The Best Daycare Centers in Andrews, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Andrews. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Andrews
Huntington County Head Start
Community and Family Services
Huntington County Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education with a strong focus on school readiness and family engagement. The center follows evidence-based curriculum standards with qualified early childhood educators who hold appropriate certifications. They offer nutritious meals and snacks, health screenings, and family support services. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and cognitive skills through structured play and learning activities. Their low teacher-to-child ratios ensure individualized attention, and they maintain excellent safety protocols with secure facilities and regular staff training.
Daycare Services:
First Baptist Preschool & Childcare
First Baptist Church of Huntington
First Baptist Preschool & Childcare offers a Christian-based educational environment with a balanced curriculum that includes academic preparation, spiritual development, and social skills. Their qualified teaching staff maintains state-required certifications and participates in ongoing professional development. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and modern safety systems. They provide structured learning activities, creative arts, music education, and physical development programs. Parent communication is emphasized through regular updates and involvement opportunities, creating a strong community partnership approach to childcare.
Daycare Services:
Growing Kids Learning Center
Growing Kids, Inc.
Growing Kids Learning Center is part of a respected regional chain with a comprehensive educational approach. Their research-based curriculum focuses on developmental milestones across all age groups, with specialized programs for infants through school-age children. The center features secure, modern facilities with age-appropriate learning environments, outdoor playgrounds, and advanced security systems. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and receive continuous training in child development and safety protocols. The program emphasizes literacy, STEM exploration, creative expression, and social development through hands-on learning experiences and structured activities.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Andrews, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Andrews, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Andrews, Indiana, all childcare centers and home-based daycare providers caring for more than five unrelated children must be licensed by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. You can verify a provider's license status and view any past inspection reports (which note violations and compliance) for free through the State of Indiana's online **Child Care Finder** portal. It's highly recommended to check this database and ask the provider directly for their license number during your search.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or in-home providers in Andrews, and how early should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of providers in Andrews and the surrounding Huntington County area, waitlists can vary significantly but are common, especially for infant care spots which are the most limited. For popular centers or highly recommended home providers, waitlists of 6 to 12 months are not unusual. Parents in Andrews are advised to begin their search during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before their needed start date. Be proactive: get on multiple lists, ask about the estimated wait time and the deposit policy to hold a spot, and follow up periodically to express continued interest.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Andrews, IN, for an infant versus a preschooler?
Childcare costs in Andrews are generally lower than the state average but can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately **$130 - $175 per week** for a preschooler (ages 3-5) and **$150 - $200+ per week** for an infant. Licensed family home daycares may be slightly less expensive, often ranging from **$110 - $160 per week**. These are estimates; always request a detailed fee schedule. Financial assistance may be available through Indiana's **Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program** for eligible families.
Are there any state-funded pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) options available for 4-year-olds in Andrews?
Andrews itself does not host a dedicated site for the statewide **On My Way Pre-K** program, which provides vouchers for high-quality pre-K education to income-eligible 4-year-olds. However, eligible families in Huntington County can use these vouchers at approved providers in neighboring towns. The closest participating providers are likely in Huntington or Fort Wayne. You should check the On My Way Pre-K website for the current list of approved providers and application windows. Additionally, some local daycare centers in Andrews may offer their own structured preschool curriculum, but these are typically private-pay.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare in Andrews, and are there any local resources to help me evaluate options?
During a tour, observe the cleanliness, safety (outlet covers, secure gates, clean toys), and how staff interact with children. Ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, daily schedules, meal provisions, and their sick policy. Given Andrews' location, also inquire about their plan for severe weather and safe pickup procedures. For local evaluation, beyond the state's Child Care Finder, connect with other parents through community Facebook groups (e.g., "Andrews, Indiana Community" or Huntington County parent groups) for firsthand recommendations and experiences. You can also contact the **Huntington County Partnership for Early Learning** for guidance on choosing quality care that aligns with Indiana's Paths to QUALITY™ rating system.
Childcare Insights for Andrews
Finding reliable and affordable childcare is one of the most pressing concerns for families in Andrews, Indiana. When you search for "cheap daycare near me," you're likely looking for more than just a low price; you're seeking a safe, nurturing environment where your child can thrive without stretching the family budget to its limit. In our close-knit community, this search often feels personal, and understanding your local options is the first step toward peace of mind.
Andrews, like many small towns, offers a mix of childcare solutions that balance cost with care. One of the most valuable resources for parents here is exploring home-based daycare providers. These are often run by experienced caregivers right in their own residences, and they can provide a more flexible, family-like setting at a cost that is frequently lower than larger centers. The State of Indiana requires all licensed home daycares to meet specific health, safety, and training standards, so be sure to ask any provider about their current license status. Word-of-mouth recommendations are incredibly powerful in Andrews; don't hesitate to ask other parents at the park, your workplace, or local community groups like the Andrews Public Library for their trusted referrals.
Another avenue to consider is exploring potential financial assistance programs. Indiana offers the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program, which helps eligible families with the cost of care. You can apply through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, and many licensed providers in and around Andrews accept these vouchers. This can make a significant difference in affordability, opening doors to programs that might otherwise seem out of reach. It's also worth checking if any local churches or community organizations in Andrews offer subsidized preschool or daycare programs, as these can be wonderful, cost-effective options rooted in the community.
When evaluating "cheap" daycare, it's crucial to look beyond the weekly rate. Schedule visits to a few places you're considering. Observe how the caregivers interact with the children, ask about their daily routines and educational activities, and check that the space is clean and secure. A truly valuable daycare in Andrews will provide structure, engagement, and genuine care, which is the real foundation of affordability—you want a service that is worth every penny. Remember that sometimes a slightly higher rate might include meals, snacks, or a more robust learning curriculum, which can provide better overall value for your family.
Finally, be proactive and patient. Quality, affordable spots in Andrews can fill up quickly. Start your search early, get on waiting lists if necessary, and build a rapport with potential providers. Finding the right childcare solution is about creating a partnership for your child's well-being. By tapping into local networks and utilizing state resources, you can find a daycare situation in Andrews that offers both the financial relief and the trustworthy care your family deserves.