The Best Daycare Centers in Carlisle, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Carlisle. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Carlisle
The Learning Tree
Independent
The Learning Tree is Carlisle's premier locally-owned childcare center featuring a comprehensive early childhood education program. They employ state-licensed teachers with degrees in early childhood education and maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their curriculum focuses on play-based learning, social-emotional development, and kindergarten readiness. The facility features secure access, modern classrooms, age-appropriate outdoor play areas, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise their responsive communication, individualized attention to each child's needs, and strong community reputation built over 15 years of service.
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Kid's Kingdom Learning Center
Independent
Located just 15 minutes from Carlisle in Sullivan, Kid's Kingdom Learning Center offers a well-rounded educational program with certified early childhood educators. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, STEM activities, and creative arts. The center features secure entry systems, modern safety protocols, spacious indoor play areas, and structured outdoor learning environments. They maintain small class sizes and provide regular developmental assessments. Parents highlight the center's nurturing environment, experienced staff, and comprehensive approach to child development that prepares children for academic success.
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Jasonville Head Start
Community Action Program of Western Indiana
Jasonville Head Start provides high-quality early childhood education to families in the Carlisle area through their comprehensive program. As part of the federally-funded Head Start network, they offer evidence-based curriculum, certified early childhood teachers, and family support services. Their program focuses on school readiness, social skills development, health and nutrition services, and parent involvement. The facility maintains excellent safety standards, low student-teacher ratios, and inclusive learning environments. Families appreciate the holistic approach to child development and the strong educational foundation provided to prepare children for kindergarten success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Carlisle, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Carlisle, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Carlisle, Indiana, all childcare 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. This includes family child care homes, child care centers, and ministries. Licensing ensures providers meet health, safety, and developmental standards. To verify a facility's compliance and view its latest inspection reports, you can use the state's official **Child Care Finder** tool online. You can search by provider name or zip code (47838 for Carlisle) to see their license status, any cited violations, and their quality rating (if they participate in the state's Paths to QUALITY™ program). It's a crucial first step for any parent.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in and around Carlisle, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the smaller, rural nature of Carlisle and Sullivan County, high-quality daycare options can have limited capacity, leading to waitlists that can range from several months to over a year, especially for infant care. It's highly 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 current list length, estimated timeline, and any fees to hold a spot. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Sullivan, Farmersburg, or Shelburn, and explore licensed home-based providers in the Carlisle area, as they may have more immediate openings.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Carlisle, and are there any local or state assistance programs available?
In Carlisle and the surrounding Sullivan County area, costs for full-time, center-based childcare typically range from **$120 to $180 per week** for preschool-aged children, with infant care often being more expensive, sometimes reaching $200+ per week. Home-based daycare may be slightly less. Financial assistance is available for eligible families through Indiana's **Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program**. Your eligibility is based on income, work/school status, and family size. You can apply through the Sullivan County Division of Family Resources office. Additionally, some providers may offer sibling discounts, so be sure to inquire directly.
Are there any daycare facilities in Carlisle that offer specialized programs or care for non-traditional work hours?
Finding daycare for evening, overnight, or weekend shifts in a small town like Carlisle can be challenging, as most centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best options for non-traditional hours are likely to be licensed family child care homes, which may offer more flexible arrangements. We recommend contacting providers directly to discuss your specific needs. For reliable care during these hours, you may also need to network with other local parents or consider a private nanny share arrangement. The Sullivan County community boards or local Facebook groups can be resources for finding providers willing to accommodate shift work.
What resources are available in Carlisle to help me evaluate the quality and curriculum of a daycare program?
Beyond basic licensing, Indiana's **Paths to QUALITY™** rating system is the key resource for evaluating quality. This voluntary program rates providers from Level 1 (meeting health and safety needs) to Level 4 (achieving national accreditation). You can filter for rated providers on the Child Care Finder website. In Carlisle, ask providers if they participate and what their current level is. For curriculum, ask about their educational philosophy, daily structure, and how they incorporate Indiana's Early Learning Foundations framework. Visiting the facility is essential; observe interactions, ask about staff qualifications and turnover, and see if the environment is engaging. Local referrals from other parents at community spots like the Carlisle Town Park or the Sullivan County Public Library branch are also invaluable.