The Best Daycare Centers in Fountaintown, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fountaintown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fountaintown
The Goddard School of Greenfield
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Greenfield provides a premier early childhood education program serving families throughout Hancock County, including Fountaintown. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on developmental milestones through play-based learning with certified teachers. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. Teachers hold early childhood education degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers nutritious meal programs.
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New Horizons United Methodist Preschool
New Horizons United Methodist Church
This highly-regarded preschool program serves the Fountaintown and greater Hancock County community with a comprehensive early childhood curriculum. The program focuses on school readiness through structured academic preparation and Christian values. Features include hands-on learning centers, literacy-rich environments, and developmentally appropriate activities. Certified early childhood educators provide individualized attention with small class sizes. The facility includes secure classrooms, dedicated playgrounds, and modern learning materials. Parent communication is emphasized through regular updates and family engagement events.
Daycare Services:
Little Lambs Early Learning Center
Brandywine Community Church
Little Lambs Early Learning Center provides quality childcare and education for families in Fountaintown and surrounding communities. The center offers a Christ-centered curriculum that integrates faith-based values with academic preparation. Their program includes age-appropriate learning activities, structured play, and character development. The facility features secure access controls, modern classrooms, and outdoor play spaces. Staff members are trained in early childhood development and maintain current CPR/first aid certifications. The center emphasizes safety protocols, nutritional meal planning, and strong parent-teacher partnerships through regular communication and progress reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fountaintown, IN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Fountaintown, Indiana?
In Fountaintown and the surrounding Shelby County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $225 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes often range from $120 to $180 per week. These rates are generally lower than those in larger metropolitan areas like Indianapolis but have been increasing. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum materials). Some providers in the area may offer discounted rates for siblings. We recommend contacting several providers directly for their most current pricing and to inquire about any available slots, as capacity in this small community can be limited.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Fountaintown is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in 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, including any cited violations, by using the state's official "Child Care Finder" website. Simply search by the provider's name or Fountaintown's zip code (46130). This tool shows the license type, capacity, and results of recent inspections. For very small, legally license-exempt providers (caring for only the children of one unrelated family), this state verification won't apply, so you would need to conduct your own thorough reference and background checks.
Are there any state or local programs in Indiana that help with daycare costs for families in Fountaintown?
Yes, the primary program is Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program, administered by FSSA. This income-based assistance helps eligible working families, those in education/training, or those receiving protective services pay for childcare at participating providers. Eligibility depends on household size, income, and reason for care. You can apply online through the state's "Benefits Portal" or contact your local Shelby County Division of Family Resources office for guidance. Additionally, some local providers in the Fountaintown area may offer their own sliding scale fees or scholarships, so it's always worth asking during your search.
What is the availability and waitlist situation like for daycare centers and in-home providers in Fountaintown?
Due to Fountaintown's small, rural nature, childcare options are limited in number. It is common for both licensed centers and in-home providers to have waitlists, especially for infant care, which has stricter staff-to-child ratios. Waitlists can range from a few months to over a year. Many parents in the area expand their search to nearby towns like Morristown, Shelbyville, or even Greenfield for more options, though this adds commute time. Our strongest advice is to begin your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy—and to get on multiple waitlists. Be sure to ask providers how their waitlist works, if there's a fee to join it, and how often you should check in to maintain your spot.
What are some key questions to ask a potential daycare provider during a tour in Fountaintown, given the local setting?
Beyond standard questions about curriculum and safety, tailor your questions to the rural community context. Specifically ask about: **Staffing:** "What is your staff turnover rate, and are your caregivers from the local community?" Stability is crucial. **Safety & Health:** "What is your protocol for severe weather (like tornadoes) and for handling minor illnesses given the distance to a major hospital?" **Daily Routine:** "How do you incorporate outdoor play and nature, considering your setting?" **Communication:** "How do you communicate with parents, especially if internet/cell service can be spotty in some areas around town?" **Local Network:** "Do you have relationships with other local providers for backup care or resource sharing?" Finally, ask for references from current Fountaintown-area parents to get genuine local feedback.