The Best Daycare Centers in Cortland, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cortland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cortland
Bright Horizons at Columbus
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Columbus is a highly-regarded childcare center located approximately 15 miles from Cortland, serving families throughout Bartholomew County. The center implements the World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which emphasizes language and literacy development, mathematics, science, and creative arts. Their educated teaching staff maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and holds degrees in early childhood education. The facility features age-appropriate learning environments, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, developmental tracking, and nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten success.
Daycare Services:
ABC Stewart School
ABC Stewart School
ABC Stewart School has served the Columbus area for nearly two decades and is a popular choice for families in Cortland and surrounding communities. The center offers a comprehensive early childhood program that balances structured learning with play-based activities. Their curriculum focuses on social-emotional development, cognitive skills, and kindergarten readiness. The facility includes secure classrooms, outdoor play areas, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified, with many holding advanced degrees in early childhood education. The center is noted for its family-friendly atmosphere and strong parent-teacher partnerships.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Columbus
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Columbus provides high-quality early childhood education to families in the Cortland area through its F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). This play-based curriculum incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts and promotes school readiness. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring. All teachers participate in ongoing professional development and follow Goddard's strict health and safety protocols. The school maintains excellent teacher-to-student ratios and offers enrichment programs in music, yoga, and foreign language exposure. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the program's educational quality and caring environment.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cortland, IN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Cortland, Indiana?
In Cortland and the surrounding Marshall 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 $225 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes may range from $120 to $180 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Indiana cities like Indianapolis or South Bend but are consistent with the rural cost of living in the region. It's important to note that many providers include meals and snacks in their weekly rate. We recommend contacting providers directly for their most current pricing and to inquire about any potential registration or supply fees.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Cortland is properly licensed and has a good standing with the state?
All licensed childcare providers in Indiana are regulated by the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS), Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history for free through the state's online "Child Care Finder" portal. Simply search by the provider's name or location (Cortland, IN 46728). This report will show their license status, capacity, any substantiated complaints, and the results of their last inspection. For an additional layer of assurance, you can also contact the local licensing consultant for the area or ask the provider directly to see their current license certificate, which must be posted visibly.
Are there any state or local programs in Marshall County that can help with childcare costs for families in Cortland?
Yes, there are several assistance programs available. The primary program is Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program, which provides financial assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or school requirements. Applications are processed through the Marshall County Division of Family Resources. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. For families with children who have special needs, Indiana's First Steps program can provide early intervention services that may coordinate with childcare settings. It's best to start your application early, as there can be a waitlist for vouchers.
What is the availability and typical waitlist situation for daycare centers in Cortland, especially for infants?
Due to Cortland's smaller size and rural nature, there are a limited number of licensed daycare centers directly within the town. Many families also utilize providers in nearby communities like Plymouth, Bremen, or Argos. Availability, particularly for infants (which have stricter staff-to-child ratios), is often very limited. It is common for popular centers and in-home providers to have waitlists ranging from 3 to 9 months, or even longer. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and get on multiple waitlists during pregnancy or as soon as they know they will need care. Being flexible with your start date can improve your chances of securing a spot.
What are some key local factors I should consider when touring a daycare in the Cortland area?
When touring daycares in Cortland and Marshall County, consider these local-specific factors: First, inquire about their policies for **inclement weather and rural road conditions**—do they follow local school delays/closings? Second, ask about their **outdoor play and field trip** routines, as many providers utilize local parks or farms for activities. Third, understand their **transportation** logistics if your child will need to be dropped off or picked up by someone commuting to work in Plymouth or Warsaw. Fourth, check if they participate in the **CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program)**, which ensures nutritional standards for meals. Finally, given the community's size, ask about their communication methods for events, closures, and your child's daily updates, as personal, direct contact is often a hallmark of smaller, local providers.