The Best Daycare Centers in Burlington, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Burlington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Burlington
Bright Horizons at Kokomo
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Kokomo is a highly-regarded childcare center located approximately 15 miles from Burlington, serving families throughout the region. The center follows the Bright Horizons World-Class Curriculum, which emphasizes language and literacy, mathematics, scientific reasoning, and social-emotional development. Their educated teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, structured learning environment, and the developmental progress they observe in their children.
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The Goddard School of Kokomo
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Kokomo provides premium early childhood education to families in the Burlington area with its F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based activities. The school features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and daily development updates through their proprietary mobile app. Their STEAM-focused curriculum includes Spanish language exposure, yoga, and music enrichment. The facility includes multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups and classrooms equipped with modern learning materials. Parents frequently commend the school's cleanliness, professional staff, and comprehensive educational approach.
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Little Lukes Preschool & Childcare Center
Independent
Little Lukes Preschool & Childcare Center offers a faith-based educational environment while serving families throughout Howard County, including Burlington residents. Their curriculum combines academic preparation with Christian values, focusing on kindergarten readiness through structured learning centers, literacy development, and social skills building. The center maintains small class sizes with qualified early childhood educators, many of whom have been with the program for several years. Safety features include secured access, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play areas, and parents appreciate the family-like atmosphere, consistent communication, and the center's attention to individual child development needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Burlington, IN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Burlington, Indiana?
In Burlington and the surrounding Carroll County area, 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 $200 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes may range from $120 to $170 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Indiana metropolitan areas but have been increasing. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum). Additionally, Indiana offers the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program for income-eligible families, which can significantly offset costs. You can apply through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA).
How can I verify that a daycare provider in Burlington is properly licensed and check their history?
All licensed childcare providers in Burlington must be regulated by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), specifically the Division of Child Care. You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history online through the official **Indiana Child Care Finder** website. This tool allows you to search by provider name or location and view their license status, capacity, any reported violations, and the results of their most recent inspections. You can also call the Child Care Referral Line at 1-800-299-1627 for assistance. Always visit a potential provider in person and ask to see their current license, which should be posted.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Burlington, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a rural community like Burlington, popular daycare centers and highly-regarded in-home providers often have waitlists, especially for infant care. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search **at least 6 to 9 months** before their needed start date. Some families report signing up while still pregnant. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and if they offer a priority list for siblings of current enrollees. Exploring options in nearby towns like Flora, Delphi, or even Lafayette can provide more alternatives if local waitlists are prohibitive.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Burlington, IN?
Burlington, being a smaller community, offers a few primary types of childcare. The most common options are: 1) **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** These are in-home providers caring for a smaller number of children, often offering a more home-like setting. 2) **Licensed Childcare Centers:** There are a limited number of center-based facilities, which may operate in standalone buildings or within community churches. 3) **Registered Ministry Childcare:** Some programs operate under religious exemptions but must still meet certain health and safety standards. There are fewer large corporate chain centers compared to bigger cities. Many Burlington parents also utilize informal care networks or nanny shares with neighbors.
What are the key questions to ask a potential daycare provider in Burlington during a tour, given the local context?
Beyond general questions, tailor your visit to local considerations. Key questions include: * "What is your plan for emergency weather closings, given our rural location and potential for snow/ice?" * "How do you handle field trips or outings, and what transportation is used?" (Many local trips may be to the park or library). * "What is your policy on children attending from farming families who may be exposed to specific allergens or have unique schedules during harvest?" * "Can you describe your communication with parents, and how do you handle situations if a child needs immediate medical attention?" (Knowing the proximity to urgent care in Delphi or the hospital in Logansport is practical). * "Are you a participant in the state's Paths to QUALITY rating system?" This Indiana-specific voluntary program rates providers on a level 1-4 scale, indicating a commitment to quality improvement.