The Best Daycare Centers in Freetown, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Freetown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Freetown
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Columbus serves the Freetown area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-licensed facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum with STEAM learning, language development, and social-emotional skills. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish. Parents appreciate the daily communication through the proprietary mobile app and the focus on safety protocols.
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Little Saints Child Care & Preschool
Independent
Located in nearby Seymour, Little Saints serves Freetown families with a faith-based educational approach combined with comprehensive early childhood development. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-specific learning environments, and nutritious meal programs. Their curriculum focuses on kindergarten readiness through structured learning activities, creative arts, and physical development. Staff includes qualified early childhood educators with CPR/first aid certification. The center is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and strong communication with parents through regular progress updates and parent-teacher conferences.
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ABC Child Development Center
Independent
ABC Child Development Center in Seymour provides quality childcare services to Freetown area families with a play-based learning philosophy. The center offers age-appropriate curriculum that emphasizes social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through hands-on activities and structured play. Facilities include secure indoor learning spaces, outdoor play areas, and dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas. The center maintains strict safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their experienced teachers focus on creating individualized learning experiences while maintaining open communication with parents about child development milestones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Freetown, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Freetown, Indiana, and how can I verify a provider's compliance?
In Freetown, as in all of Indiana, childcare providers must be licensed by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) unless they are legally exempt (such as certain relative or ministry-based care). Licensed providers must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety training, facility safety, and nutrition. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the FSSA's online Child Care Finder tool. This resource allows you to search for providers in the 47235 area, view their license type (family, group, or center), see their current status, and check for any past non-compliance reports. It's a crucial first step for any parent in the Freetown area.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Freetown area, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Freetown and surrounding Jackson County area, full-time daycare costs can vary. For a licensed childcare center, you might expect to pay between $130 to $175 per week for an infant/toddler. Licensed family home daycare may range from $100 to $140 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Indiana cities like Indianapolis or Columbus. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program. Eligibility is based on income, work/training status, and family size. You can apply through the local Division of Family Resources office or online via the FSSA. Some local providers may also offer sibling discounts.
Given Freetown's rural location, how can I find and evaluate in-home daycare providers, and what specific questions should I ask them?
Finding in-home or family childcare providers in a smaller community like Freetown often relies on local networks. Start by asking for recommendations from other parents at local spots like the Freetown Village Store or the Freetown Fire Department community events. You can also use the state's Child Care Finder with a filter for "Family Child Care Home." When evaluating a provider, ask specific questions tailored to a home setting: What is their emergency plan for severe weather common in rural Indiana? Is their well water tested regularly? What is their policy on screen time? How do they handle outdoor play on their property? Request to see their license and their most recent fire and health department inspection reports, which are required for licensed homes.
Are there any part-time, drop-in, or after-school care options available for school-age children in Freetown?
Options for school-age care in Freetown itself are limited due to its size. The primary option is typically the before and after-school program offered through the local school district, Brownstown Central Community School Corporation, which may provide busing from Freetown Elementary to a central location. For true drop-in or part-time care, your best bet is to contact licensed family childcare homes in the area, as they often have more flexible scheduling than centers. Some providers in nearby Seymour (about 15-20 minutes away) may offer more structured part-time programs. For summer and school breaks, exploring day camps through the Jackson County Parks Department or the Boys & Girls Club of Seymour is a popular alternative for Freetown families.
What are typical waitlist times for daycare centers near Freetown, and when should I start my search for an infant spot?
For infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios, waitlists in the Freetown area can be significant. It's not uncommon for popular providers, especially those in Seymour or the few local licensed homes, to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. Therefore, it is highly recommended that expecting parents in Freetown begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be on the list, and how often they update families on their position. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists is the best strategy to secure a spot in this region with limited immediate options.