The Best Daycare Centers in Hillsboro, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hillsboro. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hillsboro
Imagination Station Child Care Center
Independent
Imagination Station offers a comprehensive educational program with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. Their curriculum includes STEAM activities, literacy development, and outdoor learning in secure, fenced playgrounds. The facility maintains rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, excellent communication, and the center's commitment to each child's individual growth and development.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Lafayette provides a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The state-of-the-art facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and advanced security systems. The curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts while promoting character development and social skills. Parents appreciate the daily communication through the proprietary mobile app, nutritious meal programs, and the school's commitment to creating lifelong learners.
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Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy offers a well-rounded educational experience with a curriculum that combines structured learning and creative exploration. The center features experienced early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices and maintain small class sizes for individualized attention. Their program includes language development, mathematics readiness, science exploration, and arts integration. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and multiple outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. Safety is prioritized with keypad entry systems, comprehensive staff training, and strict health protocols. The academy is praised for its family-oriented atmosphere, experienced staff, and strong preparation for kindergarten readiness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hillsboro, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hillsboro, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is in good standing?
In Indiana, all childcare providers caring for more than five unrelated children must be licensed by the state's Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. This includes homes, centers, and ministries in Hillsboro. Licensed providers must meet standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety, health, and staff training. To verify a provider's license and check for any recent violations or complaints, you can use the free, official "Child Care Finder" tool on the FSSA website. Simply search by the provider's name or zip code (47949 for Hillsboro) to see their current license status, inspection reports, and compliance history. This is a crucial first step for any parent in the area.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hillsboro, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Hillsboro and the surrounding Fountain County area, full-time daycare costs can vary. For a licensed childcare center, you might expect to pay between $130 and $170 per week for an infant/toddler. Licensed home-based daycare is often slightly less, typically ranging from $110 to $150 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Indiana cities. For financial assistance, Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on income, work, or school attendance. You can apply through the Fountain County office of the Division of Family Resources. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Hillsboro, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare options in a smaller community like Hillsboro, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care. It's not unusual for popular providers to have a waitlist of 3 to 6 months, or sometimes longer. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move to the area begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before you need care. Be proactive: contact all licensed providers in the 47949 zip code, ask specific questions about their current waitlist length and process, and get on multiple lists if possible.
Are there any unique childcare options in Hillsboro, such as part-day preschool programs or faith-based care?
Yes, Hillsboro offers a couple of specific options that cater to different needs. The **Hillsboro Elementary School** typically offers a state-funded pre-kindergarten program for qualifying 4-year-olds, which is a part-day, school-year program focused on school readiness. Additionally, faith-based care is a common model in small Indiana towns. There may be licensed daycare ministries operating within local churches that provide full-time care with a faith-based curriculum. These are regulated under the same FSSA licensing umbrella as other centers. For school-age children, the **Hillsboro/Attica After School Program** provides care before and after school hours, which is a vital resource for working parents.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare in Hillsboro, given the local setting?
When touring a daycare in Hillsboro, go beyond the basics. First, observe the **staff-to-child interactions**; in a small community, you want to see warm, attentive, and engaged caregivers. Ask about staff longevity—low turnover is a good sign of a positive environment. Given the rural setting, check the **outdoor play area**. Is it secure, well-maintained, and does it offer shade and age-appropriate equipment? Inquire about their plan for **inclement weather** and how they handle local school delays/closings if they care for school-age kids. Finally, ask about their **community connections**—do they take walks, visit the local library, or have other enriching local activities? A provider integrated into the small-town fabric can be a major benefit.