Peoria, Illinois · Est. 2005
Preschool and Daycare Center in Peoria Built for Busy Families
River City Preschool provides full-day preschool and daycare in Peoria, IL for infants through Pre-K, plus before and after care, school break care, and days off care. Steady routines, hands-on learning, and active play — in one location on North University. Tours are available most weekdays.
Quick Answer
River City Preschool is a child care center and preschool at 8615 N. University in Peoria, IL 61615, serving families in Peoria, Dunlap, and Edwards since 2005. Programs run from infant care (6 weeks) through Pre-K, plus latchkey before and after school care, days off care, school break care, and summer camp. Hours are Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Enrolled families receive 50% off a membership to The Clubs at River City. Call (309) 693-5757 to request enrollment information or schedule a visit.
Affordable Preschool and Daycare for Peoria Families
River City Preschool provides affordable preschool and daycare in Peoria for infants through Pre-K. Children follow steady routines, enjoy active play, and take part in guided learning that builds confidence, social skills, and early thinking.
Families also count on before and after care, days off care, school break care, and holiday care — which makes it easier to manage changing schedules throughout the year. Bus service runs to and from Dunlap School District, Keller Grade School, and Northmoor, with breakfast included at 7:30 AM.
Does Your Child Need a Preschool or Daycare in Peoria?
Most parents want three clear answers.
Will my child be safe?
Does real learning actually happen?
Does the schedule work for my week?
River City Preschool offers a structured day with room to move, explore, and learn. Children build early language skills, number awareness, social skills, and independence through daily routines and play. Active time supports balance and coordination. Calm moments help children feel secure.
This balance helps children enjoy their day and prepare for what comes next.
What Does a Day at River City Preschool Look Like?
The day starts at 6:30 AM with a calm arrival, breakfast, and free-choice play. Morning blocks are the teaching window — circle time, early literacy, counting, art, and small-group work sized to each age. Midday brings lunch and rest. Afternoons open back up into gross-motor time in the gym, outdoor play, and activities that let kids unwind without getting overstimulated.
Parents get real-time updates, photos, and messages through the ProCare app, so you know how the day went before you pull into the parking lot.
Why Do Peoria Parents Choose a Locally Owned Center?
Large chains rotate staff. Home daycares close when the provider is sick. River City Preschool sits in between — licensed, staffed, and consistent, but small enough that your child is known by name rather than shuffled between rooms.
We have served North Peoria families from 8615 N. University since 2005. Entry is controlled, protocols are consistent, and staff hold CPR certification. Safety is not a feature here. It is part of how the day works.
Programs
Our Early Childhood Care Programs for Peoria Families
Six programs covering 6 weeks through school age, each built around age-appropriate milestones and consistent daily routines.
6 weeks – 12 months
Infant Daycare in Peoria
- Personalized feeding and nap routines
- Sensory and cognitive play
- 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio
- ProCare daily updates
Infants feel secure while exploring sounds, textures, and movement in a quiet, calm room.
Explore infant care →12 – 24 months
Toddler Daycare in Peoria
- Hands-on exploration
- Early problem solving
- Social development
- 1:5 teacher-to-child ratio
Toddlers learn through movement, curiosity, and guided discovery in a safe, stimulating space.
Explore toddler care →2 – 3 years
Preschool Program in Peoria
- Creative arts and crafts
- Language development
- Peer interaction and sharing
- 1:8 and 1:10 ratios
Children practice life skills through play, positive guidance, and structured group activities.
Explore two’s & three’s →3 – 5 years
Pre-K Program in Peoria
- Early reading readiness
- Simple math thinking
- Swimming access at The Clubs
- 1:10 teacher-to-child ratio
Kindergarten readiness built through early literacy, math thinking, creative play, and confidence.
Explore Pre-K →School age
Before and After Care in Peoria
- Calm, structured mornings
- Creative afternoon activities
- Transportation to Dunlap, Keller & Northmoor
- Reliable, repeatable schedules
Parents value the steady routine and the added flexibility on busy weeks.
Explore latchkey →School age
Days Off and School Break Care
- School days off and institute days
- Winter, spring, and holiday breaks
- Active play and pool access
- Safe, supervised full days
Children stay engaged and cared for when school is closed and work is not.
