The Best Daycare Centers in Bennington, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bennington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bennington
The Goddard School of Batesville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Batesville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. Features state-certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure keypad entry systems, live streaming cameras for parent viewing, and nutritious meal programs. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art and music rooms, and modern classroom technology. Known for low student-teacher ratios and comprehensive safety protocols including regular staff training and emergency preparedness drills.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center provides a nurturing Christian-based environment with developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. Their program includes hands-on learning activities, literacy development, math readiness, and character education. Features qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, secure facility with controlled access, and USDA-approved meal program. The center offers spacious classrooms with learning centers, large outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment, and regular parent-teacher communication through daily reports and conferences. Emphasizes creating a home-like atmosphere while maintaining high educational standards.
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St. Michael's Child Care Center
St. Michael's Catholic Church
St. Michael's Child Care Center offers a faith-based early childhood program that integrates Catholic values with comprehensive early learning. Their curriculum focuses on kindergarten readiness through structured learning activities, creative expression, and social development. Features degreed early childhood educators, low child-to-staff ratios, secure facility with surveillance systems, and nutritious meals prepared on-site. The center includes modern classrooms with educational technology, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and chapel time for spiritual development. Known for strong community involvement, regular educational assessments, and comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff and emergency response training.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bennington, IN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Bennington, Indiana?
In Bennington and the surrounding rural areas of Indiana, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $225 per week for infant care. For a licensed family childcare home, which is common in smaller communities like Bennington, weekly rates might range from $120 to $180. These costs are generally lower than in larger Indiana cities like Indianapolis or Fort Wayne. It's important to note that many providers in the area have limited infant slots, which can sometimes command a premium. We recommend contacting providers directly for their most current rates and inquiring about any potential discounts for siblings or prepayment.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Bennington is licensed and in good standing with the state?
All childcare providers in Indiana are regulated by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), specifically the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. You can verify a provider's license and view their compliance history online through the state's official **Child Care Finder** website. This tool allows you to search by provider name, city (Bennington), or zip code. It will show you the license status, capacity, ages served, and any recent licensing reports or violations. For a provider in a small town like Bennington, you can also ask for their license number and check with the local Child Care Resource and Referral agency for Region 9, which serves the area.
Are there any state or local programs in Bennington that help with childcare costs for low to middle-income families?
Yes, the primary program is Indiana's **Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program**. This state-administered program provides financial assistance to eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance requirements. Families in Bennington apply through the local County Office of Family Resources. Additionally, you may inquire about potential support through local community organizations or churches, which sometimes offer limited scholarships or subsidized spots. For the 2024 tax year, remember you can also claim the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit on qualifying expenses paid to licensed providers in Indiana.
What is the availability and typical waitlist situation for daycare in Bennington, especially for infants?
Due to Bennington's small, rural nature, daycare options are limited in number compared to urban areas. It is very common for both licensed centers and in-home providers to have waitlists, particularly for infants under 18 months, as state-mandated staff-to-child ratios make those spots the most scarce. Waitlists can range from a few months to over a year. We strongly advise parents in Bennington to begin their search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. Networking with other local parents through community groups or social media can also provide leads on lesser-known home-based providers who may have openings.
What are the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a licensed home daycare in Bennington, and how do I choose?
In Bennington, your main licensed options are **Daycare Centers** (like those possibly located in nearby larger towns such as Liberty or Connersville) and **Licensed Family Child Care Homes** (often operated out of a provider's residence in Bennington itself). Centers typically offer a more structured, school-like environment with multiple staff, set hours, and potentially more resources. Licensed homes offer a smaller, family-style setting with mixed ages, often with more flexible hours, which can be crucial for farm or shift-work families common in rural Indiana. When choosing, consider your child's temperament, your schedule, and your priorities (e.g., location, cost, philosophy). Always schedule visits, check references from other local families, and ensure the provider is licensed by the state of Indiana for your peace of mind.
Nearby Cities
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