The Best Daycare Centers in Lake Village, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lake Village. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lake Village
Kiddie Academy of Crown Point
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Crown Point is a highly-regarded educational childcare center located approximately 20 minutes from Lake Village. They follow the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and creative arts. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and outdoor playgrounds. The academy emphasizes hands-on learning experiences and maintains low student-teacher ratios. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, structured learning environment, and the developmental progress they observe in their children.
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The Goddard School of Schererville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Schererville serves families in Northwest Indiana, including Lake Village residents. They implement the FLEX™ Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. The school features degreed teachers, secure facility with keypad entry, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Their curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and creative arts. The facility includes modern classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's educational approach, teacher qualifications, and the nurturing environment that promotes children's confidence and curiosity.
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Imagination Station Childcare & Learning Center
Independent Center
Imagination Station is a well-established childcare center located in nearby DeMotte, serving families throughout Newton County including Lake Village. They offer a comprehensive early childhood program that balances structured learning with play-based activities. The center features experienced teachers with early childhood certifications, secure facility with surveillance systems, and USDA-approved meal programs. Their curriculum focuses on kindergarten readiness through literacy development, math concepts, science exploration, and social skills. The facility includes age-separated playgrounds, spacious classrooms, and dedicated learning centers. Parents appreciate the center's family-like atmosphere, consistent communication, and the visible developmental progress children make while attending.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lake Village, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lake Village, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Lake Village, as in all of Indiana, childcare providers must be licensed by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) unless they are legally exempt (such as certain small, home-based operations). Licensed centers and homes must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR and safe sleep), health and safety protocols, and facility conditions. To verify a provider's license and view any past inspection reports, you can use the FSSA's online **Child Care Finder** tool. This is a crucial first step for parents in the Lake Village area to ensure they are considering regulated and monitored options.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in and around Lake Village, and when should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a rural community like Lake Village, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular centers or licensed home providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. Be sure to get on multiple lists and ask about their update policies. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Lowell or Schneider, as some parents in Lake Village commute for childcare options with greater availability.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lake Village, Indiana?
Costs in Lake Village tend to be moderately lower than state averages but vary by provider type. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately **$150 to $225 per week** for full-time infant or toddler care. Licensed family home daycares may range from **$120 to $180 per week**. These are estimates, and prices can fluctuate based on the program's offerings, meals, and curriculum. It's important to ask exactly what is included in the weekly rate. For financial assistance, Indiana offers the **CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) voucher program**; eligibility is based on income, work, or school requirements.
Are there any unique local resources or programs in Newton County to help parents find and evaluate childcare?
Yes, a key local resource is your **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency**. For Lake Village and Newton County, this service is provided by **4C of Southern Indiana**. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed and license-exempt providers in your area, help you understand quality indicators, and can provide information on financial assistance programs. You can contact them via phone or their website. Additionally, connecting with local parent groups on social media (e.g., community Facebook pages) can provide invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations and insights into provider reputations.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare in Lake Village, especially given the more rural setting?
During a tour, observe both the environment and the interactions. Key things to look for in Lake Village include: **Safety:** Are outdoor play areas securely fenced, especially given potential proximity to rural roads or fields? **Engagement:** Do caregivers are on the floor interacting with children, or are children left unattended with screens? **Cleanliness:** Is the facility clean and well-maintained? **Policies:** Ask about their plans for inclement weather, given rural roads, and their policy on farm or animal visits if that's a local activity. **Communication:** How will they update you during the day? Finally, trust your gut—the feel of a warm, attentive environment is as important as checking the state license on the wall.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Lake Village: