Wee Care Center
Love & Learning Since 1972
Ages 15 month - 5 years
1407 E Wheeler St * Macomb, IL 61455
(309) 833-5267
weecare@macomb.com
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Why Choose Wee Care?
- We exceed DCFS standards
- Low teacher/child ratios
- Play based toddler curriculum
- Preschool curriculum
- Oldest center in Macomb
- Smallest center in Macomb
- Family focused
- Double the required staff
- Educated & experienced teachers
- Fees based on income for those that qualify
Our History
The Wee Care Center opened in June of 1972 when a group of concerned community members recognized the need for quality, low cost child care in McDonough County. Those community members applied for state grants to open Wee Care. The center has been licensed by DCFS since opening and has received many awards over the years.
Child Care Assistance Program
Wee Care has a contract with the Illinois Department of Human Services to offer child care based on the family’s income and size.
Basic Qualifications Are:
Parents must be working, going to school or both (master’s students do not qualify).
Parents must meet income guidelines for the family size
What If I Don’t Qualify?
Parents that do not qualify for the Child Care Assistance Program are welcome to enroll their child in the Private Pay Program. Speak with the director for current rates.
Difference Between Wee Care & CCR&R
There are two ways to receive Child Care Assistance.
- Wee Care’s DHS contract
- Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)
Wee Care and the CCR&R offer the same income based program.
CCR&R = Parents submit the application and all documentation to the CCR&R on their own.
Wee Care = Parents give everything to the director and she takes care of it all!
There are a few rare situations in which the parent must use the CCR&R for child care assistance. The director will help you determine if that is your situation.
Our Partners
Other agencies and partners help make Wee Care a fantastic child care center. We can’t do it without them!
Preschool For All
Benefits of Preschool For All at Wee Care
- Children can live in surrounding towns, not just Macomb
- All Wee Care children will participate, no matter their screening results
- The children will safely stay at Wee Care, no busing.
- Preschool For All follows the same schedule as public school.
- When there is no Preschool for All, the children simply stay at Wee Care.
- In addition to a state licensed preschool teacher in the classroom, there will be at least 4 additional teachers. A total of 5 teachers instead of 1 or 2!
Wee Care has partnered with the Regional Office of Education to offer a Preschool For All class for children ages 3-5.
What About MacArthur?
Parents must choose between Wee Care and MacArthur. The children cannot attend both Wee Care and MacArthur. The only exception to this is if your child has been enrolled in the special education program at MacArthur.
We are committed to making Wee Care the best it can be!
Best of the Best
Child Care Center
2024 - 2026
2021 - 2023
2018 - 2020
2015 - 2017
SMART START QUALITY SUPPORT
Wee Care was one of just 33 centers in the state of Illinois that was chosen to participate in the Smart Start Quality Support testing project. After three years of successfully testing this program, the state of Illinois has expanded the Smart Start program to all centers in Illinois.
The Smart Start program helps centers hire and retain quality staff, offer grant opportunities, assist with quality improvement and pay child care staff closer to what they deserve.
Wee Care was honored to participate in this historic program that other states are looking to duplicate!
Wee Care is proud to be just one of 29 centers in the state of Illinois that was chosen to test a new program called Smart Start Quality Support. After three years of testing, this program is now available to centers all across Illinois.
Wee Care is committed to the guiding principles that ensure families and children are receiving the highest quality of care, while seeking ways to always improve our program.
Administration
The Wee Care administration is dedicated to making sure that Wee Care provides the best possible care for the children, while taking care of the “behind the scenes” duties to make Wee Care run smoothly.
Chelsea - Preschool For All
Since 2023
Director of Preschool For All
Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Ed
Early Childhood Education Credential 5
Tracy - Director
Since 1988
BS Degree in Child Development
National Director Credential
Illinois Director Credential 2
Early Childhood Education Credential Level 5
Infant / Toddler Credential Level 4
Tonda - Assistant Director
Since 2005
AA Degree in Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education Credential Level 5
Infant / Toddler Credential Level 4
Toddler Teachers
Caterpillar Classroom
Brooke
AA Degree in ECE
Since 2022
ECE Credential 2
I/T Credential 2
Tynesha
Since 2024
AA Degree in ECE
ECE Credential 3 I/T Credential 2
Danielle
Since 2022
ECE college courses
ECE Credential 1
Christine
Since 1994
ECE college courses
ECE Credential 1
Preschool Teachers
Butterfly Classroom
Tonda
Since 2005
AA Degree in ECE
ECE Credential 4
I/T Credential 4
Lisa
Since 2022
BS Degree in ECE
ECE Credential 5
I/T Credential 4
Kasey
Since 2002
Previously 1985-1996
ECE Credential 1
Courtney
Since 2022
ECE college courses
ECE Credential 1
Chelsea
Since 2023
MS Degree in ECE
ECE Credential 5
Support Staff
Jennifer
Jennifer has been the Wee Care cook since 2021. She has many years of experience in the food service industry. She ensures that the meals we serve meet Illinois State Board of Education guidelines.
Lindsay
Lindsay has been the Wee Care custodian since 2023. She makes sure the entire center is clean and sanitized each night.
Unmute Sound
Make handbook full screen size
The Wee Care Parent Handbook is filled with lots of important and useful information. Take some time to read through our handbook and see what Wee Care is all about!
Intake Information for the Wee Care Waiting List
Click the Survey Monkey logo to be added to the waiting list.
Being on the Wee Care waiting list does not guarantee enrollment.
Falsifying information will result in removal from the waiting list.
One of three things will happen next:
- You will receive notice that you are on the waiting list
- You will receive notice that you do not qualify for the waiting list
- You will be asked to clarify information
Anonymous: “Wee Care is more than just child care workers, it’s family. They treat my children as if they were their own and I never worry when they are in their care.”
What parents say
about Wee Care!
Lacey: “I am so thankful for Wee Care and how much they have taught my daughter!”
Dezerae: “I never thought in a million years I would be comfortable with my child going to daycare but I will say I am so thankful for Wee Care. I never have to worry about my daughter while working. I know she is in the best hands with all of the staff. I love every single one of them and I know my daughter does, also!”
Charmista: “All of the Wee Care staff go above and beyond to make sure my child is taken care of as well as myself and my family. The director is AMAZING! The Wee Care staff has become like a second family for my daughter.”
Rachel: “I honestly could NOT ask for a place better for my kids. Wee Care and the staff are beyond amazing!”
Amber: “I absolutely love the staff and children. They are always so pleasant to each other and inclusive. This has been the best fit for our daughter and family.”
Olivia: “My child has come home with more words than ever! Definitely see an improvement in his learning.”
Quotes are from the 2024
Parent Evaluation of Wee Care