See summer camp →The River City Difference
Why Families Across North Peoria Choose River City
A Before and After Care Program That Keeps Days Balanced
Before and after care should not feel rushed or chaotic.
It should feel predictable.
Our program helps children ease into the day with calm guidance and structured routines. In the afternoon, kids unwind with activities that keep them engaged without overstimulation. Parents value the consistency, especially during school days off and holiday breaks when coverage matters most.
Fewer transitions. Fewer surprises. Smoother days.
A Built-In Advantage for Busy, Active Peoria Families
Families enrolled at River City Preschool receive 50% off a membership to The Clubs at River City. That gives children access to gymnastics, swimming, and youth fitness programs that support coordination, strength, and healthy movement.
For parents, it means fewer places to manage and more value built into one decision.
A Curriculum Built for Steady Progress, Not Pressure
Learning works best when children are not rushed.
Our preschool curriculum focuses on confidence, social awareness, early literacy, creativity, and problem solving. Activities meet children where they are and move at a pace that feels natural. The result is real growth without pressure and a stronger foundation for the years ahead.
A Teaching Team Peoria Parents Can Rely On Every Day
Consistency matters.
So does trust.
River City Preschool is run by educators who show up every day with care and attention. Families often say the staff feels like an extension of home because routines are steady and children are known, not shuffled. That stability helps kids settle in faster and helps parents feel confident in their choice.
Parent Questions
Common Questions About Peoria Preschool and Daycare
What ages does River City Preschool accept?
River City Preschool accepts children from 6 weeks old through school age. Programs include infant care, toddler care, two’s and three’s, Pre-K, latchkey before and after school care, and summer camp for ages 5 to 12. Families can stay in one place as their child moves from infancy through elementary school.
What are your daycare hours at River City Preschool?
We are open Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Summer camp runs 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Days off care and school break care follow the regular school-year hours so your schedule does not shift when school closes.
How much does daycare cost in Peoria, IL?
Tuition depends on your child’s age and the number of days per week, because younger rooms require lower teacher-to-child ratios. Infant care costs more than Pre-K for that reason. Call (309) 693-5757 or request enrollment information and we will send current rates for your child’s age group along with any openings.
What are your teacher-to-child ratios by age group?
Infants are 1:4. Toddlers are 1:5. Two-year-olds are 1:8. Three-year-olds and Pre-K are 1:10. School-age children are 1:20. Lower ratios in the younger rooms are what make personalized routines possible for feeding, napping, and one-on-one attention.
Do you provide transportation to Dunlap schools?
Yes. We provide bus service to and from Dunlap School District, Keller Grade School, and Northmoor School. Breakfast is included at 7:30 AM before the 8:00 AM departure, and afternoon pickup is included. Confirm your school with us before enrolling so we can verify the route.
Do you offer care on school days off and holidays?
Yes. Days off care, school break care, and holiday care are available for school-age children when their district is closed. Kids get a full day of active play, supervised activities, and pool access at The Clubs at River City. Spots are limited on those days, so reserve early.
How does the 50% off Clubs membership work?
Families enrolled at River City Preschool receive 50% off a membership to The Clubs at River City, located next door. That opens up gymnastics, swimming, and youth fitness programs for your child — and the gym, pool, and classes for you. Ask us for current membership pricing when you tour.
Can I tour River City Preschool before enrolling?
Yes, and we recommend it. Tours are available most weekdays and take about 20 minutes. You will see the classrooms your child would be in, meet the teachers, and get straight answers on openings, rates, and daily routines. Call (309) 693-5757 or request a visit online.
What areas around Peoria does River City Preschool serve?
We serve families across North Peoria (61615), Dunlap (61525), and Edwards (61528). Our location at 8615 N. University sits just south of Rock Island Trail State Park and north of Pioneer Parkway, which keeps drop-off and pickup straightforward from most of the north end.
Ready to Talk Through Options or Take a Look Around?
Most parents do not need a sales pitch. They need clarity. A quick conversation or a visit can answer questions about schedules, care options, and what a normal day actually looks like. Reach out and we will help you find the program that fits your child and your routine.