The Best Daycare Centers in Friendship, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Friendship. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Friendship
The Learning Grove
The Learning Grove
The Learning Grove is a highly-regarded early childhood education center located approximately 15 miles from Friendship. They feature a comprehensive educational approach with play-based learning and structured curriculum. The center employs qualified early childhood educators with CPR and first aid certifications. Facilities include secure indoor learning environments and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Their program emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and STEM activities. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and follows rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular safety drills.
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Growing Kids Learning Center
Growing Kids Learning Centers
Growing Kids Learning Center in Greensburg (approximately 12 miles from Friendship) offers a research-based curriculum focused on whole-child development. Their program includes age-appropriate learning centers, hands-on activities, and technology integration. The center features certified early childhood teachers with ongoing professional development. Safety measures include keypad entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular facility inspections. Their curriculum emphasizes language development, mathematical thinking, and creative expression through art and music programs. The center provides nutritious meals and maintains clean, well-organized classrooms.
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Brookville Early Childhood Center
Franklin County Community School Corporation
Brookville Early Childhood Center, located about 8 miles from Friendship, is part of the Franklin County Community School Corporation. This center offers high-quality early childhood education with licensed teachers and structured curriculum aligned with Indiana Early Learning Foundations. The program focuses on kindergarten readiness through literacy development, social skills, and cognitive growth. Facilities include modern classrooms, dedicated playgrounds, and specialized learning materials. The center maintains excellent safety records with secure facilities and comprehensive emergency protocols. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular communication and family events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Friendship, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Friendship, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Friendship, Indiana, all childcare providers caring for more than five unrelated children must be licensed by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. This includes family child care homes, child care centers, and ministries. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and ongoing training. To verify a provider's license and view any past inspection reports or violations, you can use the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. This is a crucial first step for parents in Friendship to ensure they are considering a regulated and monitored facility.
How long are typical waitlists for quality daycare centers in and around Friendship, and how early should I apply?
Due to the limited number of dedicated childcare centers in a small town like Friendship, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular local centers or highly-regarded in-home providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search and submit applications during the second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. Expanding your search to neighboring communities like Versailles or Osgood may provide more options, but you should expect similar wait times for the most sought-after programs. Proactive planning is essential in this region.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Friendship, Indiana?
In Friendship and the surrounding rural areas of Ripley County, costs are generally lower than in major Indiana cities but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed child care center, you can expect to pay approximately **$130 to $175 per week** for full-time infant or toddler care. Licensed family child care homes may range from **$110 to $150 per week**. These are estimates, and rates can differ. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, diapers, curriculum). Indiana also offers the **Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program** for income-eligible families to help offset these costs.
Are there any state-funded pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) options available for 4-year-olds in Friendship?
Friendship itself does not host a state-funded On My Way Pre-K program site, as it is a very small, unincorporated community. However, eligible 4-year-olds in Ripley County may access this high-quality, income-based pre-K program in nearby approved locations, such as in Versailles or at centers in neighboring counties. To qualify, families must meet income requirements and the child must be 4 by August 1st. The application is managed through the state's **On My Way Pre-K** website. For local options, parents should contact the **Ripley County Community Foundation** or the **South Ripley Community School Corporation** for guidance on available early learning programs.
What should I look for when considering an in-home family daycare provider in Friendship?
When evaluating a family child care home in Friendship, first confirm they are either licensed or legally license-exempt (caring for 5 or fewer unrelated children). Key things to look for include: a safe, clean, and child-proofed environment; a clear daily schedule and learning activities; a secure outdoor play area; and proof of current CPR/First Aid certification for the provider. Ask for references from other local parents. Given the rural setting, also inquire about their emergency plan for severe weather and their policy on screen time. A reputable provider will welcome your questions, allow a visit during operating hours, and openly show you their state license or compliance information.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Friendship: