The Best Daycare Centers in Arlington, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Arlington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Arlington
The Growing Patch
Growing Patch Learning Centers
The Growing Patch is a highly-regarded early childhood education center located approximately 15 miles from Arlington. They feature a comprehensive curriculum focused on developmental milestones with certified early childhood educators. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and modern learning materials. Their program emphasizes literacy development, social-emotional learning, and STEM activities. They maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and implement rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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KinderCare at Muncie
KinderCare Learning Companies
This KinderCare location serves the Arlington area with a nationally-recognized curriculum and experienced teaching staff. They offer developmentally appropriate programs with focus on early literacy, mathematics, and social skills. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, age-specific learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds. Their teachers hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The center provides nutritious meals and maintains strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Community Child Care Center
Independent Nonprofit
Located approximately 20 miles from Arlington, Community Child Care Center is a nonprofit organization with strong educational foundations and experienced staff. They implement a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. The center features modern classrooms, extensive learning materials, and secure outdoor play spaces. Their program includes music, art, and physical education components. Staff members hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing training. The center maintains excellent safety records with comprehensive emergency preparedness plans and regular safety drills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Arlington, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Arlington, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Indiana, all childcare providers caring for more than five unrelated children must be licensed by the state's Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. This includes centers, ministries, and home-based providers meeting that threshold. Licensing ensures compliance with health, safety, staffing, and program standards. To verify the license and view any history of non-compliance for a provider in Arlington, you can use the FSSA's online **Child Care Finder** tool. This database provides inspection reports, licensing status, and capacity information. It's a crucial first step for parents to ensure they are considering a legally operating and monitored facility.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Arlington, IN, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Arlington and the surrounding rural areas of Rush and surrounding counties, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from **$130 to $180 per week**, while toddler care may be slightly lower, around **$110 to $150 per week**. These costs are generally lower than in larger Indiana metros but can vary based on the type of facility (home-based vs. center) and specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Indiana's **Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program** is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on income, work/school requirements, and family size. You can apply through the local county office of the Division of Family Resources. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Arlington, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare centers in a small community like Arlington, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care, and may range from **3 to 9 months**. Popular providers often have longer lists. To improve your chances, it's recommended to begin your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their list: Is there a fee to join? How often is it updated? How are spots offered (e.g., first-come, first-served, or by priority)? Also, consider expanding your search to licensed family childcare homes in Arlington and neighboring towns like Rushville or Connersville, which may have more immediate availability.
What are my options for childcare in Arlington if I work non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends, or overnight)?
Finding childcare for non-traditional hours in a small town like Arlington can be challenging, as most licensed centers operate on standard weekday business hours. Your primary options are to seek out a **licensed family childcare home** that may offer more flexible scheduling, or to arrange a **private in-home nanny or babysitter**. You can use local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Arlington, IN Community") or bulletin boards at places like the post office or library to inquire about individual caregivers. For any in-home caregiver, it is essential to conduct thorough interviews, background checks, and reference checks, as they are not regulated by the state unless they care for children from multiple families simultaneously.
Are there any state-funded preschool or early learning programs available for 3- and 4-year-olds in Arlington?
Yes, Indiana offers the **On My Way Pre-K** program, a state-funded grant for high-quality preschool for 4-year-olds from low- and moderate-income families. Eligibility is based on income, and the grant can be used at approved providers. While there may not be an approved provider directly within Arlington, there are likely participating centers or preschools in nearby Rushville or Connersville. For 3-year-olds, options are more limited. You should contact the **Rush County Schools** district to inquire about any public preschool offerings or special education preschool services for which your child may qualify. Local churches may also offer part-day preschool programs for these age groups.