The Best Daycare Centers in Cicero, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cicero. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cicero
The Learning Experience - Arcadia
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in nearby Arcadia offers a comprehensive early education curriculum with proprietary programs like L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program). The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and CCTV monitoring. Their curriculum includes phonics, foreign language exposure, manners and etiquette, and STEM learning. Teachers are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, bright classrooms with educational technology, and a nutrition program that serves balanced meals and snacks.
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Cadence Education - Cicero
Cadence Education
Cadence Education in Cicero provides a nurturing environment with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. The center offers age-appropriate curriculum including literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and creative arts. Safety features include secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. The experienced teaching team maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and focuses on social-emotional development. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups.
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The Goddard School - Noblesville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Noblesville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic learning with creative play. The school features purpose-built classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and enhanced security systems. Their educational approach includes literacy development, STEAM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), and character development. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in continuous training. The school maintains rigorous health and safety protocols including comprehensive cleaning procedures and health screenings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cicero, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Cicero, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Cicero, Indiana, all child care providers 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 ministry-operated programs. Licensing ensures facilities meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations using the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. It's highly recommended to use this resource and ask providers directly for their license number during your search.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Cicero, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Cicero/Noblesville area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from **$225 to $275 per week**. Toddler care is slightly less, often between **$200 and $250 per week**. Home-based daycare may offer lower rates. For financial assistance, Indiana's **Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program** is the primary resource for eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements. You apply through the Hamilton County Division of Family Resources. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Cicero, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to high demand in the growing Hamilton County area, waitlists for infant spots at popular daycare centers in and around Cicero can be **6 to 12 months long**. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. Many centers have a non-refundable waitlist fee. Don't limit your search to Cicero alone; consider expanding to nearby Noblesville, Arcadia, or Westfield. Be proactive, follow up periodically, and have a backup plan, such as a licensed home provider, which may have shorter wait times.
Are there any unique childcare options in Cicero that leverage local parks or community resources?
Yes, Cicero's proximity to **Morse Reservoir and the Nickel Plate Trail** offers unique opportunities for programs that emphasize outdoor play. Some local home-based providers and certain centers incorporate regular stroller walks on the trail or outdoor activities near the water (with strict safety protocols). Additionally, the **Cicero Christian Church** and other community organizations often host parent-child playgroups or seasonal activities that can supplement childcare. When touring facilities, ask about their daily outdoor play policy and if they utilize these specific local amenities for enrichment.
What should I know about the transition from preschool to kindergarten within Cicero's local school system when choosing a daycare or preschool program?
Cicero is served by the **Hamilton Heights School Corporation**. Many local daycare centers and preschools design their curriculum for 4- and 5-year-olds to align with Indiana’s Early Learning Foundations and prepare children for kindergarten at either **Cicero Elementary** or **Hamilton Heights Elementary**. When evaluating a preschool program, ask if they have a specific kindergarten readiness curriculum, if teachers are aware of local school expectations, and if they facilitate any transition activities. Choosing a program familiar with Hamilton Heights can help ensure a smoother academic and social transition for your child.