The Best Daycare Centers in English, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in English. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in English
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is a highly-regarded early childhood education facility located just 15 minutes from English. They employ state-certified teachers and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The center focuses on developmental milestones through play-based learning and structured curriculum. Features include secure entry systems, daily communication apps for parents, nutritious meal programs, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. Their comprehensive approach includes STEAM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning programs.
Daycare Services:
Little Lambs Christian Learning Center
Independent
Located approximately 20 minutes from English, Little Lambs provides faith-based early childhood education with a strong academic foundation. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and offers a balanced curriculum incorporating phonics, mathematics, science exploration, and Christian values. Safety features include secured access, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, dedicated nap areas, and modern playground equipment designed for different age groups.
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Kids Kingdom Child Care & Learning Center
Independent
Kids Kingdom has served Dubois County families for nearly two decades, providing quality childcare approximately 18 minutes from English. The center features a comprehensive early learning curriculum that emphasizes school readiness through hands-on activities and structured learning centers. Staff includes experienced early childhood professionals with ongoing training requirements. The facility offers secure environments with camera monitoring, USDA-approved nutrition programs, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Their program includes regular assessments and parent-teacher conferences to track child development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in English, IN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in English, Indiana?
In English, Indiana, and the surrounding Crawford County area, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas. For an infant (under 2 years), you can expect to pay approximately $120 to $160 per week. For toddlers (ages 2-3), weekly rates typically range from $110 to $140. These are average estimates for licensed home-based daycares and smaller centers. Prices can vary based on the provider's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. It's important to note that due to the rural nature of the community, there are fewer large corporate centers, so most options are locally owned home providers or small church-affiliated programs, which helps keep costs relatively affordable compared to statewide averages.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in English is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in English, Indiana, are regulated by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), specifically the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. You can verify a provider's license and view their compliance history for free through the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. Simply visit the FSSA website and search by provider name, city (English), or zip code. This report will show the license status, capacity, any cited rule violations, and the results of their most recent inspections. Given the small community, many parents also rely on word-of-mouth recommendations, but the state database is the official source for objective licensing and safety information.
Are there any state or local programs in English that help with childcare costs for low to moderate-income families?
Yes, the primary program is Indiana's **Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program**. This state-administered program provides financial assistance to eligible families in English and Crawford County based on income, family size, and need (such as employment or attending school). You apply through the local County Office of Family Resources. Additionally, some providers may offer sliding scale fees. Given the economic profile of the area, many families qualify for assistance, so it's highly recommended to apply. The local **Purdue Extension - Crawford County** office can also be a resource for connecting parents with available support services and navigating the application process.
What is the availability and waitlist situation for daycare spots, especially for infants, in English?
Due to English's small population and limited number of providers, availability can be very tight, particularly for infants who require lower staff-to-child ratios. It is common for reputable licensed home daycares and the limited center-based options to have waitlists, sometimes several months long. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search and make inquiries during pregnancy. Networking within the community—asking at local churches, the public library, or community centers—can help find providers who may have upcoming openings. Flexibility with start dates and considering providers in nearby towns like Marengo or Leavenworth may be necessary to secure a spot in a timely manner.
What are some key local factors or amenities I should look for when touring a daycare in English, Indiana?
When touring daycares in a rural community like English, consider these local-specific factors: **Outdoor Space and Nature Access:** Given the surrounding natural beauty of the Hoosier National Forest and Patoka Lake, a good provider should have safe, enclosed outdoor play areas and may incorporate nature-based learning. **Emergency Preparedness:** Ask about protocols for severe weather common to Southern Indiana (tornadoes) and for medical emergencies, considering the distance to major hospitals. **Transportation & Field Trips:** Some providers may offer transportation to/from the local elementary school for after-school care. For field trips, inquire about vehicle safety and insurance. **Community Involvement:** A strong local provider often integrates into the community through visits to the library, local parks, or participation in town events, which is a valuable aspect of socialization in a small town.