The Best Daycare Centers in Carthage, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Carthage. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Carthage
The Goddard School of Greenfield
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Greenfield offers a premier early childhood education program located approximately 15 miles from Carthage. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression through play-based learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development in bright, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups, and they maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios.
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Imagination Station Learning Center
Independent
Located in nearby Knightstown (approximately 8 miles from Carthage), Imagination Station Learning Center provides comprehensive childcare services with a strong educational foundation. Their curriculum emphasizes early literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning activities. The center features state-licensed teachers with CPR and First Aid certification, secure monitoring systems, and nutritious meal programs. Their facility includes dedicated infant rooms, preschool classrooms with learning centers, and fenced outdoor playgrounds. The center is particularly noted for its family-oriented atmosphere and strong communication with parents through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Sunshine Academy Early Learning Center
Independent
Sunshine Academy in Greenfield (approximately 15 miles from Carthage) offers a well-established early learning program with a balanced approach to education and care. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones through structured learning activities and creative play. The center features experienced early childhood educators, secure facility access, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Their program includes age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor play areas, and enrichment activities in music and movement. The center maintains small class sizes with low teacher-to-child ratios and provides regular developmental assessments and progress reports to keep parents informed about their child's growth and learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Carthage, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Carthage, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Carthage, as in all of Indiana, childcare providers must be licensed by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) unless they are legally exempt (such as certain small, home-based ministries). Licensed centers and homes must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including CPR/first aid training and background checks), health and safety protocols, and facility requirements. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations using the FSSA's online Child Care Finder tool. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers to ensure your child's safety and a regulated standard of care.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Carthage, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Carthage area, costs can vary based on the child's age and the type of care. For an infant at a licensed center, you can expect to pay approximately $150-$200 per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, weekly rates often range from $120-$170. Home-based daycare may be slightly less expensive. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program, administered by the local county office of the FSSA in Rush County. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts. It's important to ask about all fees upfront, including registration and supply costs.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Carthage, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a rural community like Carthage, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care slots. It is not unusual for popular centers or highly-regarded home providers to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months. We strongly recommend beginning your search during pregnancy or at least 6 months before you need care. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their current waitlist length, the deposit required to hold a spot (if any), and how often they update families on their position. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists is a wise strategy in this area.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Carthage, Indiana?
Carthage offers a mix of childcare options typical of a small Indiana town. Your primary choices will be licensed family childcare homes (operated in a provider's residence, often with a smaller group of children) and licensed childcare centers. There are also legally license-exempt ministries and programs. Given the rural setting, there are fewer large corporate centers; many options are locally owned and operated. Some families also utilize registered childcare providers from neighboring towns like Knightstown or Rushville. For school-age children, the local elementary school may offer before and after-school programs, which are a key resource for working parents.
Are there any unique local resources or networks in Carthage to help parents find and evaluate childcare?
Yes, a valuable local resource is the **Rush County United Fund**, which often has information on community services, including childcare. Additionally, connecting with other parents through community hubs like the Carthage Public Library, local churches, or the Tri Elementary School parent network can provide personal recommendations and insights. For official referrals and quality information, the statewide **Brighter Futures Indiana** website and hotline is an essential tool. They can provide a list of licensed providers in the 46115 zip code and surrounding areas, along with quality ratings from Indiana's Paths to QUALITY™ program, which is a key indicator of a program's commitment to improvement.
Nearby Cities
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