The Best Daycare Centers in Huntington, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Huntington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Huntington
Little Lukes Preschool and Childcare Center
Little Lukes
Little Lukes stands out as Huntington's premier childcare facility with a comprehensive educational approach. They employ degreed teachers who implement Creative Curriculum with hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms. Their program includes developmental milestone tracking, nutritious meal programs, and specialized preschool preparation. What makes Little Lukes exceptional is their commitment to individualized learning plans and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and have established partnerships with local schools for smooth transitions.
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The Goddard School of Fort Wayne
Goddard Systems, Inc.
While located in Fort Wayne, The Goddard School serves families throughout the region including Huntington with their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). This nationally accredited facility features STEM-based curriculum, language development programs, and hands-on learning activities. The school employs highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and provides ongoing professional development. Safety is paramount with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Their modern facility includes age-specific playgrounds, indoor motor skills areas, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Parents appreciate the transparent communication through daily activity reports and regular parent-teacher meetings.
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Bright Horizons at Parkview
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Parkview, though located in Fort Wayne, serves the broader northeast Indiana region including Huntington families. This corporate-backed center offers World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes emergent learning and project-based activities. The facility features state-of-the-art security systems, nutritious chef-prepared meals, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing training in child development best practices. The center excels in providing comprehensive developmental assessments and maintaining low child-to-teacher ratios. Their enrichment programs include music, movement, and literacy development, with strong emphasis on social-emotional learning and school readiness skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Huntington, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Huntington, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Huntington, Indiana, all childcare centers and licensed family daycare homes must be regulated by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), specifically the Bureau of Child Care. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff background checks. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations through the State of Indiana's online **Child Care Finder** tool. It's highly recommended to use this resource and also contact the local FSSA office for the most current information before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Huntington, IN?
The cost of childcare in Huntington is generally more affordable than in larger Indiana cities like Fort Wayne or Indianapolis. For full-time care, parents can expect to pay an average of **$130 to $180 per week** for a toddler in a licensed center, with infant care typically being slightly higher. Licensed family home daycares may offer rates at the lower end of this range. Costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and meal provisions. It's advisable to budget for registration fees and inquire about potential financial assistance programs like Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program, which provides subsidies to eligible families.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Huntington, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlist availability in Huntington varies significantly by provider. Popular centers, especially those associated with employers like Parkview Huntington Hospital or with strong educational reputations, often have waitlists of several months, particularly for infant rooms. Smaller in-home providers may have more immediate openings. It is strongly recommended to begin your search **at least 3-6 months before you need care**, and if you are expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. Be prepared to place a deposit to hold a spot and to check in periodically with your top choices.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Huntington beyond traditional daycare centers?
Huntington offers a range of options to fit different family needs. Beyond licensed childcare centers, you can find: * **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** Often smaller, home-based settings providing a family-like environment. * **Faith-Based Preschools & Daycares:** Several churches in Huntington offer programs that may combine care with religious education. * **Part-Day Preschools:** For older toddlers and preschoolers, options like those at the Huntington County YMCA or local community centers offer educational programs for a few hours a day. * **Nanny Shares or In-Home Care:** While less formal, some families in the area arrange for shared care with another family or hire a private caregiver. Always ensure any in-home caregiver passes a thorough background check.
How can I find daycare providers in Huntington that offer care for non-traditional hours or accommodate shift workers?
Finding care for evenings, overnight, or weekends can be challenging in Huntington, as most centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best options are to: 1. **Search specifically on the Indiana Child Care Finder**, using filters for "Hours of Operation." 2. **Inquire with licensed family childcare homes**, as they may have more flexible scheduling capabilities. 3. **Contact larger employers** in the area, as they may maintain a list of providers who accommodate shift workers for their employees. 4. **Consider a nanny or nanny-share arrangement** tailored to your specific schedule. Be sure to discuss your exact hours and needs upfront during tours and interviews.