The Best Daycare Centers in Fair Oaks, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fair Oaks. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fair Oaks
Primrose School of Carmel
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Carmel offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The school features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their approach emphasizes character development, literacy, and STEM education through hands-on learning experiences. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art and music rooms, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, structured environment, and the developmental progress children make.
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The Goddard School of Greenwood
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Greenwood provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program, focusing on academic, social, and emotional development. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and employs degreed teachers in early childhood education. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, and creative arts, with additional enrichment programs in yoga, music, and Spanish. Parents appreciate the clean facility, engaged teachers, and the school's focus on individualized attention.
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Day Early Learning at Park 100
Early Learning Indiana
Day Early Learning at Park 100 is a high-quality early childhood education center operated by Early Learning Indiana, offering research-based curriculum and comprehensive child development services. The center features state-licensed teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Their approach includes project-based learning, social-emotional development, and school readiness preparation. The facility includes secure entry systems, modern learning environments, and outdoor play spaces designed for different age groups. The center is particularly noted for its inclusive environment, family engagement programs, and commitment to serving diverse communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fair Oaks, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Fair Oaks, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Fair Oaks, Indiana, all childcare centers and licensed family daycare homes must be regulated by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), specifically the Bureau of Child Care. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff training. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations using the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. It's crucial to look for providers with a "Pathways to Quality" level, Indiana's voluntary quality rating system, which indicates a commitment to higher standards. Always ask the provider directly for their license number and feel free to request a tour to see compliance in action.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Fair Oaks, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Fair Oaks and surrounding Newton County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from **$150 to $225 per week**, while toddler care may be slightly lower, around **$130 to $200 per week**. Costs can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and its "Pathways to Quality" level. For financial assistance, Indiana's **Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program** is the primary resource for eligible families. You apply through the local Division of Family Resources office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Fair Oaks, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Fair Oaks, waitlists for infant care, in particular, can be significant. It's not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of **6 to 12 months**. We strongly recommend starting your search **as soon as you know you are pregnant or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date**. For toddler or preschool spots, waitlists may be shorter, around 3-6 months. Be proactive: get on multiple lists, ask for updates on your position every few months, and have a backup plan, such as a licensed family home provider, which may have more immediate availability.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically in Fair Oaks, and how do they differ?
Fair Oaks primarily offers three types of licensed childcare options. First, **Child Care Centers** are facilities like the local church-affiliated or community-based centers, offering structured programs for larger groups of children. Second, **Licensed Family Child Care Homes** are smaller, home-based operations caring for a limited number of children, often providing a more family-like setting. Third, **Unlicensed Registered Ministries** are church-operated programs exempt from some licensing rules but must still meet basic health and safety standards. For the most regulated care with educational curriculum, parents typically look at centers or homes participating in Indiana's "Pathways to Quality" program.
Are there any unique local resources or networks in Fair Oaks/Newton County to help parents find and evaluate childcare?
Yes, a key local resource is the **Northwest Indiana Community Action (NWICA)**, which serves Newton County. They can provide referrals and information about local providers and the CCDF voucher process. Additionally, connecting with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Fair Oaks Community" or "Newton County Moms") can offer invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations and insights into provider reputations. For formal evaluations, always refer to the state's Child Care Finder and look for providers with higher "Pathways to Quality" levels (Level 3 or 4), which indicates they exceed minimum state standards in areas like learning environment and staff education.