The Best Daycare Centers in Bedford, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bedford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bedford
Lawrence County Early Head Start
Community Action Program of Southern Indiana
Lawrence County Early Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support services for infants and toddlers. The center follows research-based curriculum focused on cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development. All lead teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and emphasizes family engagement through regular parent-teacher conferences and home visits. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive health screenings.
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Imagination Station Daycare & Preschool
Independent Center
Imagination Station offers a play-based learning environment that balances structured curriculum with child-directed exploration. The center features age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. Curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. Staff members maintain CPR and First Aid certifications, and the center emphasizes nutritional meals and snacks. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and strong communication about child development progress.
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The Goddard School of Bloomington
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located in nearby Bloomington (serving families throughout the region including Bedford), The Goddard School provides a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, certified teachers with bachelor's degrees, and purpose-built classrooms with advanced learning materials. The curriculum includes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities, foreign language exposure, and character development. The school maintains excellent staff retention and offers extended hours to accommodate working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bedford, IN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Bedford, IN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Bedford and the surrounding Lawrence County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $130 to $180 per week, while care for toddlers and preschoolers is generally between $110 and $150 per week. These rates can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum (like Montessori or faith-based programs), and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on income, work, or school attendance. Locally, you can apply through the **Community Action Program of Evansville (CAPE)**, which serves our region. Additionally, some Bedford centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How do I verify that a daycare or home childcare provider in Bedford is properly licensed and safe?
All licensed childcare providers in Bedford must comply with Indiana's Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) regulations. The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and review their history is to use the State of Indiana's **Child Care Finder** website. This public tool allows you to search by provider name or zip code (47421) to see their license type, capacity, any reported violations, and inspection reports. For registered ministries or unlicensed registered providers, different rules apply. You can also contact the **FSSA Child Care Bureau** directly. It's highly recommended to visit any potential provider in person, ask for references from other Bedford parents, and observe the environment during operating hours.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Bedford, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to limited capacity, especially for infants (which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios), waitlists are common at many licensed daycare centers in Bedford. Popular centers often have waitlists of 3 to 9 months. Therefore, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists **as soon as possible, ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy**. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their list: Is there a fee to join? How often is it updated? What is the current estimated wait time? Don't limit your search to just one center; consider multiple options, including licensed home-based providers in the area, which may have more immediate openings.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically within the city limits of Bedford?
Parents in Bedford have several licensed options to consider. These include: 1) **Childcare Centers**: These are larger facilities like Bedford's early learning centers or preschools, often offering structured programs for various age groups. 2) **Licensed Home Providers**: Individuals who are licensed to care for a smaller number of children in their own homes, often providing a more family-like setting. 3) **Registered Ministries**: Childcare programs operated by churches, which are exempt from some state licensing rules but must meet basic health and safety standards. You can find all these types through the Indiana Child Care Finder. The North Lawrence Community Schools system also offers preschool programs for eligible families, which is another local option to explore.
What should I look for during a tour of a daycare facility in Bedford, and are there any local resources for comparing options?
During a tour, observe the cleanliness, safety (outlet covers, secure gates, clean toys), and how staff interact with children—are they engaged and responsive? Ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, daily schedules, meal provisions, and their policies for sick children and emergencies. Specifically for Bedford, inquire about their plans for local weather events like tornado warnings. For comparing options, start with the Indiana Child Care Finder online. Additionally, connect with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Bedford, Indiana Community" or parenting groups) for personal recommendations and experiences. The **United Way of South Central Indiana** (which serves Lawrence County) may also have community resource guides that include childcare information.