Schedule a tour to see our facilities and meet our caring staff.