The Best Daycare Centers in Edinburgh, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Edinburgh. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Edinburgh
Kiddie Academy of Franklin
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Franklin is a highly-regarded educational childcare center serving the Edinburgh area with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and creative arts. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and integrated technology for parent communication. The academy emphasizes social-emotional development through structured learning activities and offers nutritious meals prepared on-site. Parents consistently praise the dedicated staff and the visible developmental progress in children.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Franklin
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Franklin provides a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. The school features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with surveillance systems. Their program includes foreign language exposure, yoga instruction, and technology integration appropriate for young learners. The center maintains rigorous health and safety standards with comprehensive background checks for all staff. Parents highlight the school's communication, clean facilities, and the confidence their children gain through the program's structured yet nurturing environment.
Daycare Services:
Little Blessings Child Care & Preschool
Independent
Little Blessings Child Care & Preschool operates as a faith-based early learning center serving families in the Edinburgh-Columbus region with a comprehensive educational approach. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and maintains small class sizes to ensure individual attention. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum® with supplemental literacy programs, hands-on science activities, and character development. The facility features secure access control, modern playground equipment with safety surfaces, and dedicated infant care rooms with separate nap areas. The center is praised for its family-like atmosphere, experienced long-term staff, and commitment to preparing children academically and socially for kindergarten transition.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Edinburgh, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Edinburgh, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Indiana, all childcare providers caring for more than five unrelated children must be licensed by the state's Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. This includes centers, ministries, and home-based providers. Licensed facilities in Edinburgh must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety, health, and staff training. You can verify the license and view any recent inspection reports for any provider through the state's online Child Care Finder tool. It's highly recommended to check this database and look for providers with a "Paths to QUALITY" rating, Indiana's voluntary quality rating and improvement system, which can help you identify higher-quality care.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Edinburgh, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Edinburgh and the surrounding Johnson County area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $175 to $225 per week. Toddler care is slightly less, often between $150 and $200 per week. Home-based daycare may be more affordable. These costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and "Paths to QUALITY" level. For financial assistance, Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program helps eligible low-income working families or those in education/training. You apply through the local county office of the FSSA. Additionally, some Edinburgh employers or local organizations may offer dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) guidance or limited subsidies.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Edinburgh, and when should I start looking for care?
Waitlists for infant spots, in particular, can be significant in Edinburgh due to high demand and limited infant-care slots dictated by strict staff-to-child ratios. It is not uncommon for popular centers or highly-rated "Paths to QUALITY" Level 3 or 4 providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. For toddlers and preschoolers, waitlists may be shorter, around 3-6 months. It is strongly advised to begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists as soon as you know you will need care, ideally during pregnancy for infant care. Be sure to ask about waitlist fees (if any) and how often you need to confirm your continued interest to stay on the list.
Are there any unique childcare options in Edinburgh that cater to parents with non-traditional work hours, like shift workers at nearby distribution centers or manufacturers?
Yes, Edinburgh's proximity to major logistics and manufacturing employers means some childcare providers offer extended or non-traditional hours to accommodate shift work. While not all centers offer this, several licensed home providers and some centers may provide early morning (starting at 5:00 or 6:00 AM) or evening care. It's crucial to inquire directly about hours of operation and any additional fees for early drop-off or late pick-up. Networking with other local parents, especially those working at the nearby Camp Atterbury, Walmart Distribution Center, or manufacturing plants, can be a valuable way to find recommendations for flexible providers.
What resources are available in Edinburgh to help me evaluate and choose a quality childcare program?
Beyond the state's online Child Care Finder, a key local resource is the **Child Care Answers** agency, which is Indiana's free, statewide child care resource and referral service. They serve Johnson County and can provide personalized referrals, help you understand quality indicators, and explain financial assistance. You can contact them via their website or phone. Additionally, when touring facilities in Edinburgh, look for their "Paths to QUALITY" level (Level 1-4), ask about staff qualifications and turnover, observe caregiver-child interactions, and check for a safe, engaging environment. Don't hesitate to ask for references from current parents. Local Facebook community groups for Edinburgh/Johnson County parents are also often used to share firsthand experiences and recommendations.