The Best Daycare Centers in Derby, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Derby. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Derby
Kiddie Academy of Jeffersonville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Jeffersonville offers a comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and live streaming capabilities for parent monitoring. Their educational approach includes hands-on learning activities, age-appropriate technology integration, and regular developmental assessments. The facility includes dedicated age-specific classrooms, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and nutritious meal programs. They maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and provide detailed daily reports to parents.
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The Gardner School of New Albany
The Gardner School
The Gardner School provides an academically-focused early childhood program with proprietary curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and foreign language exposure. The facility features secure entry systems, camera monitoring, and strict safety protocols. Certified early childhood educators implement developmentally appropriate practices in modern, well-equipped classrooms. The program includes music and art enrichment, outdoor learning environments, and technology-integrated lessons. Parents receive regular progress updates and have access to a parent communication portal. The center maintains NAEYC-inspired standards with emphasis on individualized learning plans and school readiness.
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New Horizons Child Care & Preschool
New Horizons Child Care
New Horizons Child Care & Preschool offers a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. The center features experienced staff with ongoing professional development in early childhood education. Their curriculum focuses on social skills development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness through hands-on activities and center-based learning. The facility includes secure entry systems, fenced playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment, and sanitization protocols. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent-teacher conferences, and flexible scheduling options. The center emphasizes creating a nurturing environment while maintaining strong focus on developmental milestones and school preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Derby, IN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Derby, Indiana?
In Derby and the surrounding Perry County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed in-home daycare, you might expect to pay between $120 to $160 per week. For a larger childcare center, weekly rates typically range from $140 to $180 for infants and toddlers. These costs are generally lower than the state average for Indiana, reflecting the rural nature of the community. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee, such as meals, snacks, and supplies. Some providers may offer a slight discount for additional siblings. Financial assistance may be available through Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program for eligible families.
How can I verify that a daycare provider in Derby is properly licensed and has a good record?
All licensed childcare providers in Indiana are regulated by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. You can use the state's online "Child Care Finder" tool to search for providers in the 47525 zip code (Derby) and view their licensing status, capacity, and any reported violations or complaints. For the most thorough check, you can also contact the local Child Care Resource and Referral agency for the region, which serves Perry County. Always visit the facility in person, ask to see their license, and request references from other local parents to get a complete picture of their quality and safety record.
Are there many options for childcare in Derby, or will I likely need to look in nearby towns?
As a very small, unincorporated community, Derby itself has very limited dedicated childcare facilities. Most parents in Derby expand their search to nearby population centers within Perry County, such as Tell City and Cannelton, which offer more options including licensed centers, church-based preschools, and registered home providers. It's common for families in rural areas like Derby to commute 15-20 minutes for childcare. Building a network with other local parents can also help you discover trusted in-home daycare providers who may not be widely advertised. Planning ahead is crucial, as spots, especially for infants, can be limited in the county.
What are the key questions to ask a potential daycare provider in a rural area like Derby regarding safety and emergencies?
Given Derby's rural setting, specific safety protocols are essential. Key questions to ask include: What is your plan for severe weather (like tornadoes common in Southern Indiana) or power outages? How are children transported if an emergency evacuation is needed? What is your policy on allowing visitors, given the close-knit nature of the community? How do you handle medical emergencies, and what is the average EMS response time to your location? Also, inquire about staff training in First Aid and CPR, and ask to see their emergency drill logs. For home-based providers, ensure the home is childproofed and that any firearms or other hazards are stored securely and separately from childcare areas.
Are there any part-time, drop-in, or flexible childcare options available for parents in Derby with non-traditional work schedules?
Traditional 9-to-5 center-based care is the most common model, but flexible options are scarce in small communities like Derby. You will likely need to seek out individual registered family childcare home providers who may be willing to accommodate part-time, evening, or weekend care based on their own family schedule. Some providers in Tell City may offer preschool programs that are part-day. For true drop-in or occasional care, your best bet may be to arrange a share or nanny arrangement with another local family. It's also worth checking if any employers in the area, such as local factories or businesses in Perry County, offer any childcare assistance or referrals for shift workers.