The Best Daycare Centers in Ellettsville, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ellettsville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ellettsville
KinderCare Learning Center at Ellettsville
KinderCare Education
This NAEYC-accredited center offers comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum including phonics, math, science, and social skills development. Features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure keypad entry systems, and regular safety drills. The facility includes age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and provides nutritious meals. Known for strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, with flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Primrose School of Bloomington
Primrose Schools
Primrose offers a balanced learning approach combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance through their exclusive Balanced Learning curriculum. Features STEAM activities, character development programs, and literacy-rich environments. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education, with low student-teacher ratios. The secure facility includes monitored classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and dedicated art and music rooms. Emphasizes whole-child development with regular assessments and strong parent partnerships.
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Small Wonders Child Care & Learning Center
Small Wonders Child Care
An established local childcare provider offering developmental appropriate practice through creative curriculum. Features structured learning centers, hands-on activities, and individualized learning plans. Maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios with experienced educators who receive ongoing professional development. The center includes secure facilities with monitored access, outdoor nature exploration areas, and family-style dining promoting healthy eating habits. Known for strong community connections and inclusive environment serving diverse families in the Bloomington-Ellettsville area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ellettsville, IN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ellettsville, Indiana?
In Ellettsville, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For center-based care, you can expect to pay approximately $175 to $250 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes may range from $125 to $185 per week. These rates are generally slightly lower than those in nearby Bloomington but can vary significantly between providers. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, formula, and educational curriculum. Many providers in the area also require a one-time registration or supply fee.
How do I verify that a daycare in Ellettsville is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Ellettsville are regulated by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), specifically the Bureau of Child Care. You can verify a provider's license and view their compliance history, including any past violations, by using the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. Simply search by the provider's name or location. We also recommend contacting the local **Monroe County Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)** agency, which serves Ellettsville, for additional guidance and to ask about any local reputation or community feedback not captured in state reports.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Ellettsville, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to high demand and limited capacity, especially for infants and toddlers, many daycare centers and quality in-home providers in Ellettsville do maintain waitlists. It is highly advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists **6 to 12 months** before you need care, particularly if you are seeking an infant spot. Some popular centers affiliated with employers or institutions in the broader Bloomington area may have even longer waits. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Ellettsville beyond large daycare centers?
Ellettsville offers a mix of childcare options to suit different family needs. Beyond national or regional chain centers, you will find: - **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** Smaller, home-based settings often offering more flexible hours and mixed-age groups. - **Faith-Based Preschools & Daycares:** Several local churches operate programs that may offer part-day preschool combined with extended care. - **In-Home Nannies or Shared Nanny Arrangements:** Some families in the area opt for private in-home care, which can be coordinated with neighbors. - **Part-Time or Drop-In Care:** This is less common but may be available at some facilities, useful for parents with non-traditional or shifting schedules. The **Ellettsville Parks Department** may also offer seasonal or summer camp programs for older children.
What financial assistance programs are available to help Ellettsville families afford childcare?
Eligible families in Ellettsville can apply for the **Indiana Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Voucher Program**, which provides subsidies to help cover the cost of care at state-approved providers. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or education requirements. You can apply through the local **Monroe County Division of Family Resources** office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking if your employer (especially if you work in Bloomington at the university, hospital, or larger corporations) offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or any childcare partnerships or referrals.
Nearby Cities
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