The Best Daycare Centers in Hammond, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hammond. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hammond
Bright Horizons at Munster
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Munster is a highly-regarded childcare center located just minutes from Hammond, serving the broader Northwest Indiana region. The center follows the Bright Horizons World-Class Curriculum, which emphasizes STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth. Their educated teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators with specialized training in age-appropriate developmental practices. The facility features secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and modern learning environments with dedicated spaces for different age groups. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, professional staff, and the visible developmental progress children make. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and offers nutritious meals and snacks as part of their program.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Schererville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Schererville provides comprehensive educational childcare services to families throughout Northwest Indiana, including Hammond residents. Their Life Essentials® curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, mathematics, and science through hands-on learning experiences. The academy employs degreed early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure keypad entry, CCTV monitoring, and age-appropriate playgrounds with safety surfaces. Parents frequently mention the academy's structured learning environment, clean facilities, and the staff's genuine care for children's wellbeing. The program includes technology integration, music and movement activities, and regular parent communication through their proprietary mobile app.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Schererville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Schererville serves the Hammond area with a play-based learning approach that balances academic preparation and social development. Their F.L.E.X.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) incorporates literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts into daily activities. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in continuous professional development. The school features secure entry systems, sanitization protocols, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. Parents consistently highlight the school's engaging curriculum, qualified teaching staff, and the strong sense of community. The facility includes multiple playgrounds, indoor gross motor spaces, and specialized learning environments for different age groups from infants through kindergarten.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hammond, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hammond, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Hammond, all child care providers 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. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations using the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. It's highly recommended to cross-reference this state database and even schedule a visit to observe the environment firsthand.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hammond, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Hammond area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $175 to $250 per week. Toddler care is slightly less, often between $150 and $220 per week. Home-based daycare may be more affordable. For financial assistance, Indiana's **Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program** is the primary resource for eligible low- and middle-income families. Eligibility is based on income, work/school requirements, and family size. You can apply through the Lake County Department of Child Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Hammond, and when should I start my search?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant spots at highly-rated centers in Hammond and the surrounding Northwest Indiana region. It is advisable to begin your search **at least 6 to 9 months** before you need care, especially for infants under 1 year old. Popular centers near major employers or universities may have even longer waits. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and policy (e.g., if a deposit is required to hold a spot). Exploring a mix of centers and licensed family home providers can increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What resources are available in Hammond to help me find and compare local childcare options?
Beyond the state's Child Care Finder website, a key local resource is **4C of Southern Indiana**, a Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency serving the region. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers based on your specific needs (location, hours, budget). You can contact them by phone or online. Additionally, local parenting groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Hammond, Indiana Community" or "NWI Moms") can be valuable for getting personal recommendations and insights from other parents in the city.
How does Hammond's proximity to Chicago and major industry affect childcare options and considerations?
Hammond's location within the Chicago metro area and its industrial base (like the nearby BP Whiting Refinery) creates a specific childcare landscape. Many parents commute to Chicago or work non-traditional shifts (e.g., in healthcare, manufacturing, or transportation). Therefore, finding providers with **extended hours, early openings, or weekend availability** is a common need. Some centers cater specifically to shift workers. Additionally, traffic on routes like I-90/94 or the Borman Expressway is a practical factor; you may prefer a daycare closer to your workplace or along a more reliable commute route rather than strictly near your home.