The Best Daycare Centers in Freelandville, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Freelandville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Freelandville
Washington KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Washington KinderCare offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with research-based curriculum focused on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with specialized training in early childhood education and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through the KinderCare app, and development tracking. Their Learning Adventures program offers enrichment in music, phonics, and STEM activities.
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The Learning Garden
Independent
The Learning Garden provides a nurturing, play-based learning environment with a focus on whole-child development. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, creative expression, and social skills development. The center features certified early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios and ongoing professional development. Safety measures include secure access control, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility offers spacious indoor classrooms, outdoor nature exploration areas, and a dedicated infant wing with separate sleeping and play areas. Parents appreciate the strong community feel and regular progress updates.
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Kiddie Academy of Vincennes
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Vincennes implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that combines academic preparation with character development and healthy lifestyle education. The center features state-licensed teachers with degrees in early childhood education and ongoing training requirements. Their facility includes secure keypad entry, age-specific learning centers, computer labs for older children, and fenced outdoor playgrounds. The program emphasizes literacy development, STEM activities, and social skills through structured learning and free play. Additional features include healthy meal programs, real-time parent communication through the mobile app, and extended hours to accommodate working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Freelandville, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Freelandville, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Freelandville, as in all of Indiana, daycare providers must be licensed by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), specifically the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. This includes family child care homes, child care centers, and ministry-based programs. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a facility's compliance, you can use the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. You can search for providers in Knox County (where Freelandville is located) and view their licensing status, any recent inspections, and compliance history. It's highly recommended to check this resource and also ask the provider directly for their license number.
With Freelandville being a smaller community, what types of childcare options are typically available, and are waitlists common?
Given Freelandville's size, your primary options will likely be licensed family child care homes run out of a provider's residence and potentially smaller, home-based ministry programs. There are no large commercial childcare centers within Freelandville itself, so many families also look at options in nearby larger towns like Vincennes or Washington. Due to the limited number of local providers, waitlists can be common, especially for infants and toddlers. It's advisable to start your search at least 3-6 months before you need care. Networking with other local parents through community groups or social media can provide leads on upcoming openings or recommended in-home providers.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Freelandville area?
Costs in rural areas like Freelandville are generally lower than in Indiana's metropolitan areas, but prices vary by provider type. For a licensed family child care home in Knox County, you can expect to pay an average of **$120 to $160 per week** for full-time infant or toddler care. Ministry-based programs may be slightly less. For comparison, center-based care in Vincennes might range from $150 to $200 per week. Always ask what the weekly fee includes (meals, snacks, supplies). Be sure to inquire about any available financial assistance, such as Indiana's **Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program**, which can help eligible families with costs.
Are there any state or local programs in Indiana that can help me pay for childcare while living in Freelandville?
Yes, the primary program is Indiana's **Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)**, a state-administered voucher program for low-income working families, those in education/training, or those receiving protective services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care. You can apply through the Knox County Division of Family Resources office or online via the FSSA website. Additionally, you may qualify for the federal **Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit** when filing your taxes. For local resources, it's worth contacting the **Knox County Community Foundation** or United Way of Knox County to see if they are aware of any community-specific scholarships or assistance programs for families.
What should I look for and ask about during a visit to a potential in-home daycare in Freelandville?
Visiting a family child care home is crucial. First, ensure the environment is safe and clean. Look for safety gates, covered outlets, secure storage of cleaning supplies, and a clear fire escape plan. Ask specific questions: "What is your daily schedule and philosophy?" "What are your sick policies and hours of operation?" "Can you provide references from current or past families?" "How do you handle emergencies, and what is your backup plan?" Inquire about the provider's training in CPR/First Aid and ongoing professional development. Given the rural setting, ask about their plan for severe weather. Trust your instincts about the caregiver's interaction with the children and their openness to your questions.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Freelandville: