The Best Daycare Centers in Celestine, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Celestine. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Celestine
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. The center features state-certified teachers, low student-to-teacher ratios, and a structured curriculum that includes literacy, math, science, and creative arts. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, stimulating classrooms. They offer nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through digital platforms, and extended hours to accommodate working families. Their strong focus on individualized attention and developmental milestones makes them a top choice in the Dubois County area serving Celestine families.
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Growing Kids Learning Center
Growing Kids Childcare
Growing Kids Learning Center offers a research-based curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. The center employs degreed early childhood educators who implement Creative Curriculum with assessment tracking. Features include secure video monitoring for parents, USDA-approved meal program, and modern facilities with dedicated learning centers. Their program emphasizes literacy development, STEM activities, and character education. With flexible scheduling options and transportation services for school-age children, they effectively serve families throughout Dubois County, including Celestine residents seeking high-quality childcare with educational excellence.
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Kids Kampus Inc.
Independent
Kids Kampus Inc. provides a nurturing environment with a strong academic foundation through their proprietary curriculum that aligns with Indiana Early Learning Foundations. The center features highly qualified staff with ongoing professional development, secure facility with keypad entry, and spacious outdoor play areas. Their program includes music and movement, foreign language exposure, and technology integration appropriate for each age group. Parents appreciate the consistent communication, transparent classroom observations, and focus on developing independence and problem-solving skills. Serving the broader Dubois County community, they offer reliable care for Celestine families with comprehensive educational programming.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Celestine, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Celestine, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Celestine, Indiana, all child care ministries, centers, and home-based providers caring for more than 5 unrelated children must be licensed by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. Licensing ensures compliance with state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff training. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any substantiated complaints by using the "Child Care Finder" tool on the FSSA website. It's highly recommended to cross-reference this state database and also ask the provider directly for their license number and most recent inspection summary.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Celestine, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Celestine area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the child's age and the type of program. For an infant, you might expect to pay between $130 to $180 per week at a licensed home daycare, while a center-based program could range from $150 to $220 per week. Costs generally decrease slightly for toddlers and preschoolers. For financial assistance, Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on income, work/school requirements, and family size. You can apply through the Dubois County Division of Family Resources. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations may offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees.
Are there many daycare options in Celestine, or will I likely need to look in nearby towns like Jasper or Huntingburg?
As a small, rural community, Celestine itself has a limited number of licensed daycare providers, primarily in-home family childcare settings. It is very common for parents in Celestine to expand their search to the larger nearby hubs of Jasper (about 15 minutes north) and Huntingburg (about 20 minutes east). These cities offer a wider variety of options, including larger childcare centers, church-affiliated preschools, and more in-home providers. When considering providers outside Celestine, factor in your daily commute and the provider's hours to ensure a workable schedule. Many local parents form carpools for drop-off and pick-up.
What are the typical waitlist times for daycare centers and in-home providers in the Celestine area, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of slots in a small community, waitlists for quality childcare in and around Celestine can be lengthy, especially for infants and toddlers. It is not uncommon for popular in-home providers or centers in Jasper to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. We strongly recommend beginning your search during pregnancy, ideally in the second trimester. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, their policy for securing a spot (e.g., a deposit), and how often they update families on their position. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists is a standard strategy for parents in Dubois County.
What unique factors should I consider when choosing a daycare in a rural area like Celestine, such as emergency protocols or inclement weather policies?
Choosing daycare in a rural setting involves specific considerations. First, inquire about their emergency medical response plan. Ask how quickly EMS can typically arrive and if any staff are certified in pediatric first aid/CPR. Second, understand their inclement weather policy. Rural roads can be hazardous in winter; find out if they close based on Dubois County school delays/closings or have their own policy. Third, consider the program's flexibility for farm families or shift workers, as common local employers may have non-standard hours. Finally, visit and observe the outdoor play area—rural settings can offer great space for play but also require vigilant safety checks for wildlife, well-secured boundaries, and sun/insect protection.