The Best Daycare Centers in Hobart, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hobart. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hobart
Kiddie Academy of Hobart
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Hobart operates with a comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and live streaming capabilities for parent monitoring. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. The academy emphasizes health and safety with rigorous cleaning protocols, nutritious meal programs, and low teacher-to-child ratios. Parents consistently praise the structured learning environment and strong communication from staff.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Hobart
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Hobart implements the Goddard Learning Program, which balances academic preparation with social development through play-based learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in education, secure facility access, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program includes language arts, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The school offers modern classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and enrichment programs in music, yoga, and foreign languages. Parents consistently report excellent developmental progress and appreciate the detailed daily activity reports and parent communication portal.
Daycare Services:
Rainbow Child Care Center - Merrillville
Rainbow Child Care Center
Rainbow Child Care Center in nearby Merrillville serves the Hobart area with their proprietary Early Innovators® curriculum that emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education. The center features degreed lead teachers, comprehensive security systems including biometric entry, and USDA-approved meal programs. Their facility includes dedicated infant rooms, age-segregated playgrounds, and interactive learning technology. The center maintains excellent state licensing compliance and offers extended hours to accommodate working families. Parents consistently praise the center's cleanliness, professional staff, and the visible developmental progress children make through their structured learning programs.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hobart, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hobart, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Hobart, Indiana, all childcare centers and home-based 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. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. You can verify a facility's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any substantiated complaints through the Indiana Child Care Finder website. It's highly recommended to use this state-run resource and to ask providers directly for their license number and recent inspection summaries during your search.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hobart, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Hobart and the surrounding Lake County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $250 per week, while toddler care often costs between $150 and $220 per week. Prices vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and age of the child. For financial assistance, Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on income, work/school requirements, and family size. You can apply through the Lake County Division of Family Resources office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Hobart, and how far in advance should I start my search?
Yes, waitlists, especially for infant rooms, are common at many licensed daycare centers in Hobart due to high demand and limited capacity dictated by state ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date, and if you are expecting, to start touring facilities during your second trimester. Some of the more popular centers in the area may have waitlists exceeding a year. When touring, always ask about the current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position.
What are the main types of childcare options available to parents in Hobart, besides large daycare centers?
Hobart offers a variety of childcare options to suit different needs. These include: 1) **Licensed Home Daycares:** Smaller, home-based settings often with mixed-age groups, which can offer a more family-like atmosphere. 2) **Registered Ministry-Exempt Programs:** Often affiliated with churches, they follow slightly different state rules but must still meet health and safety standards. 3) **Preschools:** Typically part-time programs for children ages 3-5, focusing on school readiness. 4) **Nanny Shares or In-Home Care:** Arrangements you privately coordinate. For home-based and ministry programs, you can also verify their status and reviews on the Indiana Child Care Finder.
What questions should I ask during a tour of a daycare center in Hobart to ensure it's the right fit and safe?
Beyond general questions, ask Hobart-specific and safety-focused questions like: "What is your staff turnover rate, and what are the state-required qualifications for your lead teachers?" "Can you walk me through your severe weather and tornado safety procedures, given our region's climate?" "How do you handle communication with parents, and are you part of any local networks for field trips or resources?" Also inquire about: the daily schedule, nutrition/meal policies (especially if provided), sick child policy, security measures for drop-off/pick-up, and their philosophy on discipline and learning. Trust your instincts on the cleanliness and overall feel of the environment.